Safe Alternative Medicines For Anxiety

Anxiety can reduce your ability to live a full and happy life. When you are anxious, your heartbeat accelerates and you may find it difficult to breathe. If your anxiety is chronic, meaning it occurs frequently, you may experience insomnia, the inability to concentrate and your muscles may ache from constant tension. Traditional medications for anxiety include antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, but both the Mayo Clinic and the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines" suggest some safe alternates to reduce anxiety.

Relaxation

The goal of alleviating anxiety is to instill calm, relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Alternative medicines to help you relax include the use of aromatherapy, traditional Chinese herbal formulas and homeopathy.
Aromatherapy, the use of beneficial scents, employs the highly concentrated essential oils of plants in massage oils, baths, sprays and even tinctures to encourage relaxation. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines" suggests lavender, chamomile, sweet marjoram, ylang-ylang and neroli essential oils to treat anxiety. A certified aromatherapist can suggest the best combination for your individual needs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the entire body, not just the mind, to relieve anxiety. This ancient medical practice focuses on the use of herbal remedies, combined with meditation and massage, to balance the body's yin and yang.
Homeopathy combines substances from plants and minerals, combined in weak dosages to treat physical and mental ailments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate homeopathic medicines, but the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines" reports that they are generally safe for most individuals. A certified homeopathic practitioner should diagnose and recommend homeopathic medicines for relaxation.

Herbals

Taken as supplements in the United States, some herbal medicines may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Potentially beneficial herbs include chamomile, nettles, skullcap, licorice, St. John's wort, gotu kola, borage and ginseng. To ensure herbal medicine's safety, consult a qualified herbalist or doctor of naturopathy for recommendations. However, if you have known allergies, discuss herbal treatments with your doctor.

Avoid

The Mayo Clinic reports that using drugs or abusing alcohol may increase anxiety problems. In addition, smoking and consuming caffeinated beverages may make your anxiety worse.