Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem, and include panic disorders, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety disorders develop due to an interplay between enviromnental and genetic factors. Cognitive behavior therapy is useful for this disorder, as well as prescription anxiolytic drugs.

However, many patients prefer a natural approach or dislike the side effects of prescription drugs, and there are many non-prescription supplements available to help anxiety. Before starting natural supplements for an anxiety problem, be sure to mention your concerns and get a general checkup from your doctor. Symptoms resembling anxiety and anxiety attacks can be caused by physical diseases such as hormone imbalance, hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmias.

However, if you are sure your problem is an anxiety disorder, the following supplements may be of help, and often have fewer side effects than commercial pharmaceutical products.

Chamomile tea is one of the best-known natural remedies for anxiety. Its affects the digestive tract and the nervous system, thus it is helpful for people who suffer from gastro-intestinal symptoms such as cramps along with mental anxiety. It is recommended that patients drink fresh tea made with chamomile leaves, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of water, several times a day. It is also available in tinctures which can be added to water. Chamomile capsules are convenient to take along to work, and don’t take as long to brew as the tea. The usual dose is 250 to 500 mg 3 to 4 times daily.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a nerve tonic which also has a restorative (adaptogenic) property. It has a calming effect in cases of mild depression and anxiety, and is also reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Damiana contains flavonoids that act on benzodiazepine and GABA receptors. It exhibits anxiolytic activity, muscle relaxation and sedation. Use 2-4 g of dried leaves infused in a cup of boiling water; 2-3 cups are taken daily. Alternatively, 2-4 ml of a liquid extract or 3-4 grams of powdered leaf in tablets or capsules taken twice daily can be substituted if desired.

Damiana has demonstrated mild hypoglycemic effects in animal studies. Patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia should use this plant with caution, and monitor blood sugar levels closely. Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has a very quick calming effect on the nervous system and causes an uplifting, euphoric feeling. It is also a muscle relaxant and mild sedative. It is helps anxiety, tension, stress, irritability and insomnia. Kava stops the mind from racing, often a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder.

The usual dose is 750 mg twice daily. Do not exceed 4 capsules per day.

Kava Kava is a traditional Polynesian remedy, and while it has been used safely by Polynesians for centuries, now that it has become popular worldwide it has been linked to some cases of liver failure in people of other ethnic groups who have difficulty metabolizing it. Ask a health care professional before use if you have a history of liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems (e.g., unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin).

Do not use kava kava if less than 18 years of age, or if pregnant/breastfeeding. Do not combine with alcoholic beverages, or prescription anxiolytics or antidepressants . Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment. Do not take Kava Kava on a daily basis for more than four weeks without consulting a health care provider. Take frequent breaks from use.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is most often used for insomnia, but it can also be taken in the daytime to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. This herb is often included in European formulas for heart palpitations, which often have anxiety as a component. It is taken in capsule form, 500 mg daily, or 20-30 drops of tincture, or as a fresh tea. Passionflower, though it helps bring on natural sleep, does not have the sedative effects of many prescription sleeping pills.

Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy said to be most suitable for shy, hypersensitive people who tend to feel warm rather than cold. Homeopathic practitioners recommend a 30C potency 2-4 times daily for relief of acute symptoms, and 30C or 6C 1-2 times daily for chronic use. Homeopathic remedies use miniscule concentrations of compounds to “nudge” the body into healing itself. They either help or they do not; there are no toxic side effects.

Scullcup (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a relaxing and gentle sedative for the central nervous system. It is very good for nervous tension and for nervous exhaustion plus neurological and neuromotor problems. The dose is 10-20 drops of fresh plant tincture or 1-2 dropperfuls of dried plant tincture. Skullcap can also be sleep inducing, but it is rarely habituating.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used for depression, but helps anxiety as well. Use a 300 mg extract 3 times daily. Quality varies widely between brands; it is best to buy a product standardized to contain 3-5% hyperforin and 0.3% hypericin. It works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system such as serotonin and dopamine. Do not use this product if also taking prescription antidepressants.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since Greek and Roman times to promote sleep and relaxation. It can treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress related gastrointestinal upset. According to one theory, valerian affects the brain in a way similar to valium; while another theory holds that valerian contains GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming affect on the brain, or else influences the brain’s natural production of GABA. Also, some reasearchers believe that valerian affects serotonin levels in a manner similar to anitdepressant drugs such as Prozac.

If using valerian to treat insomnia, take the herb 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed. It can be taken 2-4 times daily to help stress and anxiety. The recommended dose of tincture is 30-60 drops, or a capsule or tablet of 300-500 mg.

Some people feel groggy after taking valerian; if this occurs, lower the dose. Avoid hazardous activities while using valerian, and do not combine it with other sedatives, antidepressants or alcohol. Do not take valerian for more than 3 weeks, as it can be habituating.

Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a relaxing nervous system tonic indicated for a wide range of nervous disorders including nervous exhaustion and stress. As a tincture, use 2-4 mls up to 4 times daily. Avoid use during pregnancy as this herb is a uterine stimulant.

Withania (Withania somnifera) is an ayurvedic herb sold under the name Ashwaghanda. It is a very good tonic herb that is especially helpful for debility and nervous exhaustion due to stress. It has steriodal, adaptogenic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful for panic attacks and phobic disorders such as agoraphobia. Use 1 tsp powder 3 times daily.

There are times in your life where you feel sorrow and pain, perhaps the death of a loved one or the breaking up of a relationship. There could also be times when you feel that life is just a little too demanding from you, or your career is causing too much stress for you. Whilst all this is normal, prolonged sorrow or a stressed life can begin to interfere with normal patterns of living and may even ultimately lead to symptoms of depression. If you feel this describes you there’s no need to worry as there are many antidepressant medications available today.

Over 17 million American adults experience some form of depression so there’s no need to feel as if you’re alone in suffering. As serious depression can interfere with a person’s normal lifestyle and causes problems with work, social and family living, it should be treated as soon as possible. There are many types of antidepressant medications that are available. However consulting with a trained mental disorders practitioner will reveal the best course of treatment for the sufferer. Feelings of depression can also occur because of this excessive stress that we need to cope with. They are ways that you can try and reduce your anxiety and stress. For people who have anxiety disorders the best treatment that you can get is from your doctor.

While there are different types of antidepressant medications available, some are more suited for various individuals than others. The side effects of each drug and the level of performance effectiveness can vary with each individual. The traditional medication for depression used to be tricyclic antidepressant medications which were named for their chemical structure. The side effects may include blurred vision, dry mouth, and weight gain, fatigue and weakness amongst others. Sometimes you may even experience symptoms that are similar to depression (examples being, fatigue and constipation).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs were often prescribed for “atypical” depression. “Atypical” depression may have symptoms like oversleeping, anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. The side effects for MAOIs are very similar to that of other antidepressant medications. The most common side effects are dizziness and rapid heartbeat. If you’re taking MAOIs there are certain foods and drinks that you must avoid along with certain over-the-counter drugs and other prescription medications. Adverse side effects may occur as a result of incorrectly following medical directions if you’re taking the MAOI antidepressant medications.

Newer antidepressants medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are now available for use. Some examples of SSRIs are Prozac, Luvox, Paxil and Zoloft. Though each of these antidepressant medications are chemically different all of these SSRI’s effectiveness is due to their reaction on serotonin in the brain.

As with all antidepressant medication it takes time before you will see an improvement in your outlook on life. Therefore instead of giving up on the medication you should give it sometime to work. After all it took some time for you to become depressed, therefore it will take time for you to become happy with your life again.

Anxiety- Best Way to Cure Yourselves

“Get over it” or “Smarten up” is that what we tell, or at least think, when one of our friends or a family member has let a situation or event linger? Do we ever consider that they may not be able to just get over it or smarten up; they may be dealing with a real illness and need real help, not criticism.

Anxiety Disorder is a real illness, and is the most common mental health problem in the United States. According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than 25 million Americans suffer from these disorders. Children as well as adults are afflicted. There are several types of anxiety disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Phobias.



Anxiety creates stress for all of us, at some time, to varying degrees, but it becomes a disorder when it can no longer be seen as rational, or it is adversely affecting someone’s life. Individuals suffer extreme worry, anxiety, panic, or an overwhelming fear of losing control as well as physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders hinder people from living their daily life, let alone enjoying it to the fullest.

If you, or anyone you know, suffer from the following symptoms of anxiety disorder , it is advisable to encourage and/or seek out medical attention. Here is a list of the more common symptoms of the above anxiety disorders:



PTSD

- Overwhelming feeling of panic or fear

- Flashback/reliving of traumatic event

- Nightmares

- Insomnia



Generalized Anxiety Disorder

- Uncontrollable worrisome thoughts about everyday things, without just cause, often exaggerated, lasting for six months.

Although, treatment may be warranted earlier

- Irritability

- Trouble falling or staying asleep



Panic Disorder

- Overwhelming feeling of panic

- Avoidance of people or places

- Fear of losing control



OCD

- Obsessive thoughts, such as germ contamination

- Repetitive actions, such as washing hands or checking if

windows are locked

- Repeating phrases, numbers etc…

Phobias

- Fear that triggers intense anxiety



Many physical symptoms add to the difficulty of anxiety disorders. The following anxiety disorder symptoms spread across much of the disorders. Many people feel nauseous, or their heart races so fast that they feel like they cannot breathe. They often have headaches, feel dizzy, sweat or have chills. Shaking or trembling as well as heavy tension and achy muscles are part of the regular regimen. As well, for someone with an anxiety disorder, chronic sleep problems plague him or her. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Sleep is an essential requirement for good health, both mental and physical. Not getting enough sleep can result in poor work or school performance, impaired judgment and decreased attentiveness, which could result in injury. In addition, some medications given to treat anxiety can cause insomnia, thus the cycle continues.

Often treatment is avoided due to the stigma attached to mental illness. People try to deal with matters themselves. They hear, “Where’s your willpower?” or “All you need is a kick in the butt.”

There are many effective anxiety disorder treatments available. The National Institute of Mental Health states some of the antidepressant medications that have been effective in treatment. Psychotherapy is also recommended in the form of Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. It is a good idea to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

On a last note, we, as fellow human beings, need to support all people. Lift the stigma of mental illness and help others and ourselves. We need to take the time to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes before we judge. We also need to understand that mental illness can happen to anyone, at anytime.

Anxiety Disorder is a real illness, and is the most common mental health problem in the United States. According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than 25 million Americans suffer from these disorders. Children as well as adults are afflicted. There are several types of anxiety disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Phobias.



Anxiety creates stress for all of us, at some time, to varying degrees, but it becomes a disorder when it can no longer be seen as rational, or it is adversely affecting someone’s life. Individuals suffer extreme worry, anxiety, panic, or an overwhelming fear of losing control as well as physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders hinder people from living their daily life, let alone enjoying it to the fullest.

If you, or anyone you know, suffer from the following symptoms of anxiety disorder , it is advisable to encourage and/or seek out medical attention. Here is a list of the more common symptoms of the above anxiety disorders:



PTSD

- Overwhelming feeling of panic or fear

- Flashback/reliving of traumatic event

- Nightmares

- Insomnia



Generalized Anxiety Disorder

- Uncontrollable worrisome thoughts about everyday things, without just cause, often exaggerated, lasting for six months.

Although, treatment may be warranted earlier

- Irritability

- Trouble falling or staying asleep



Panic Disorder

- Overwhelming feeling of panic

- Avoidance of people or places

- Fear of losing control



OCD

- Obsessive thoughts, such as germ contamination

- Repetitive actions, such as washing hands or checking if

windows are locked

- Repeating phrases, numbers etc…

Phobias

- Fear that triggers intense anxiety



Many physical symptoms add to the difficulty of anxiety disorders. The following anxiety disorder symptoms spread across much of the disorders. Many people feel nauseous, or their heart races so fast that they feel like they cannot breathe. They often have headaches, feel dizzy, sweat or have chills. Shaking or trembling as well as heavy tension and achy muscles are part of the regular regimen. As well, for someone with an anxiety disorder, chronic sleep problems plague him or her. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Sleep is an essential requirement for good health, both mental and physical. Not getting enough sleep can result in poor work or school performance, impaired judgment and decreased attentiveness, which could result in injury. In addition, some medications given to treat anxiety can cause insomnia, thus the cycle continues.

Often treatment is avoided due to the stigma attached to mental illness. People try to deal with matters themselves. They hear, “Where’s your willpower?” or “All you need is a kick in the butt.”

There are many effective anxiety disorder treatments available. The National Institute of Mental Health states some of the antidepressant medications that have been effective in treatment. Psychotherapy is also recommended in the form of Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. It is a good idea to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

On a last note, we, as fellow human beings, need to support all people. Lift the stigma of mental illness and help others and ourselves. We need to take the time to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes before we judge. We also need to understand that mental illness can happen to anyone, at anytime.

Colour Therapy

Aromas vibrate at the same frequency as colours oils and incense can be mixed to give a blend that is suited to your need for a variety of colour energies.

Chart – Colour / Essential Oils & Incense.

Violet

Frankincense, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Benzoin, Neroli, Lavender, Angelica.

Indigo

Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Spruce, Frankincense, Elemi, Clary Sage.

Blue

Blue Chamomile, Sage, Lemongrass, Hyssop.

Turquoise

Helichrysum, Myrtle, Litsea, Rose Geranium.

Green

Rose, Bergamot, Melissa, Jasmine, Rosewood.

Yellow

Juniper, Vetivert, Rosemary, Yarrow, Petitgrain, Palmarosa, Marjoram, Lemon.

Orange

Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, Rose Geranium, Orange Sandalwood.

Pink

Rose Geranium, Rose, Rose Otto, Melissa.

Red

Patchouli, Myrrh, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedar wood, St. John’s Wort.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using naturally distilled essences of plants to promote the health and well-being of your body, mind, and emotion spirit. These essences, called essential oils, can restore balance and harmony to your body and to your life. Aromatherapy can be experienced through several mediums. Essential Oils are the purest form and most medicinal in their action. Incense is made from the oils and resins of plants.

Sacred Herbs, such as Sage, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Amber resin are known for their cleansing and healing properties and are often used for cleansing negative energy. Essential oil blends are essential oils blended with a carrier oil in order to disperse the healing properties over larger areas of the body and to protect the skin from irritations, burns or sensitive reactions. Aromatherapy is also incorporated in Herbal Candles, in Crystals and Gemstones and in Massage and Body Lotion.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Some of today’s most serious health concerns such as heart disease, anxiety disorders, depression, obesity and immunity disorders, are caused by or are related to stress. Both conventional and non-conventional health professionals agree that lifestyle changes and stress management are essential to improving and maintaining our overall health. Sensory input can stimulate our emotional and physiological responses. In today’s world we are constantly receiving sensory stimuli. On any given day, computer screens, fluorescent light, television images and late-night driving overwork our eyes. Loud machines stimulate our ears, the hum of a computer or refrigerator, television, a blaring radio, telephone conversation, sometimes all in the same room.

The types of foods we eat overwork even our taste buds. Likewise, our noses are bombarded with automobile exhaust, cleaning products and toxic chemicals. Unbelievably, these types of stress affect our nervous system and result in physical disorders. The best way to relieve stresses and bring your body back into balance is through natural therapies such as Aromatherapy. Of the five senses, our sense of smell is the most primitive and most closely associated with our emotions and how our body responds to them. Together with a balanced diet, nutrition, adequate exercise and water, Aromatherapy can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. It can become a part of your daily routine.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the volatile oils found in the seeds, roots, resins, flowers, trees, stems, bark and fruit of plants. These oils are the life force of the plants and have many beneficial and protective properties. Many oils have antiviral, antibacterial or antifungal properties. Some may also soothe inflammation, relax tense muscles or enhance breathing. Essential oils are being used to treat physical, psychological and energetic imbalances and they have become very popular as interest in self-care and natural products.

In Japan workers exposed to jasmine, lavender and lemon, fragrances seem happier and make fewer keyboard errors. New York medical researchers gave MRI patients vanilla fragrance – a comfort aroma- during their scans. They were feeling significantly less anxious.

In Australia, tea tree oil was used as an effective first aid treatment and used in medical treatments. Blending essential oils is a form of art. The best way to learn is to practice. Choose a few oils that mach your physical and emotional needs and start blending! Many home and beauty products contain harmful chemical that may damage our health when used long-term. You can even make your own natural products using essential oils that are not only fun, but also safer for your health and environment.

Some Applications of Essential Oils

Diffusions – the easiest way to benefit from aromas of essential oils in your home or office. A few drops can also be added to a potpourri of dried flowers.

Mists – uplifting or calming body mist or a refreshing room fragrance.

Massage – diluted with massage oil you can experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, which can be made for aches and pains, chest congestion, immune stimulation or simply for relaxation.

Baths – are the most versatile and pleasurable ways to enjoy aromatherapy.

Soaps – indulge yourself with your home made luxurious soap bars or give them as unique gifts.

Body care – benefits for the entire body include weight management, detoxification, improved circulation, enhanced skin care, reduction of the appearance of cellulite.

Facial care, Pedicures, Hair care, Perfumery.

© Trevor Mayes 2008