Homeopathic Medicine for Anxiety Stress

Homeopathic medicines can relieve anxiety and stress. It is always preferable to treat the source of a problem, rather than its symptoms; however, homeopathic medicines can be just what you need for temporary or short-term problems, and allow you to function better while you are working toward a solution for ongoing or longer-term problems.

Homeopathy Basics

• Homeopathic medicines are called remedies. They are available as individual remedies or in combination products for common conditions. Remedies are usually purchased in the form of tiny, round pills called pellets, which are available in a variety of potencies, or as tinctures. If you are new to homeopathy, we recommend 30C Pellets, where 30C refers to the potency. A typical dosage is one-to-three 30C Pellets of a single remedy every one-to-two hours for up to three doses. If you have not experienced relief after three doses, try a different remedy. Homeopathic remedies are safe and have not been shown to interact with other medications; still, if you are under the care of a physician, you should talk with him or her about any symptoms you are experiencing. (See Resources for more information on homeopathy theory and practice.)

Choosing Remedies

• There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to homeopathy: to choose the right remedy, you need to consider the big picture. Consider how your symptoms of anxiety and stress are presenting, and what else is happening in your life. For example, are you anxious because of an important event on the horizon, like a job interview? Then Argentum nitricum is the remedy of choice. On the other hand, if the anxiety is because of overwork and you're beginning to feel as if you just can't cope, Kali phosphicorum is the better choice. Stage fright? Then you need Gelsemium. The more thoughtfully you consider your symptoms, the more success you will have in choosing the right remedy. The "wrong" remedy will not cause any harm: it just won't be of any help.

Remedy Options

• Any of the following remedies may be the right choice for you, depending on your individual symptoms and situations.
  • Aconitum napellus: Emotional signs include sudden panic attacks, sudden fear, fear of death and immense anxiety. Physical signs include shortness of breath, flushed face, a racing heart or shaking.
  • Arsenicum album: Emotional signs include anxiety about your health, obsession about small details, need for order. Physical signs may include exhaustion combined with restlessness, digestive difficulties, or asthma attacks.
  • Calcarea carbonica: Emotional signs include a sense of impending disaster or breakdown, fear of heights, claustrophobia, and confusion when tired. Physical signs may include cravings for sweets, sluggishness, and feeling chilled.
  • Natrum Muriaticum: Emotional signs include nighttime anxiety and avoidance of social situations. Physical signs may include insomnia and migraines.
  • Pulsatilla: Emotional signs include a constant need for comfort and support, moodiness, and whining. Good for anxiety and stress experienced in connection with hormonal changes at menarche, menstruation and menopause.
  • Silicea; Emotional signs include temporary loss of confidence and overreaction, making a person more stressed. Physical signs include headaches, exhaustion, and coming down with a cold or sore throat after stress.