Aim Shares

We all get anxiety at some point or another. We can get anxious before starting a new school, moving to a new city, going to college or starting your life over for example. Anxiety is normal, but for people who suffer from anxiety disorders, an anxiety-inducing situation such as moving to a new city may affect them longer than the average person.

That’s because people who have anxiety disorder have elevated levels of anxiety that is inappropriate. Anxiety is only appropriate when there is a real threat to a person’s body and therefore, should only exist when the body is under real threat or real fear. The body in preparation to flee from a real threat will release anxiety symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling and shallow breathing.

However, when no real threat to the body exists and the fear is psychological or perceived, inappropriate anxiety kicks in. This surrender to the psychological threat is what creates and perpetuates anxiety disorder. If no real threat to the body exists, the mind will misinterpret your anxiety symptoms as the threat and will release more anxiety to fight that threat. Hence, people who suffer from anxiety disorders may spend hours or days worrying about something that would only faze someone else for about 10 minutes because their anxiety is basically set on a loop.

Uncontrolled anxiety may spill out of control and can affect a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Extreme anxiety can lead to psychosis, agoraphobia and panic attacks, which many anxiety sufferers liken to having a heart attack. If your anxiety levels are this high as to lead to these things, it is recommended you see a psychologist/and or psychiatrist to get your anxiety under control.

Once your anxiety is relatively under control, here are a few vitamins, herbs and nutrients that can help treat anxiety disorder:
Sour Sop Leaf
The leaves from the tree of a sour sop are useful in treating anxiety disorders. This treatment is a common naturopathic practice in Jamaica. For best results boil six leaves from the sour sop tree in one cup of water for ten minutes. Drink twice per day.
Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium and magnesium when taken together have been shown to reduce anxiety. You should take up to 1500 milligrams of calcium and 750 milligrams of magnesium a day if you want to calm your nerves.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 also known as pantothenic acid is good at calming the nerves and relieving anxiety. Vitamin B5 is touted as an anti-stress vitamin for not only relieving anxiety but also depression as well.
Garlic
Garlic is good at reducing anxiety because it stimulates the release of a chemical in the brain called serotonin that helps to regulate mood and relieve anxiety. For best results, chop six garlic cloves, place in a cup of cool water and steep for six hours. Drink one cup a day.
Skullcap
Skullcap helps to relieve anxiety and stress. To help calm the nerves, put two teaspoon of dried skullcap in a cup of boiling water and steep fro ffteen minutes. Strain and drink about three cups per day for best results.
Valerian
Valerian is another herb that is great at reducing anxiety. Valerian contains valepotriates, a chemical that have sedative properties such as serotonin. Take two teaspoon of powdered herb and place in a cup of water and steep for ten minutes. Drink before going to bed.
Selenium
Selenium is a wonderful nutrient to take if you have anxiety or anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that selenium educes anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue. Also, coupled with vitamin E and other antioxidants, selenium is said to work wonders on improving the mood and decreasing anxiety.

You don’t have to suffer through anxiety disorders or inappropriate anxiety. There are many natural ways you can decrease your anxiety. The vitamins, herbs and supplements can help reduce anxiety along with exercise and meditation. There is also the help of medication and counseling if needed to kick your anxiety to the curb once and for all.

{ 0 comments }