Anxiety is everywhere - have you noticed it in yourself or a loved one?
Beyond Blue describes anxiety as...
PHYSICAL: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, rapid breathing, restlessness, feeling tense, wound up and edgy
PSYCHOLOGICAL: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking
BEHAVIOURAL: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life.
What can you do?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT provided by a psychologist) can help people with anxiety identify thought and behaviour patterns that are exacerbating the anxiety or stopping you from getting better, as well as improving one's coping skills. Breathing and meditation techniques to help manage the anxiety and tension are also very helpful.
So here's how I have come to help my patients with anxiety over the last 20 years... Herbal Medicine. And these are the Herbs that I swear by - in no particular order.
Chamomile
Passionflower
Hops
Withania
Lavender
Kava
Lemon Balm
Vervain
Zizyphus
St John's Wort*
*Avoid if you are on an antidepressant, other medications can also interact with SJW, please consult with your Naturopath or Pharmacist or GP)
Please always remember that herb quality is paramount - you won't notice a big improvement in your anxiety if you are taking poor quality herbal medicines, please seek the prescription from a qualified Naturopath or Herbalist.
AND, I work with patients to improve their sleep, stress coping skills, nutrition/diet. There is no point taking these wonderful anxiety-busting herbs, if you continue to drink too much alcohol, too much coffee, or eat processed/nutrient poor foods. EXERCISE is also a must - you don't have to push yourself to the limit, just regular (4-5/week) and enough to get huffy puffy.
If you would like to take our Anxiety Quiz, you can do so here.
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