|
Natural remedies for
panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive-compulsive problems and
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS - ANXIETY
(This matter also comes under the heading of panic
disorders, panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive-compulsive problems and
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD))
Our body and brain with respect to our behavior are so intricately
entwined that mental health poses problems and diseases that are
more widespread, varied and complex than diseases linked to any
other organ of our body. In spite of many researchers making great
progress in probing, understanding and treating various mental
illnesses, both in terms of the biochemistry of the brain and of the
genetic factors that may predispose certain people, this area is
still as intriguing as it has always been.
Like physical illness, many mental illnesses are identified by a
number of characteristic symptoms, ages of onset and patterns of
recurrence. Some of them include anxiety disorders,
stress,
insomnia,
depression, schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorders etc.
Around 10% of the population suffers from some form of mental
illness excluding those who suffer from alcohol and
drug abuse, and
anxiety disorders are the most common. Anxiety disorders include
generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), phobias, panic disorders,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive
problems.
|
 |
|
 |
SocialFear Relief
Homeopathic remedy relieves
social fear; anxiety; nervousness;
shyness and stage fright.
 |
|
 |
PureCalm
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being
|
|
 |
MindSoothe™
Promote balanced mood, emotional health
and feelings of wellbeing.
|
|
ANXIETY
Anxiety (medically known as GAD-generalized anxiety
disorder) can be broadly termed as a state of fear generally arising
from a particular cause or threat, which may or may not be obvious
to the sufferer. This feeling of apprehension, tension or uneasiness
comes when you expect danger. Remember, a little bit of anxiety is
needed to perform difficult tasks well but too much of it normally
interferes with your functioning, constricts your life and restricts
you from generating a positive response in a given situation. Its
intensity varies from slight anxiousness to terror, and depending
upon the circumstances, it becomes acute or chronic.
For a
diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to be made, at least
three of the following four categories of anxiety symptoms must have
been present for a minimum of a month:
|
· |
Motor tension - restless, cannot relax, muscle tension,
trembling, shaky, jumpy, facial tics. |
|
· |
Autonomic hyperactivity - sweating, cold, feeling hot or
cold, a thudding heart, fast heartbeat (tachycardia),
clammy hands, dry mouth or copious amounts of saliva,
dizzy, chest pains, fatigue, light headed, hands/feet
tingling, upset stomach, boating, desire to urinate and
defecate, fast or troubled breathing (dyspnea), feeling
of suffocation. |
|
· |
Apprehensive expectation - anxiety, fear, constant worry
and anticipation of misfortune to self and others. |
|
· |
Vigilance and scanning (looking out for nothing) -
distractible, dizziness or poor concentration, sleep
disturbances including insomnia and more rarely tremor,
irritable, impatient, anxious thoughts, feeling a need
to escape, constantly on the lookout. |
|
· |
In extreme cases, a feeling of utter helplessness and
inability to carry out normal everyday activities.
Anxiety disorders are usually psychological in origin,
but they are also linked to stress. Anxiety symptoms may
sometimes accompany medical problems like
hyperthyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, chemical and
hormonal imbalances and other conditions. Factors such
as genetics and early life experiences may play a role.
Certain drugs which you take may also be responsible for
your anxiety. At times, no specific cause can be
attributed to the sufferer’s condition. |
PANIC DISORDER/PANIC ATTACKS
When anxiety becomes so acute and intense that
it paralyzes the sufferer, s/he is in a state of panic disorder.
An example includes: you are standing in a shopping mall and
suddenly your heart starts pounding and you feel you are going
to die. You in all probability will think of it to be a heart
attack, but after such attacks have recurred several times, you
will realize that the sudden shortness of breath, heart
palpitations and the feeling of impending death are not the
result of cardiac problems, but a fear inside. These
unpredictable attacks are of short duration but very intense,
and generally occur in people who otherwise don’t feel as
anxious in the same circumstances as they feel during the
attack. If left untreated, such panic disorders can develop into
a psychological syndrome of avoidance known as agoraphobia
(discussed below) which is even more difficult to treat.
PHOBIAS
Phobias are defined as obsessive, persistent,
irrational, involuntary, unrealistic, inappropriate and intense
fear reaction to certain objects or specific situations. These
reactions generally lead the sufferer to an avoidance of common
places, objects and situations. Phobias can be classified into
three types-simple, social and agoraphobia.
Simple phobias are fairly common, affecting about 3% of the
population, and they hardly interfere with daily life. Simple
phobic people experience a dread for a particular object, place
or situation like someone being afraid of crossing a bridge.
Acrophobia-fear of heights, claustrophobia-fear of confined
places, mysophobia-fear of dirt and germs, xenophobia-fear of
strangers are all examples of simple phobias. Some others, and
quite strange, phobias include aulophobia-fear of the flute,
iophobia-fear of rust etc.
Social phobias make people avoid public situations, like
parties, because they are afraid of doing something to embarrass
themselves or get humiliated.
Agoraphobics are victims of a complex phenomenon which is based
on a fear of strange places and crowd, which makes them stay
back at the familiar set up of the home.
Although not classified separately, panophobics fear everything.
Phobia is always irrational and phobics know that. Therefore, it
is considered that phobia is a fear of fear itself and a fear of
one’s impulses. Phobics anticipate a panic attack and have fear
of loosing control over themselves. Although they usually
organize their daily schedules to avoid the objects they fear
(although it is not possible in each case and every time),
without treatment, most of them become isolated in their homes.
Recent research shows that phobia may not be related to your
mental state only. In effect, there is a very high chance that
it is nothing but the result of an underlying malfunction within
the inner ear system. Therefore, it makes complete sense to
check out with an ear specialist in case you have some phobia,
particularly those related to fear of heights or falling down.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE PROBLEMS/OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
Although low on count, people
suffering from this disorder are plagued with recurrent,
persistent and intrusive obsessions (thoughts, images, ideas or
impulses) and feel compelled to perform these seemingly useful
rituals (compulsions like washing hands or combing hair) to the
point of absurdity. Compulsions are basically repetitive and
stereotyped behaviors usually intended to produce or prevent
some future event or situation.
The disease sufferer realizes that the urge is uncalled for, but
is unable to resist it and gives up to it. Off course, after the
action, there is a temporary relief from the tension and extreme
anxiety that gets build up in the process. As the sufferers are
unable to change their behavior on their own, they become
depressed due to extreme distress caused. This further
deteriorates their social, occupational and relationship
functioning.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
This is experienced by
people who have been subjected to traumatic events such as
combat exposure, and soon develops into a long term stress
reaction. The symptoms may appear or intensify long after the
trauma has passed. The sufferer experiences recurrent, troubling
thoughts and memories and frightening dreams or nightmares. S/he
tends to become extremely anxious and irritable and gets
startled quite easily.
Sometimes, the patient may seem to just withdraw in his own
shell, lose interest in things he usually enjoys, and say that
he feels detached from others and feels numb. S/he is also
likely to develop other disorders such as alcoholism and
depression along with PTSD, hence the immediate family’s
involvement is essential to take him out of the current
situation.
In the US alone, more than 5 million people get affected by PTSD
due to events such as war, physical or sexual assault or abuse,
accidents such as an airplane crash or a serious motor vehicle
accident, or a mass disaster. These subjects may have faced the
trauma themselves or might have been a witness to it.
It is believed that when one suffers from PTSD, one’s mind isn't
able to process all the thoughts and feelings as it usually
does. It is also believed that certain areas of the brain
involved with the feeling fear may be hyperactive in people with
PTSD. People who are generally susceptible to PTSD are :
|
· |
with a history of depression or other psychological
disorder |
|
· |
with a history of sexual or physical abuse |
|
· |
working in a high-risk occupation, such as army,
firefighting or law enforcement |
|
· |
alcoholics or drugs users |
|
· |
with social insecurity |
|
· |
women, as they are twice as likely as men to have
symptoms of PTSD |
There
are a number of herbal and homeopathic ingredients which may be of
assistance, without the negative side effects of prescription drugs.
A holistic approach that addresses not only the symptoms of
anxiety disorders, but the root cause and underlying imbalances, can
help provide all-round support and natural health. Natural
remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of
years to support the healthy functioning of the body, helping to
encourage normal and efficient functioning of all the body systems.
In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional
wisdom. Natural remedies for anxiety disorders can include herbs
such as St John’s Wort. Clinical studies have demonstrated that this
herb can be just as effective as prescription drugs, without the
side effects. The calming effects of other herbs such as
Passiflora incarnata, Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) and
Valerian, can help to take the edge off the initial exposure to the
feared object or situation and reduce over-all anxiety. These
remedies can be taken without the worry of unwanted side-effects and
can help to restore the body’s natural balance and serenity.
There are also certain homeopathic remedies which are prescribed for
specific Phobias and which can help to reduce the symptoms of
anxiety and panic which accompany the phobia. Discuss these options
with your doctor or consult a homeopath or naturopath for advice.
|
· |
Hypericum perforatum (also known as St. John’s Wort)
- This ancient herb, which has become slightly
controversial of late, is found throughout Europe and
America. It is being used since last
2000 years for treating nervous disorders and burns and
skin irritations. St. John’s Wort is distinguished from
other similar looking plants by black spots on the
flower petals and translucent spots on the leaves. The
yellow flowers of this plant give brick red colored oil
which it gets from a pigment known as hypericin. Other
elements contained are flavonoids, tannins and
hyperforin. Together, these constituents of St. John’s
wort give it excellent antidepressant qualities. In today’s world,
this herb’s mood lifting
property has gained considerable fame and importance and
its use in modern herbal medications as an
antidepressant and for fighting nervous fatigue,
negativity and sleeping difficulties has increased by
the day. Hypericin is supposed to act similarly as MOAIs - monoamine
oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, and on the other hand
hyperforin, the other important constituent of St John’s
Wort, enhances this antidepressant activity by having a
positive effect on the serotonin activity in the brain. |
|
· |
Passiflora incarnata (also known as Passion Flower) -
This climbing shrub is native to South America but
some of its 450 odd species can be found in colder
climate of North and Central America as well. This medicinal variety is some times confused
with the cultivated variety that produces passion fruit.
All its aerial parts; the stamen, three lobed indented
leaves and bright showy flowers that have white petals
covered over by pinkish violet filaments, have medicinal
properties. The main constituents are maltol, ethyl
maltol, indole alkaloids and various antioxidants.
Mainly maltol and ethyl maltol and to some extent the
antioxidants present impart the sedative property to
this herb for which it is quite famous. In effect it is
so effective yet gentle, that even children are given
preparations based on passionflower for treating
insomnia, anxiety and nervous system originated
palpitations and digestive problems. It is believed that
passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical
called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA
lowers the activity of some brain cells, resulting in
relaxation. |
|
· |
Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender) - This bushy
shrub belongs to the Mediterranean herbs family, and
well, since the Roman times. In effect, Romans used to
perfume their bathing water with lavender. Although the
whole plant is aromatic, including the its narrow
silvery leaves and thin erect stems, it’s the lavender
flower which is most aromatic of the lot and also the
one used extensively and quite popularly in herbal
medicinal preparations. The main production zone of
lavender oil is southern France. The essential oil of
lavender’s purple flowers appearing on the spikes is
rich in a lot of constituents having medicinal
properties, mainly linalool, terpinene-4-ol and linalyl
acetate. Lavender is a well known herbal remedy for
treating mental stress, depression, anxiety and tension
headaches. It is due to the calming and sedative effects
of its constituents. |
|
· |
Kalium phosphate (Kali. phos. D6) is a
homeopathic brain and nerve tonic par excellence as well
as an amazing nerve nutrient. Used regularly it helps to
calm and uplift the spirit and soothe common nervous
tension and everyday stress. Kali. phos. is the most
widely recommended tissue salt for soothing worry and
distress. |
|
· |
Natrium sulphate D6 (Nat. phos.) is derived from
sodium sulphate. The principal function of Nat. sulph.
is a cell cleanser and regulator. Optimal levels of Nat. sulph. in the body will help to ward off those common
feelings of discouragement and dismay – when even the
thought of getting out of bed seems too much to cope
with! Short tempers, sudden furies and dismal moods –
all respond well to Nat. sulph. - an excellent general
mood tonic for people of all ages! |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SocialFear Relief
Homeopathic remedy relieves
social fear; anxiety; nervousness;
shyness and stage fright.
|
|
|
PureCalm
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being
|
|
|
MindSoothe™
Promote balanced mood, emotional health
and feelings of wellbeing.
|
|
Though
it is a psychological state, anxiety usually manifests itself in
physical symptoms, and now it is widely believed by many physicians
that diet can help ease, and may even eliminate, some of these
symptoms.
|
· |
Anxiety causes or aggravates depletion of essential
nutrients which is further increased if you skip a meal
or loose appetite, e.g. it is known that our body
rapidly uses up reserves of vitamin C when under stress.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a balanced diet and eat
regularly. This habit will also help in maintaining
balanced blood sugar which in turn will help to
stabilize mood. |
|
· |
Take small amount of protein and avoid processed and
refined foods. Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and
vegetables, protein from plants (legumes and nuts, for
example) and fish to nourish the nervous system and
avoid common food allergens are dairy, soy, citrus,
peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, wheat, fish, eggs,
corn, food colorings, and additives. |
|
· |
A lack of magnesium and vitamin B6 in your body may also
be associated with your anxiety. Magnesium is believed
to relieve from mild anxiety attacks. Other than dietary
magnesium, some doctors also recommend soaking in a hot
tub containing 1–2 cups of magnesium sulfate crystals
(Epsom salts) for 15 to 20 minutes. Vitamin B6 believed
to work in the brain similar to valium-like drugs, hence
their importance in your diet or as supplements.
Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 and magnesium are
- B6 vitamin – B6 vitamin is easily found in chicken,
turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, lentils,
soybeans, nuts, avocados, bananas, carrots, brown rice,
bran, pulses, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and
whole-grain flour.
- Magnesium – shellfish, fish, whole grains, leafy
greens, Soya beans, bananas, beans, apricots |
|
· |
Inositol, which is a part of the vitamin B-complex is
found quite effective in treating anxiety, especially
obsessive-compulsive problems and PTSD, as it helps the
nervous system function properly. Its dietary form is
phytate and its rich sources include nuts, beans, wheat
and wheat bran, cantaloupe, citrus fruits like oranges
and meat. |
|
· |
The age old remedy of having sweet milk or other sweet
milky drinks at bed time has its own scientific
background. These products contain the amino acid tryptophan and carbohydrates in the form of sugar.
Tryptophan stimulates the production of serototin which
calms the mind and induces sleep. Sugar helps indirectly
by making your body release insulin which in turn binds
to other amino acids, thereby giving tryptophan an
easier access to the brain. This makes the release of
serototin even faster, thereby helping you in overcoming
anxiety. |
|
· |
Many people feel that alcohol is a tranquillizer or
stimulant; in fact it is a depressant. It is detrimental
for your health to the extent that during the withdrawal
phase, which occurs 6 to 12 hours after drinking, when
blood sugar levels are low, people are highly
susceptible to anxiety attacks.
 |
Some of
the above mentioned problems can be treated with medications while
others react more favorably to psychotherapy in which the patient is
encouraged to confront the sources of his fear.
A few techniques available are
|
· |
Stay away from stressful situations as this can help
alleviate anxiety. If a physical cause is attributed to
as the reason for your anxiety, your doctor will treat
you accordingly. Otherwise, short-term counseling can
boost your self-esteem and help you learn coping
strategies and problem-solving techniques. Stress
management therapy can help you overcome fear and
anxiety, and to break the cycle of negative thoughts. |
|
· |
The reversal of negative thinking is extremely important
in dealing with phobias. Let the fear come but shift
away from the negative thoughts by assuming you will not
get hurt instead of assuming the opposite. |
|
· |
You should try and expose yourself to the objects you
fear, albeit little by little. It is difficult but this
exposure treatment will definitely help you in getting
used to the object. Each encounter that you overcome
should be praised by yourself as this will boost your
self-confidence and further help you in controlling the
situation. |
|
· |
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Play mind
games when
time calls for, like while you are traveling by air if
you have a phobia of air travel. Do simple things, which
are quite manageable, like reading a book or taking
deep-measured breaths, so that your involvement with
fear-generating thoughts and images is reduced. You may
also drift yourself away, mentally, into far fetched
pleasant thoughts to avoid anxiety. Basically, the goal
of cognitive therapy is to allow you to control your
fear and anxiety, and a qualified psychotherapist can
help you learn techniques in this regard. |
|
· |
Don’t rest when panic attack comes. People feel that
rest will calm down your nervous system when you are
agitated, but the reverse is true. You got to burn your
excess adrenaline to calm down instead. |
|
· |
Acupuncture - Acupuncture can help reduce the symptoms
of anxiety, particularly when combined with behavioral
desensitization (including psychotherapy). Although
acupuncture has been the subject of limited research as
a therapy for anxiety, studies show that benefits
continue as long as one year after treatment.
Acupuncturists believe that it is the excess or
deficiency of qi located in various meridians which
determines the treatment. In case of anxiety, a qi
deficiency is usually detected in the kidney or spleen
meridians. Generally, acupuncturists also employ
breathing techniques along with herbal medications and
dietary recommendations. |
|
· |
Biofeedback is another technique used for overcoming
anxiety. It involves a machine, which examines your
bodily functions that occur involuntarily, like heart
rate and temperature. As you see how your body reacts to
stress, you learn to control the reactions, and
eventually you can perform the techniques to control the
reactions without using a machine. It is particularly
helpful in treating PTSD.
 |
|
· |
Hypnosis - A trained hypnotherapist can successfully
treat certain PTSD cases very effectively, especially
those related to war, sexual assault (including rape)
and vehicle accidents. Hypnosis induces a deep state of
relaxation, which makes the sufferer feel safe and less
anxious. This decreases the intensity of intrusive
thoughts and lets the patient become involved in daily
activities again. As is the case with other alternative
therapies, hypnosis is also generally used along with
psychotherapy like group or family therapy. Hypnosis is
also used in treating phobics.
|
|
|
|
|
SocialFear Relief
Homeopathic remedy relieves
social fear; anxiety; nervousness;
shyness and stage fright.
|
|
|
PureCalm
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being
|
|
|
MindSoothe™
Promote balanced mood, emotional health
and feelings of wellbeing.
|
|
|
|
