Successful Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety is created by the fear or apprehension of an anticipated danger. The anxiety response may happen once then go away, or it can become constant and unrelenting, keeping the body in a high stress state. Homeopathic remedies for anxiety are available that target the cause and the symptoms of anxiety.

Definition

• Homeopathy is based on the theory that "like heals like," meaning that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people. In homeopathy, practitioners dilute these substances and administer them in very small doses. The remedies are natural as they are derived from plants, minerals or animals. Homeopaths emphasize individualized treatment by developing a detailed history of symptoms and lifestyle.

Anxiety Treatment

• The primary factor determining treatment is the cause of the anxiety. The homeopath will consider issues such as how frequently, where, why and when the anxiety happens. They will also consider any physical symptoms and will factor-in an assessment of emotions and personality to determine which remedy will successfully treat the anxiety.

Remedies

• These are some of the successful remedies for anxiety. If the patient has social anxiety or claustrophobia, sodium carbonate (Natrum muriaticum) may be the remedy chosen. Performance anxiety may be relieved by yellow jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens). Anxiety caused by a lack of confidence when facing strangers or powerful people may be remedied by club moss (Lycopodium clavatum). Sneezewort (Arnica Montana) may help anxiety related to business trouble and other work-related anxiety may be treated with gold (Aurum metallicum). Remedies for generalized anxiety disorder include Ignatia amara, Argentum nitricum, Aconite napelus, Arsenic album, and Hyoscyamus.

  Since there are many different remedies chosen according to the individual, the list of potentially successful anxiety treatments is long. A more comprehensive list can be found on the Holistic Online web site.

Factors

• Homeopaths also make choices about remedies based on personality factors. The homeopathic treatments are associated with a detailed personality profile that defines the type of person best suited for each remedy. For example, one of the remedies listed above---sodium carbonate---is linked with people who tend to worry, are prone to anxiety and depression, lack self-confidence and are especially anxious around unfamiliar people.

  Homeopathic remedies are generally considered to be safe and have little risk of side effects but their effectiveness is still being debated. The position of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is that the key concepts of homeopathy are not consistent with established science and that such small amounts of an active ingredient are unlikely to have any benefit. However, there is anecdotal evidence that these remedies work and many clinical trials are underway to assess effectiveness.