Natural Treatments for Anxiety: How You Can Find Natural Anxiety Relief

More than just an occasional bought of nervousness, anxiety can be a crippling disorder. Although prescription medications are available, the results are unreliable and side effects are almost guaranteed. However, a number of natural remedies have proven effective.

Passion Flower Relief

The herb passion flower has been used historically as a folk medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. In modern times, passion flower has proven to be as effective as benzodiazepine drugs often prescribed for anxiety. The side effects of passion flower include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and a rapid heartbeat. The herb may enhance the effect of some drugs, so you should tell your physician if you are taking passion flower.

Herbal Help

Other remedies that have proven effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety include valerian, l theanine, lemon balm, chamomile and catnip. These herbs can be made into a tea, or taken as tinctures or infusions.

Massage Therapy

Body and mind work is also effective. Massage therapy, and shiatsu soothe muscle tension, relieve stress and improve sleep. Breathing and mental exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, meditation and bio feedback, can also reduce anxiety. When feeling bouts of anxiety, try to determine if there was an event that triggered the feelings. Is the threat real, or perceived? Try to dissect your feelings and find the root of your anxiety.

photo by Joana Croft