Do Natural Remedies For Anxiety Really Work? Is the question from the title giving you anxiety already? Honestly, we are surprised that anxiety still did not win the word of the year title. Because it seems that this modern age disease is almost epidemic, and the term itself became overused in everyday life. Were we this anxious ten years ago or did we just used other words to define it?
The age-old dilemma between medicine and natural treatments continues, as people are willing to try anything that could solve their problems. And nowadays, the anxiety is the word that sells. Blankets, gums, oils, gadgets, anything, you name it, and it could probably somehow help with stress or anxious thoughts and feelings. This situation is partially the result of our consumerism, but mainly it is because many people do not want to seek professional help when it comes to anxiety-related disorders.
According to the ADAA, 40 millions of adult US citizens experience some type of this disorder, but only 40% of them decides to consult a specialist about it. Others instead opt for natural, or non-medical treatments and remedies, which is going to be our topic today.
Why Are We Anxious?
It is hard to tell what are the exact causes because it differs from one person to another. Usually, there is an emotional trigger, which leads to disproportionate levels of distress, fear, or worries. Identifying that key trigger is essential for later successful treatment, but that can be challenging because sometimes people are not aware of what is the primary cause. As a result, treating anxiety is a process, and it requires to be diagnosed by a mental health specialist.
There are many types of anxiety, but generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common diagnosis. To be diagnosed with GAD, a person needs to experience periods of excessive worry about particular activities or events for at least six months. Also, should have difficulties with controlling their thoughts and fears, and to have a minimum of three anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be triggered by some general daily things such as stress, finances, negative thoughts, too much caffeine, meal skipping, certain medications, or an already existing disease. Identifying and understanding your triggers is essential for the process of learning how to deal with them.
When To Seek Help
Feeling anxious occasionally is a normal thing, but if you or your friends notice that you are worrying and overthinking too much, then it is time to seek help. Talk to doctors; they will examine your symptoms, go through your medical history, and set a diagnose if there is a need for it.
Although anxiety is treatable and it can be overcome, many people are not looking for a treatment. Instead, they rely on temporary solutions, over the counter drugs, and natural remedies. However, those alternative ways of treatment are not always efficient as they claim to be, which is why their use is so controversial.
A Natural Remedy For Anxiety
Getting a natural remedy does not require a previous diagnosis, you can take these things on your own, and the process is more simple because it does not involve scheduling appointments, dealing with insurance, etc. You can easily make an order online, and wait for your parcels to arrive. People usually opt for this type of anxiety aids because they believe this approach is safer or milder than the use of real prescribed drugs.
However, many of these natural aids do not come with scientific proof that they truly work. Mostly, they may help and improve some mild cases, but that is not a general rule. But besides that, many people are still ready to swear that those aids are working, and the number one natural aid, which is the most talked-about is CBD oil. CBD oil for anxiety is pretty popular, and it is all over the internet, but what it is and how can oil help?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the prime cannabinoid found in cannabis, together with, for example, THC, it represents some of the well-known active ingredients in cannabis. However, it is important to mention that CBD does not have psychoactive effects, unlike THC. CBD effects our CB1 receptors, which control the level of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters responsible for our mood, and that is how CBD can impact on our stress or fear level, and even depression.
Does It Work?
CBD is only the most famous one, but there are plenty of other herbal-based alternative aids for anxiety such as lavender, valerian, verbena, etc. However, what is common to all of them is their effectiveness and safety is still unproven. Why, in some instances, certain natural aids improve anxiety symptoms is still not understood enough, and the placebo response rates are very high.
But still, many people are willing to try various supplements rather than to rely on modern medical treatments and diagnosis. When and if you decide to seek professional help, you must be honest about the things you have previously tried. Usually, people turn to their doctors when they are out of options, or when none of those natural remedies works for them. Eventually, those “blind shots” can cost you more than a visit to the doctor.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is important to say that there is nothing wrong with using natural remedies. If CBD oil is helping you and keeping your anxiety under control, that’s just great! CBD does not cause addiction, and its usage is considered safe. Millions of people across the world use this supplement every day, without any complications. However, if you have never used it before and you are thinking about trying it, bear in mind that it can come with some minor side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Another thing is that CBD is FDA approved, but there are still no recommendations about the dosage, so it is all very individual, just like the effect of aid itself. To conclude, natural aids like CBD may help in some cases, but it would be best to consult a physician before you start using them, just to be sure what is your diagnosis and what are the options.