Natural Remedies Explored – Anxiety and Stress

Not a subject to be taken lightly and one where expert medical advice is strongly recommended if you are not well. In today’s modern world it is a growing malaise, but what can we do to help ourselves?

A good diet, exercise and making time for relaxation are all important. That’s all very well I hear you say, but where do we get the time to make sure we do that? Not easy I know, especially if you have work plus kids to contend with. Most working people have probably had time management presentations at work and feel their employer lives on another planet and Timex in an ad campaign confirmed that there are only 24 hours in a day. However, these three things are prerequisites for a healthy life and your agenda needs to include them.

A good diet consists of a moderate intake of complex carbohydrates, fat and protein, plus large helpings of fresh fruit and veg. Fast food need not be unhealthy. Salads take little time to prepare and added to a protein and carbohydrate source provide a nutritious main meal.

Exercise should ideally consist of 20 minutes aerobic activity and 40 minutes of weight training at least 3 times a week. However, being a realist I know this will not be possible for some, but do try to do something. Try walking or cycling to work. A walk surrounded by greenery is very therapeutic but the pace should not be too leisurely. If you do make time for your favourite soap, perhaps try exercising while watching. A few bicep curls and squats should not be too hard to fit in and will not disturb your viewing too much.

Relaxation can be achieved through a whole range of activities. I mentioned walking and exercise above. To that add reading, listening to music and meditation (especially if you find it hard to mentally switch off). I’m sure you can think of other ways too

If there are particular things going on in your life causing you stress then you need to talk to someone, preferably qualified if it is a serious problem. If the problem is your employment, then it could be ultimately the most sensible thing to do is work elsewhere.

There is evidence that a deficiency of magnesium and of vitamin B6 can lead to anxiety. Also, when under stress the body uses more vitamin C, so supplementing your diet with these could be beneficial. Excessive alcohol and caffeine is not recommended!

Gamma aminobutyric acid – is a neurotransmitter, which inhibits anxiety. Whether taking supplements is useful is something only your feedback can provide. Herbs like valerian are thought to naturally effect GABA levels. I find that valerian does not relax me and has the opposite effect, which is one of its contraindications, but many people find it very effective in helping with insomnia and stress. There are numerous other herbs such as hops, black cohosh, blue vervain, chamomile, damiana, evening primrose oil, Korean ginseng, lobelia, oatstraw, passionflower, St. John’s Wort and Scullcap that aid relaxation.

If you are taking medication then ask your doctor about the risks in using any of these herbs. I know when using St John’s Wort you should be very careful of over exposure to the sun, so it may be wise to not use it in the summer.

As always I am always interested in people’s own experiences of dealing with illness so, please feel free to join my forum.

I have a keen interest in using natural remedies and have had years of experience in using herbs and homeopathy.

My site The Apothecary was set up to discuss natural remedies and related subjects.

About the Author

Philip is interested in and has gained a great deal of information and years of experience in dealing with health and fitness topics, and has created his own site The Apothecary to discuss natural remedies and related subjects.

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