Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18% of the population struggles with an anxiety disorder.. and only 37% of them receive treatment. Here in this blog post, we are going to share with you 5 tips for drug free anxiety relief.
You may be part of 82% of the population who do not have an anxiety disorder. Does that mean you never feel anxious? Not at all even people who don’t have an anxiety disorder need anxiety relief from time to time.
The trouble comes when people rely solely on drugs to relieve anxiety. This is not to say that medications are never necessary; In fact, there are times when medication is the best solution to an anxiety problem. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to determine the best course of action for your anxiety disorder.
For those who want to try drug-free anxiety relief, there are a few options that can improve your feelings. Remember, you don’t have to be diagnosed with anxiety to benefit from these natural remedies.
Natural remedies for drug free anxiety relief
Essential oils
You’ve probably heard of the soothing effects of essential oils, but do you know which ones are the best for anxiety relief? Vetiver essential oil has been called the oil of calm because of its anxiety-healing properties. Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
The best way to use vetiver oil and lavender oil is to add a few drops of each to carrier oil such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, or argan oil. Then apply it to your wrists, neck, temples, and behind your ears. You can also inhale lavender oil straight from the bottle.
Valerian Root
Valerian is a plant that grows in Asia and Europe. Its root has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Valerian root inhibits the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to a calming sensation. Studies have found that people who consume valerian root daily have less mental stress. It can also improve sleep quality.
The recommended course of valerian root for anxiety relief is to take 120-200mg of the supplement three times a day with food. It may take a few weeks to see results, so don’t give up if you don’t see any changes in the first few days.
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Ashwagandha
It is a herb native to India, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is said to have many healing properties, including treating arthritis, increasing the heart’s breathing capacity, and—you guessed it—relieving stress and anxiety. Research shows that a daily dose of ashwagandha can reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety.
You can take ashwagandha in three main ways: as a powder, capsule, or liquid extract. The recommended dosage is around 250-500mg per day. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor first.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, including fighting inflammation and autoimmune diseases, improving mental disorders, promoting skin health, reducing the risk of heart disease, and reducing anxiety and depression. is included One study linked omega-3 supplements to reducing anxiety in medical students.
To increase your omega-3 intake, take some supplements or eat more of these foods:
- Walnut
- Edamame and tofu
- Salmon and mackerel
- Musk
- Linseed
- Grass-fed beef
- Chia seeds
Prebiotics
It’s amazing how interconnected your gut and your brain are. If your gut is healthy, it also has a positive effect on your mental health. Taking prebiotics can give you the healthy bacteria you need. Studies show that prebiotics reduce cortisol, the stress hormone associated with anxiety.
It is common to take prebiotics and/or probiotics to ensure that your gut flora remains balanced. If you want a more natural way to get the prebiotics you need for a healthy gut, try these foods:
- Garlic
- Onions and Leeks
- Bananas
- Asparagus
- Oats and barley
- Dandelion greens
- Jerusalem artichoke
