Sometimes is can seem that anxiety is an inevitable part of everyday life, but there are ways to minimize its affect on your health.

As the pace of life continues to increase, so do your stress levels. You can ease the symptoms of anxiety by acknowledging that you are stressed, with gentle herbal remedies, good nutrition, deep breathing, gentle exercise and adequate sleep.

Employment stress, exam pressure and family break-ups are some of life's events that leave people feeling agitated and tense. Reports of hazards and disasters also add a general sense of fear and worry. During periods of prolonged stress, your hormones and energy levels will become depleted and your immune system weakened. Too much stress can cause anxiety-related disorders such as depression, panic attacks, mood swings and phobias. Many suffer symptoms without realizing it, including irritability, headaches, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and, eventually, digestive issues such as gastric ulcers.

You need to restore your balance. The symptoms of anxiety can be treated with traditional herbal remedies. Lemon balm and skullcap are relaxants, helping you to unwind and gain a restful night's sleep. Vervain and skullcap can also help to nourish, strengthen and balance your nervous system. Linden is helpful in protecting against the formation of gastric ulcers and the antispasmodic properties of wild lettuce are helpful in relaxing muscles.

Your autonomic nervous system, over which you have no conscious control, is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In response to intense physical or emotional stimulation, your sympathetic system induces a fight or flight' response, increasing adrenals, so you can respond to danger. In our evolutionary past this helped us to avoid predators, but extended stimulation results in a racing heart rate, sweating and irritability.

The parasympathetic system is suppressed during fight or flight'. This system is responsible for the housekeeping of vital bodily functions, including digestion, assimilation of nutrients and waste elimination. Is it any wonder that excessive anxiety can result in digestive disorders?

If you are suffering from anxiety, you may want to stock up on some of these soothing herbs to help you fight the symptoms.

Passion flower Passion flower is a gentle tranquilizer that is even suitable for children and the elderly. This purple and white flower is native to Mexico and Brazil. A tincture

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to combat anxiety attacks?
We want to hear your view. Write now!