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Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety

Anxieties and anxiety disorders plague millions of Americans, and can wreak havoc on your quality of life. In extreme cases, doctors can prescribe medication for anxiety, and a good therapist can help resolve some of the core emotional issues surrounding the condition. You can also apply natural remedies to your condition which--when accompanied by lowered stress and techniques such as yoga--can reduce the severity of your anxiety attacks. Always tell your doctor that you are using natural anxiety remedies; they may affect the medicines he prescribes for you.

  1. Passion Flower

    • Passion flower has been used to reduce stress and tension for generations. It contains ingredients such as chrysin, orientin and vitexin, which promote muscle relaxation and emotional calmness. It can be taken orally--several hundred milligrams is usually sufficient--and is considered extremely safe. Because it may induce drowsiness, you should not take it with more potent sleep aids, and avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery while under its influence. Doctors do not recommend taking it if you are pregnant or are about to undergo surgery.

    Valerian

    • Valerian extract is used to cure insomnia and similar sleep disorders. That makes it effective in addressing anxiety too, since it contributes to an overall calming of your emotional state. It tends to work rapidly--within a half hour or so--and is sold as a dietary supplement, which means you can find it in any health food store. Scientists are uncertain exactly how it works, though they believe it increases the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Studies of its effectiveness remain inconclusive, though side effects are extremely rare.

    Oats

    • Oats have been applied to a number of different health problems over the years. They can be used topically to alleviate skin conditions and reduce inflammation, or eaten to help elevate your overall mood. They contain large amounts of B vitamins, which help maintain the central nervous system. That means that stress and anxiety tend to lessen with lots of vitamin B in your diet. Best of all, oats are very easy to find and can be used in a number of easy meals. Plan on a bowl of oatmeal every morning for breakfast, or make pancakes with oats as a central ingredient. You can also have them as a snack in a granola bar or as part of a fruit smoothie mixture.

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