Anti anxiety home remedy

Natural Remedies for Anxiety: 10 Ideas

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or worry that could be caused by a combination of factors that researchers believe range from genetics to environmental to brain chemistry.

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

increased heart rate
rapid breathing
restlessness
trouble concentrating

However, it’s important to note that anxiety can present itself in different ways for different people. While one person may experience a butterfly feeling in their stomach, another might have panic attacks, nightmares, or painful thoughts.

With that being said, there’s a difference between everyday anxiety and anxiety disorders. Feeling anxious about something new or stressful is one thing, but when it gets to an uncontrollable or excessive point and starts to affect your quality of life, it could be a disorder.

Some anxiety disorders include:

panic disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
separation anxiety
illness anxiety
phobia
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
social anxiety disorder

Anxiety can be treated in a variety of ways. One common treatment option is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps provide people with tools to cope with anxiety when it occurs.

There are also certain medications, like antidepressants and sedatives, that work to balance brain chemistry and prevent episodes of anxiety. They may even ward off the most severe symptoms.

If you’re looking to go a more natural route, though, there are little and big ways you can help combat anxiety.

You can make adjustments to habits, like exercise, sleep, and diet. You can also try something totally new, like aromatherapy or meditation. No matter what your lifestyle demands, there’s a natural way to help reduce anxiety for everyone.

1. Stay active

Regular exercise isn’t just about physical health — it can be a huge help to your mental health, as well.

A 2013 study found that people with anxiety disorders who reported a high level of physical activity were better protected against developing anxiety symptoms.

This could be for a variety of reasons. Exercise can divert your attention away from something that’s making you anxious.

Getting your heart rate up also changes the brain chemistry to create more space for anti-anxiety neurochemicals, like:

serotonin
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
endocannabinoids

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), regular exercise leads to an enhancement of concentration and willpower, which can help certain anxiety symptoms.

When it comes to what type of exercise, this is more of a personal preference. If you’re looking to really get your heart rate up, something like a HIIT class (high-intensity interval training) or running is your best bet.

But if you’re looking to start off with something with a little lower impact, workouts, like Pilates and yoga, could also be just as beneficial for your mental health.

2. Steer clear of alcohol

Drinking alcohol may take the edge off at first, since it’s a natural sedative. However, research suggests there’s a link between anxiety and alcohol consumption, with anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurring hand-in-hand.

A 2017 review that looked at 63 different studies showed that decreasing alcohol intake can improve both anxiety and depression.

Heavy drinking can interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters, which can be responsible for positive mental health. This interference creates an imbalance that may lead to certain symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety may temporarily increase in early sobriety but can improve in the long run.

Alcohol has also been shown to disrupt your body’s natural ability to sleep by interfering with sleep homeostasis. And as we’ll later point out, a good night’s sleep is incredibly helpful when combating anxiety.

3. Consider quitting smoking cigarettes

Smokers often reach for a cigarette during stressful times. Yet, like drinking alcohol, taking a drag on a cigarette when you’re stressed is a quick fix that may worsen anxiety over time.

Research has shown that the earlier you start smoking in life, the higher your risk of developing an anxiety disorder later. Research also suggests nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke alter pathways in the brain linked to anxiety.

If you’re looking to quit, there are lots of different ways you can get started. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends finding a safe substitute for cigarettes, like toothpicks.

You can also take up habits that may distract you in order to create an environment that works for your smoke-free life. Additionally, you can make a plan with a support system who can provide everything from encouragement to distractions.

4. Limit caffeine intake

If you have chronic anxiety, caffeine is not your friend. Caffeine may cause nervousness and jitters, neither of which is good if you’re anxious.

Research has shown caffeine may cause or worsen anxiety disorders. It may also cause panic attacks in people with panic disorder. In some people, eliminating caffeine may significantly improve anxiety symptoms.

Similar to alcohol, caffeine and anxiety are often linked, due to caffeine’s ability to alter brain chemistry.

For example, a 2008 study showed that caffeine increases alertness by blocking the brain chemical adenosine, which is what makes you feel tired, while at the same time triggering the release of adrenalin.

With all this being said, a moderate intake of caffeine is safe for most people.

However, if you’re looking to cut back or completely cut out caffeine, you’ll want to start by slowly reducing the amount of caffeine you drink daily.

Start replacing these drinks with water to quench the thirst. This will not only satisfy your body’s need to drink a liquid, but it will also help flush caffeine from your body and keep you hydrated.

Gradually reducing your caffeine over the course of a few weeks can help adjust the habit without the body going through withdrawal.

5. Prioritize getting a good night’s rest

Sleep has been proven time and time again to be an important part of good mental health.

Even though a 2012 survey found that nearly a third of adults get less than 6 hours of sleep a night, the CDC recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day.

You can make sleep a priority by:

only sleeping at night when you’re tired
not reading or watching television in bed
not using your phone, tablet, or computer in bed
not tossing and turning in your bed or going to another room if you can’t sleep
avoiding caffeine, large meals, and nicotine before bedtime
keeping your room dark and cool
writing down your worries before going to bed
going to sleep at the same time each night

6. Meditate and practice mindfulness

A main goal of meditation is full awareness of the present moment, which includes noticing all thoughts in a nonjudgmental way. This can lead to a sense of calm and contentment by increasing your ability to mindfully tolerate all thoughts and feelings.

Meditation is known to relieve stress and anxiety and is a primary facet of CBT.

Research from John Hopkins suggests 30 minutes of daily meditation may alleviate some anxiety symptoms and act as an antidepressant.

How to meditate

There are 9 popular types of meditation:

mindfulness meditation
spiritual meditation
focused meditation
movement meditation
mantra meditation
transcendental meditation
progressive relaxation
loving-kindness meditation
visualization meditation

Mindfulness meditation is generally the most popular form. To mindfully meditate, you can close your eyes, breathe deeply, and pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You don’t judge or become involved with them. Instead, you simply observe them and take note of any patterns.

7. Eat a balanced diet

Low blood sugar levels, dehydration, or chemicals in processed foods, such as artificial flavorings, artificial coloring, and preservatives, may cause mood changes in some people. A high-sugar diet may also impact temperament.

If your anxiety worsens after eating, check your eating habits. Stay hydrated, eliminate processed foods, and eat a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.

8. Practice deep breathing

Shallow, fast breathing is common with anxiety. It may lead to a fast heart rate, dizziness or lightheadedness, or even a panic attack.

Deep breathing exercises — the deliberate process of taking slow, even, deep breaths — can help restore normal breathing patterns and reduce anxiety.

9. Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that has been used by humans for thousands of years. The practice uses natural plant extracts and essential oils to promote the health and well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Its goal is to enhance both physical and emotional health.

The essential oils created by the natural plant extracts may be inhaled directly or added to a warm bath or diffuser. Aromatherapy is suggested to:

help you relax
help you sleep
boost mood
reduce heart rate and blood pressure

Some essential oils believed to relieve anxiety are:

bergamot
lavender
clary sage
grapefruit
ylang ylang

10. Drink chamomile tea

A cup of chamomile tea is a common home remedy to calm frayed nerves and promote sleep.

A 2014 study showed chamomile may also be a powerful ally against GAD. The study found people who took German chamomile capsules (220 milligrams up to five times daily) had a greater reduction in test scores that measure anxiety symptoms than those who were given a placebo.

Another 2005 study found that chamomile extract helped sleep-disturbed rats fall asleep. Researchers believe that the tea may function like benzodiazepine, binding to benzodiazepine receptors and having benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity.

Interested in other resources for mental health?

We’re here to help. Explore our evidence-driven reviews of top providers, products, and more to support your physical and emotional well-being.

If you’re feeling anxious, the above ideas may help calm you down.

Remember, home remedies may help ease anxiety, but they don’t replace professional help. Increased anxiety may require therapy or prescription medication. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.

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How to Treat Your Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

In this Article

Some anxiety is a normal part of life. You might feel a certain amount of unease or uncertainty when it comes to stressful situations such as taking a test, giving a presentation, or meeting new people. In many cases, a small amount of anxiety every so often can be a good thing. It helps to keep you aware of potential dangers and motivates you to be prepared.

For many people, however, anxiety occurs more frequently. They experience it almost every day. Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobias can interfere with normal daily activities, affecting their work, home, and personal lives. They differ from regular anxiety in that people feel an excessive amount of fear or anxiousness.

Dealing with anxiety can be stressful, but it is treatable. Many people with anxiety find relief with treatment. While some people benefit from taking medication, others find success with natural remedies.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Natural remedies for anxiety are those that don’t involve conventional medications (medicine you get from a doctor or health professional). They include things such as herbs, aromatherapy, and performing certain actions that promote relaxation. Some people with anxiety use natural remedies alongside conventional treatments to find relief.

Examples of natural remedies for anxiety include:

Exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s also beneficial for your mental health. While the connection isn’t well understood, studies do show that exercise can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Getting active helps to take your mind off of the issues bothering you. It also triggers your body to release endorphins, which are natural feel-good hormones.

Herbal Remedies

Several different herbs and herbal supplements may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, helping you to relax and feel calmer. Some of the more well-known varieties include:

Lavender
Lemon balm
Chamomile
Passionflower
Kava

Studies show that chamomile can help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While many of the studies on herbal supplements for anxiety are limited, the results are promising.

You can find many of these (and other) supplements in capsule (pill) form. Many people also drink herbal teas to help them relax.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to improve health and overall well-being. Many scents can help to boost your mood, help you relax, and reduce anxiety.

There are a few ways you can use essential oils. You can use a diffuser, place a few drops on a lava bead bracelet, or mix your favorite scent in a carrier oil to place on your wrist or neck.

Scents to use for anxiety include:

Lavender
Ylang ylang
Grapefruit
Clary sage
Bergamont

CBD Oil

Hemp-derived CBD oil has risen in popularity in recent years. Unlike marijuana-derived CBD, CBD from hemp plants has little (less than 0.3%) to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid that causes a high.

Several studies have shown that CBD can help with many ailments, such as pain, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety. While research is still in the early stages, studies show that it may have a lot of potential as an alternative anxiety treatment.

You can find CBD products in many mainstream stores. There are many options, including:

CBD oil tinctures (liquid drops)
CBD gummies
CBD chocolate and candies
CBD topicals (creams or lotions)

Meditation

Meditation involves the practice of mindfulness. You focus on removing chaotic thoughts from your mind and replacing them with calm. Research indicates that meditation can help to relieve anxiety symptoms, helping you to feel more at ease.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Rapid, shallow breathing is a common symptom of anxiety. Breathing in this manner can increase your heart rate, make you feel dizzy, and may even increase the risk of a panic attack. Deep breathing involves taking deliberately deep and measured breaths to restore normal breathing patterns, which can help to reduce anxiety.

Weighted Blankets

Research shows that weighted blankets can be beneficial for alleviating symptoms of anxiety. The pressure helps to put your body into “rest mode,” reducing those symptoms and preparing your body to rest. These blankets come in many different sizes and weights, enabling you to find what works best for you.

Quit Cigarettes and Alcohol

Both alcohol and cigarettes may appear to calm your nerves at first. After taking a drink, however, your anxiety may worsen. A cycle can develop, leading to alcohol dependence.

Several studies also show that smoking can worsen symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, it’s a good idea to try to avoid drinking or smoking to reduce feelings of anxiety.

When to See a Doctor

While natural treatments can help with anxiety symptoms, some signs may indicate that you need to call your doctor:

Your anxiety is chronic (long-lasting), and it interferes with your ability to function daily
Your symptoms have persisted for six months or more
You’re experiencing physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, difficulty sleeping, stomach issues, or chronic fatigue
You’re avoiding people or places
You’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or refer you to a specialist. In some cases, the natural remedies described above may be used along with more conventional treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

SOURCES:

American Addiction Center: “The Connection between Anxiety and Alcohol.”

American Psychiatric Association: “What Are Anxiety Disorders?”

Brain and Behavior: “How cigarette smoking may increase the risk of anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders: a critical review of biological pathways.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Stressed Out? Aromatherapy Can Help You Feel Calmer.”

Harvard Health Publishing: “Cannabidiol (CBD) – What we know and what we don’t.”

Mayo Clinic: “Depression and anxiety: Exercising eases symptoms.”

Mayo Clinic: “Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective?”

Michigan Medicine: “Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation.”

National Institute of Mental Health: “Anxiety Disorders.”

Neurotherapeutics: “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Meditation for Anxiety and Depression?”

Journal of Clinical Trials: “Long-Term Chamomile Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. ”

Penn Medicine: “More than Just a Fad: 4 Ways Weighted Blankets Can Actually Help You.”

Only Peace of Mind: Natural Remedies to Reduce Anxiety

Health

While pharmaceutical science and medical technology are constantly surprising with new advances, confidence in natural healing products has not waned in the slightest. On the contrary, the popularity of health products that have helped our ancestors for centuries is growing by leaps and bounds - we want to know everything about the miraculous power of Ayurvedic herbs, aromatherapy, qigong exercises and paleo diets.

The most sought after are remedies that can calm frayed nerves and reduce anxiety, a trendy ailment that, as it turns out, has knocked down almost everyone. And with all the wealth of drugs that guarantee indifference to stress, no psychotherapist will dispute the benefits of chamomile tea, lavender oil, or meditation, which help to cope with anxiety, and with pleasure. Let it be just a placebo effect - but it works!

Our "nature's first aid kit" contains an arsenal of nine natural anti-stress remedies that you should keep in mind when your nerves fail.

1. Protein-rich breakfast

First thing! Since a drop in blood glucose is accompanied by symptoms similar to anxiety, doctors advise eating on a schedule and starting the day with a high-protein breakfast to keep glucose levels stable. For the same reason, it is recommended to snack on nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts) and constantly include legumes, fish and leafy greens (everything you like from spinach to arugula) in the menu.

2. Regular exercise

Movement is life, remember? Sports bring a lot of benefits to physical, emotional and mental health. According to the findings of the American Anxiety and Depression Association, regular exercise helps to overcome stress, and even one active session (aerobics or weight training) relieves anxiety symptoms for several hours.

3. Phytotherapy

It doesn't hurt to consult a doctor, because not every herbal remedy works for everyone in a positive way - allergies or unpredictable reactions with the opposite effect are possible. However, there are several phytochites that have long been known in folk medicine. Topping the list is Rhodiola rosea (known as golden or rose root), an extremely effective adaptogen that boosts the immune system and is guaranteed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and fatigue. Those suffering from insomnia should try an infusion of passionflower (aka passionflower, or passion fruit when ripe to fruit state), which, despite the name, will help calm down and fall asleep. And, of course, motherwort and chamomile, scientifically proven facts can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder - up to a severe degree.

4. B12, Omega-3 and others

Deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and magnesium can affect anxiety. Consult with a specialist and order vitamins and supplements in the dosage you need - for example, on iHerb.com (when choosing brands, read the reviews of experienced buyers). And don't forget about foods rich in the above nutrients: salmon is a great source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3s, while green vegetables, beans, oatmeal, and nuts help combat magnesium deficiency.

5. Essential Oils

Excellent sleep, stress relief and relaxation natural oils used topically and in aromatherapy. Lavender-lemon balm and peppermint oil work especially well if something a little more stimulating is needed. This is not a shamanistic promotion or a marketing gimmick - research confirms that the aroma of lavender affects certain neuroreceptors, triggering the same biochemical reactions in the body as some anti-anxiety drugs.

6. Spiritual health practices

If your mind spends most of its time imagining a bleak future instead of enjoying the present, you should turn to spiritual health practices like yoga, tai chi or qigong. In particular, yoga three to four times a week for a month and a half has been shown to help alleviate chronic anxiety disorder, which sounds serious. Just don’t sign up for a Bikram class right away (who knows how your body will react to loads in an overheated gym), but start with a relaxed immersion in hatha yoga.

7. Meditation

Another way to bring yourself into a stable state of awareness is meditation. It is recommended to start at least with a daily minute of silence alone with yourself, focusing on breathing, in order to develop this useful habit. If you find it difficult without outside support, use the Headspace or Calm apps. Especially for residents of megacities - regardless of whether you are on the subway or walking around the city - try meditation by combining steps and breathing: inhale for five steps, and then exhale for eight to ten. Gradually increase the ratio, lengthening the exhalation, and you will notice that the anxiety subsides.

Photo: Getty Images

8. Probiotics

You've probably heard that probiotics help to improve the skin and digestive system, as well as increase energy and strengthen the immune system. But what can they do about anxiety? The study of this issue is still at the research stage, but scientists have already found that the dosed use of probiotics reduces the level of anxiety in animals. Let's wait for more convincing verdicts, although in general the conclusion is expected: it's no secret that good digestion eliminates sad thoughts.

9. Healthy sleep

The link between anxiety and insomnia is well known: brain regions that regulate emotions and help you stay calm are very sensitive to lack of sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, the herbs, supplements, and practices recommended above will help. Keep in mind that neither chamomile nor magnesium capsules will give an immediate effect. But if you approach the issue in a complex way, having developed a long-term strategy, you will be surprised how calm, strong and confident a person was hidden inside, allowing anxieties to take over.

Smirnova Natasha

3 herbal drinks that help with anxiety

Herbal tea helps with anxiety.
Photo: pexels.com

Natural herbs and remedies from them have a calming effect on the nervous system of any person.

Anxiety causes nervous tension, fear, bad thoughts. In a person who is constantly on an emotional platoon, the heartbeat quickens, shortness of breath appears. Treatment is with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, physical activity, and meditation.

But before you turn to medicine, try to get rid of anxiety in natural ways. Some plants contain compounds that act on the nervous system, help you relax and promote a sense of well-being.

3 herbal home remedies for anxiety

1. Broccoli and lettuce. An excellent natural remedy for anxiety is broccoli and lettuce. They both have calming properties that reduce stress and excitability of the central nervous system.

Ingredients:

1 liter of water;
1 lettuce leaf;
350 g broccoli.

Cooking method:

Boil water, add chopped lettuce and broccoli. Cover the pot with a lid and let it brew for about 20 minutes. Strain and drink this infusion instead of water for 5 days.

2. St. John's wort tea. An excellent remedy for anxiety is St. John's wort. It has calming and sedative properties. Effectively act on the central nervous system, helps with anxiety.

Ingredients:

Cooking method:

Pour water into a saucepan along with St. John's wort leaves and let it boil for about 10 minutes over low heat, covered with a lid. Then let the tea stand until it is slightly warm. Strain and drink 1 cup of the drink daily. In case of severe anxiety, you can drink 2-3 cups.

3. Banana drink. This vitamin drink contains banana and grains rich in vitamin B. They are essential for proper brain function and mental health, and help treat anxiety and stress.

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