Anxiety Not Always Harmful: Yoga, Aromatherapy and Home Remedies for Treating Anxiety Disorders

As per a latest report by the Global Industry Analysts, the worldwide sales of pharmaceutical drugs related to anxiety are forecasted to grow to $5.9 billion by 2017. Current estimates suggest that U.S. has the highest number of recorded anxiety related cases annually. Anxiety is not all bad and optimum level of anxiety is essential for survival. Home remedies, diet and homeopathy have been found effective in treating anxiety disorders or conditions associated with uncontrollable and abnormal anxiety levels.

Anxiety not always harmful

Psychologists in early twentieth century had described the role of anxiety (arousal) against performance. It was observed that optimum level of anxiety is crucial for performance.

In a recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, researchers from Stanford University try to reconfirm these claims. They observed that individuals with an active anterior insula (a part of the brain) were less likely to suffer from financial losses in future compared to individuals with less active anterior insula. This study reiterated the role of anxiety in rational decision making and improving performance. However, overactive insula was associated with chronic anxiety and phobias.

Anxiety hence should not be treated as all bad condition; but it is important to positively channelize anxiety and prevent an anxiety disorder.

Treating Anxiety Disorder: Yoga and Aromatherapy

Bhujangasana to
treat anxiety

There are various ways to treating anxiety disorder naturally. Yoga, an ancient Indian system of deep breathing and exercising, which has spiritual roots, is considered very beneficial. 

1. Deep breathing exercises like pranayama and meditation tend to have a soothing effect on the mind. It helps declutter negative emotions and thoughts and is effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Some Yoga postures are considered very beneficial in treating anxiety. These include, 

• Bhujangasana (also referred to as the Cobra pose) has profound benefits as it enhances concentration and tones up the body. The posture involves raising the upper portion of the body, with the support of the arms, in a typical presentation that represents the “cobra” (the most dangerous and dreaded Indian snake).
• Sarvangasana: A posture where the entire body rests on the neck and the upper part of the back and is perpendicular to the ground. This posture inculcates a sense of control and discipline in the body which in turn helps deal with anxiety effectively.

Combining meditation techniques with the use of essential oils have miraculous benefits. Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, jasmine and cypress essential oil extracts have profound benefit on reducing stress, instilling calmness, aiding emotional stabilization and manage anxiety effectively.

Home Remedies to Treat Anxiety disorder

Home remedies have also been found to contribute equally to the treatment of anxiety disorders. Here are some simple remedies, 

Milk can treat
anxiety disorders

• Milk is very effective in treating anxiety disorders. Milk is the only source of Vitamin B12 in a vegetarian diet. In addition milk contains a host of other vitamins and minerals that are effective in soothing the nerves and managing anxiety
• Roots of asparagus have been found to be associated with reduced levels of anxiety and stress. The active ingredient of asparagus is ‘Asparosides’ which performs immuno modulatory functions. For several centuries, Asparagus has been used for management of nervous and psychological disorders in Ayurveda.
• Licorice tea has a substance known as glycyrrhizin which is about fifty times sweeter than sugar cane juice. It is considered highly protective against anxiety disorders and panic attacks.