Tag Archives: Anxiety

Green Tea and Anxiety

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Any situation, which does not provide security, causes anxiety. The effects and duration of anxiety depend on the type of person as well as the situation. For some, it may only last for a few minutes while others may experience the anxiety can last for hours. An anxious individual may exhibit one or more of the following signs: increased heart rate, profuse sweating or having trouble breathing.

Several natural and synthetic methods of eliminating or reducing the effects of anxiety attacks have been devised. A number of drugs have been promoted and sold for the alleviating stress and anxiety. However, using drugs for long periods of time can cause side effects such as damage to the liver or dependence on the drug. As such, individuals try to look for natural remedies to alleviate their anxiety. Although natural alternatives have become popular with their promise of being safer in comparison to prescription drugs, they also have their own risks. With herbs such as the Valerian Root, Chamomile and Kava Kava, it is worth considering the side effects caused by consuming these herbal plants such as minor digestive disorders and headaches. These may also produce other unwanted effects when consumed in addition to other medication so great care must be taken before considering taking these alternative remedies.

Another natural remedy suggested is green tea. Historical documents state that various races have been consuming and drinking tea leaves for as long as half a million years ago. Countries such as India and China were one of the first to grow tea. Now, with increased number of supporters, drinking green tea has been discovered that consuming tea, more importantly green tea, can produce a number of advantages for the individual’s health. There are three types of tea: green, black and oolong, differentiated by how they are handled. Green tea has the highest amount of antioxidants, as it is unfermented.

Because of their use over several generations, green tea has now been included in various medications as well as food. It is known to contain substances, which are said to be good for the health and wellbeing of the individual who consumes it. More recently, the relationship between green tea and anxiety have been researched, to find out whether it is an effective remedy to treat this condition

There are contradicting studies regarding the benefits with green tea and anxiety, whether it is beneficial or dangerous for one’s health. Long term stress, as well as anxiety, are said to lower the body’s ability to ward off common sickness and diseases such as colds, as well can lead to eventual depression. L-Theanine, a relaxing substance, is said to be found in green tea and anxiety is said to be reduced because of this.

On the other hand, some researches discourage consuming large amounts of green tea. It is stated that green tea and anxiety do not mix, as the former can cause the emergence of the latter. Consumption of green tea is also discouraged with individuals having problems in the heart or liver, as well as pregnant or breast-feeding women.

As the relationship between green tea and anxiety needs further research, great care is encouraged before taking them in large quantities or as medication. Consult with a specialist in botanical medicine or in other related medical fields prior to consuming any types of medication.

A Natural Remedy for Anxiety

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Being unsure of anything can easily cause anxiety. This can be a typical feeling for some while paralyzing for others. Indicators of an individual experiencing an anxiety attack may include one or several of the following: heart burn or palpitations, increased heart rate, sweating and shortness of breath. Depending on the individual and the situation, this can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Medicines are normally prescribed to alleviate intense, overwhelming feelings of anxiety; however, natural alternatives are available as well. As compared with chemically produced medicines, natural remedies may be safer for consumption.

There are a number of natural alternatives when it comes to remedying anxiety. Being able to take care of the body should be a priority. Stress causes anxiety and simple steps can be performed to alleviate the stress. The first sample of a natural remedy for anxiety is exercising. Exercising releases endorphins, a feel good hormone naturally produced in the body. This increased production and release of the natural happy drug in the body relieves some of the stress and anxiety being experienced by the individual. Approximately 20 minutes of light exercise consisting of running, brisk walking or walking done twice a day is suggested to achieve this effect.

Another natural remedy for anxiety is having enough sleep. Some individuals become anxious with loss of sleep. It is therefore imperative to get at least seven hours of sleep every evening. Enough sleep relaxes the body, reducing the stress, in turn reducing the anxiety.

We are what we eat. More importantly, we are affected by what we eat. Different foods affect the way we think and feel. The amount of unhealthy fats has a vicious effect on the individual’s outlook and thinking, making the individual feeling depressed, stressed and anxious. A natural remedy for anxiety is eating enough fruits and vegetables, most especially a healthy amount of bananas, nuts, oats and milk. These types of foods release a naturally existing chemical in the body responsible for elevating the mood levels within the individual.

Besides these suggestions, there are also herbs, which can be used as a natural remedy for anxiety. One of the most common is the Passionflower, historically used by American Indians to treat individuals who have trouble sleeping or experiencing epilepsy. Consuming the root or leafy portion of the plant produces a sedative effect, making the individual more relaxed.

Another natural remedy for anxiety in the form of an herb is known as the Valerian. Although effective, this plant is less popular that the Passionflower and can induce some minor side effects, which include dizziness or indigestion. Care is advised when taking this remedy, not to be consumed with other medications. It is also important consult a doctor before taking this medication.

Other natural remedies include including a standard dose of Vitamin B in the diet. This is important in regulating the activities in the body’s nervous system. Last but not least is going for a massage. This is a good way for relieving stress and anxiety while not spending a large amount of time and money during the process.

Natural Remedy Guide for Anxiety II

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The symptoms of an anxiety attack can include heart palpitations, heart burn, sudden loss of breathe, increase in blood pressure, sweating and possible digestive malfunctions.  These can last anywhere from a few minutes, to hours on end for some people.  Anxiety can affect the emotional and physical well being and can be treated with a natural remedy.

In the first article, ‘Natural Remedy Guide for Anxiety I’ we examined how body health can assist with lowering anxiety and in this article we will see how the use of natural herbs can affect you for the better

Passionflower

The most common herb that has been used to help with anxiety is Passionflower.  Passionflower was used among the American Indians as a treatment for sleeping disorders, anxiety and epilepsy.  They would take the leaf or root from the passion flower and mix it with a tea, after some time the anxiety would subside providing a natural remedy.

The reason the passionflower is a natural remedy for anxiety is that it stimulates higher levels of gamma-aminobutric acids in the brain.  These additional gamma-aminobutric acid acts as a sedative for some brain cell which results in a more relaxed state for the individual.

The Passionflower, also known as Maypop fruit, is grown in the southeastern United States.  The natural amount of sun that is in this region of the United States is what this Maypop fruit needs to flourish.  It has a growing season from May until July and the resulting herb is a small berry.  This berry can be ingested or mashed into a jelly.

Valerian

While the use of this medicinal plant for anxiety isn’t nearly as extensive as Passionflower the effects on some mild forms of anxiety have been documented.   The natural remedy of Valerian occurs by the individual taking this primarily in a pill form.

Valerian is mostly found in Europe and parts of Asia which favors this plants growth in a cooler, wet climate.  The plant can be found among the marches around Britain and are normally in bloom from June until September.

This herb does have some side effects so you should consult a doctor before taking this herb.  Some of the side effects include mild indigestion, headaches or dizziness.   It is also recommended not to take this herb with other medications as there can be additional side effects.

There are many other herbs (Kava, Saint-John’s wort, etc.) that provide a natural remedy for anxiety but these two are those that are most frequently used.   These herbs can be found at most health stores or you can ask your local pharmacists for assistance.

Natural Remedy Guide for Anxiety I

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Anxiety is an unsettling of the mind brought on by fear of the known and unknown.  While it is a normal part of life, it can be overpowering for some, leaving them in a state of helplessness.  There are many types of prescription drugs that can used to treat anxiety; diazepam, lorazepam, clonazapam, to name just a few; but, those who suffer with anxiety are often looking for a Natural Remedy.

We will examine a number of natural remedies for anxiety and by the time you are done reading these articles you will be able to help yourself or a loved one overcome their anxiety.

The first natural remedy we will examine is body health.  Taking care of your body through a few simple disciplines can remove allot of the anxiety that you feel as a result of life’s problems.

Exercise

  • It is a well documented fact that when we exercise the body releases the ‘happy chemical’ into our body called Endorphins.  Endorphins’ provide a natural high that lifts our spirits and helps us to deal better with stress.
  • 20 minutes of running, walking, jobs or light cardio in the morning and evening is recommended.

Sleep

  • If you are not sleeping the proper amount of hours each night for your age and sex then you are adding additional stress to your body and results in more anxiety.
  • It is best as an adult to get between 7 & 9 hours a sleep a night

Diet

  • It is no surprise that the foods we eat are reflecting on the body imagine and mental health of our society.  We are fatter than we have ever been and the rise of anxiety is reflected in this.  When we are overweight we have to expend more energy while at the same time not exercising enough to carry the weight.  It is a vicious cycle.
  • Cutting back on fatty foods and foods with high or saturated fats will assist in keeping our weight in check and result in less anxiety.
  • In addition to that a healthy intake of milk, bananas, oats, and nuts can help you specifically ward off your anxiety.  The reason for this is because these foods contain healthy levels tryptophan, which is a mood elevating chemical in the brain.

As you can see this natural remedy would be easy to implement and you don’t have to change much to see a change in your anxiety.  However, this is just one natural remedy and may not provide all the solutions you need for your anxiety.