Anxiety

Description

A state of anxiety can be described as anticipatory tension or vague dread, persisting in the absence of a specific threat. In contrast to fear, which is a realistic reaction to actual danger, anxiety is a reaction to a concealed source of distress.

Anxiety is characterised physiologically by increased pulse rate; heightened breathing and blood pressure, palpitations, perspiration, muscular tension, dryness of the mouth, and sometimes an increased need to urinate. Emotionally, anxiety is characterised by worry, apprehension, panic, or fear.

Mild anxiety actually heightens an individual’s capacities. It becomes a problem, however, when anxiety persists or when it interferes with normal daily functioning.

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Herbs

Ginkgo biloba (4)
Hops (5)
St. John's Wort (7)
Valerian (6)

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Nutritional Supplements

Folic Acid
Magnesium (1)
Niacin (2)
Thiamine (3)
Vitamin B2 (3)
Vitamin B12 (3)

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Homoeopathy: Anxiety & Stress

Aconite
Severe emotional or mental Stress.
Feelings of Shock, panic and restlessness.
Can be helpful in panic attacks.
Helpful if accompanied by anxiety or panic.

Arsen. alb.
Anxiety combined with irritability.
Restless and hates to be alone.
Usually a "cold-blooded" person.
Pain makes the patient feel very anxious.

Ignatia
Severe grief or emotional upset such as bereavement.
Crying uncontrollably, may be hysterical.
Feeling as if cannot cope due to grief.

Nux vom.
Workahoilic, who will burn out.
Irritable and irascible.
Often turn to drink, tranquilisers or stimulants to cope.

Gelsemium
Exam nerves or similar situation.
Feels paralysed by fear.
Can be used for school phobia.

Silicea
Anxious, fears failure.
Nervous, irritable and stubborn.
Usually a cold-blooded person.

Homoeopathy: Onset of cold or flu

Arsen. alb.
Very anxious and restless and often thirsty.

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References

1. Weston PG et al. Magnesium sulfate as a sedative. Am J Med Sci 1923;165:431-33.
2. Mohler H, Polc P, Cumin R, et al. Niacinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions. Nature 1979;278:563-65.
3. Christian L, et al. Impact of dietary change on emotional distress. J Abn Psych 1985; 94:565-79.
4. Schubert H and Halama P. Depressive episode primarily unresponsive to therapy in elderly patients: efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in combination with antidepressants. Geria Forsch 1993; 3: 45-53.
5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 147.
6. Brown D. Valerian root: Non-addictive alternative for Insomnia and anxiety. Quart Rev Nat Med 1994;Fall:221-24 [review].
7. Witte B, Harrer G, Kaptan T, et al. Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration Hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study. Fortschr Med 1995;113:404-408 [in German].