Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

Natural anxiety relief is often being considered by people who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, as an alternative to prescribed medication. In this article I will explain why this is a popular decision and the best natural anxiety relief available and how it should be used.

Anxiety attacks affect approximately 17% of the adult population worldwide, and the most common approach to treating it is with prescribed medication. These prescribed drugs are designed to alter the biochemistry of the brain, so changing the way the sufferer feels. However, it is a known fact that these anti-anxiety drugs have many side effects, including paranoia, an increase of suicidal feelings in the first few weeks, and long-term addiction.

For this reason, an increasing number of people are looking for natural anxiety relief as a way to control and ultimately cure their anxiety and panic attacks.

There are three main area of natural anxiety treatment available:

1. The herbal method – This method relies upon natural products, however, it should be remembered that they still aim to affect the brains biochemistry. Some of the most effective herbal supplements for anxiety relief are:

Valerian – Natures own tranquilizer! For centuries, Valerian has been the herbalist’s favourite treatment for any type of nervous tension. Valerian has few unpleasant side effects, except for its horrible taste! It should not be taken with any other form of sedative.

Evening Primrose Oil – Originally a Native American herb it has a wide range of uses, including the traditional treatment of anxiety.

Passion Flower – Highly effective at relieving muscle tension and effects of severe anxiety. Can help to promote a good night’s sleep. Do not take if pregnant.

Actaea Rose – A Native American herb, used to good effect with panic.

St John’s Wort – Probably the most famous herb used to treat depression. It has also been found to be useful in treating anxiety, possibly because it is an effective muscle relaxant.

As with all medicine prescribed or herbal, the stated dose should not be exceeded.

2. Lifestyle Change – General lifestyle advice for treating anxiety is similar to that given for reducing stress.

Improve your diet – eat more fruit and vegetable and whole grains. Also, reduce caffeine and alcohol, as both are stimulants.

Be physically fit – Get more exercise.

These are all things we know we should be doing; however, going for a jog when you feel anxious can feel like the hardest thing in the world to do. From personal experience, possibly the most annoying piece of advice, I was ever given by my doctor!

Talking therapy – These methods attempt to alter the brains patterns, and biochemistry, through behaviour modification such as hypnosis, visualization, coaching and CBT.

3. The most successful natural method of curing anxiety and panic attacks is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based programmes that have been developed in the last few decades. The success rate of these treatments is approximately 95%. Either on a one-to-one basis with a therapist or by committing to self-help programme.

All of the three methods mentioned above have pros and cons, and all of them take commitment and patience. No magic cure that can get rid of anxiety exists. However, it is possible to cure anxiety using natural methods, as opposed to merely suppressing it with medication.

Overall, I feel that an approach combining all three natural anxiety reliefs would be the most successful and would help to initially manage anxiety and panic and then to completely cure anxiety.