Home Remedies and Herbs for Anxiety (Anxiety Disorder)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a condition that is usually characterized by overwhelming stress that does not seem to go away. It is often characterized by a variety of symptoms and causes. It is also categorized as a mental disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic condition where many patients experience varying effects of the disease that can make leading a regular life extremely difficult.¹

What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder can have a multitude of causes. It is important to state that Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not the patient’s fault. Some of the most common causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder are thought to be:

• Stress
• Brain changes
• Environmental conditions
• Potential genetics passed down from one or both parents ²

What are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

The symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder are as varied as any other mental disorder. The problem is that they vary from patient to patient as well. There are some symptoms that are fairly common across the spectrum when it comes to Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The most common symptoms are:

• Restlessness
• Feeling easily tired
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleeping problems
• Inability to control worrying thoughts ³

How is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?

As with any disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed with a series of psychological tests by a qualified physician. The physician may also conduct an interview to make sure there are not substance abuse issues that may contribute to the patient’s condition. They may also take blood tests and other diagnostic test to determine a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.⁴

How is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

The two main ways to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder are psychological therapy and medication. Many physicians will use a combination of these therapies.⁵ If the physician is willing, he or she may also use natural medicinal options to help treat the patient’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Natural Medicinal Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Even though there are different therapies to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder some patients and doctors may elect to use natural options derived from plants and herbs to treat the disorder. There are a few great options if the patient chooses to use them to treat their Generalized Anxiety Disorder. They are:

• Vitamin B/B12 -When taken orally vitamin B/B12 may be helpful as it can work on the brain and reduce the anxiety. Taken once a day to start then moving up to a couple times a day may give the patient relief.
• Saint John’s Wart -This is another herbal remedy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder because it can also help to lessen the potential depression that a patient may experience. As with vitamin B, it can be taken orally a couple of times a day to help the patient manage the Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
• Valerian -Valerian is an herb that can be taken orally right before bed. It has a sedative quality to it that may help relieve some of the uneasiness of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Taken usually in a capsule or in a pure oil form in some tea are the preferred ways to use this particular remedy.
• Oranges -Certain fruits may help with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It is thought that some of the vitamins in fruits such as oranges (namely vitamin C) can give the brain a little bit of extra help in managing the disorder.

Conclusion

Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be very embarrassing and frustrating for the patient. They often do not understand what is going on and may feel hopeless as they struggle against its effects on their body and mind. It is important for the patient to know that Generalized Anxiety Disorder is NOT their fault but that they need to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment if it is suspected. Using a combination of physician directed therapy and natural medicines, a person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder can live a long and productive life.

References

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9948
2. http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders
3. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml#part_145336
4. http://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder#Diagnosis4
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20024562