Society today has become more stressful to the average person than ever before. We are
constantly being pulled into a million different directions and we worry about our future,
our work, our health, and our family. The list could go on and on.
It is of no surprise that a large amount of the population feels anxiety that prevents
them from leading a normal life. There are cases of severe anxiety, where people are
worrying excessively without a rational reason to do so. In this case, it severely affects
their ability to use normal skills and participate in normal activities in their lives.
While anxiety disorder is common around the world, it is especially common in the United
States, where about 6.8 million adults are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
Women are diagnosed more often than men with this disorder. Usually, anxiety begins to
appear in adolescence and intensify with age.
Often depression and anxiety are caused by a neurochemical imbalance in the brain, such
as a lack of serotonin or dopamine. These chemicals are essential for the body to be
able to relax, process feelings and improve mood.
Here are the most common symptoms of anxiety:
Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness Problems sleeping
Cold or sweaty hands or feet Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations Not being able to be still and calm
Dry mouth Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Nausea Muscle tension
Dizziness
In many cases, medication, such as Xanax, Valium and Ativan, is used to treat anxiety.
The medication class used most often are benzodiazepines. However, these medications can also cause
someone to become addicted and depending on these chemicals. If the medication is discontinued,
the patients often experience withdrawal symptoms, psychological distress and physical distress
as their chemical levels are lowered.
Sometimes the medication used to treat chronic anxiety or panic attacks are anti-depressants.
However, these medications often fail and can even make symptoms worse.
Many researchers have looked at natural ways
to reduce anxiety levels that does not involve medication. Numerous researchers have found
that lavender is an effective herb in treating symptoms of anxiety. Lavender oil has been
found to be as effective in treating symptoms of anxiety as the prescription drug lorazepam,
per the medical journal Phytomedicine. Even better yet, lavender oil has no chance of
becoming addicted or dependent. It also has no sedative effects unlike its medical counterparts.
Some of the beneficial effects of lavender oil are:
It treats depression symptoms
It relieves restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia
Aids in the case of dementia-related agitation It is extremely helpful in the case of painful
and inflammatory conditions, as well as migraines and joint pain
How to use Lavender Oil to Calm Nervousness and other Anxiety related symptoms:
You can prepare a cup of lavender tea by just
adding one to two tablespoons of whole, dried flowers to one cup of boiling water. Steep
for about ten to fifteen minutes. Strain, or use a tea infuser, prior to consuming the
tea.
Lavender leaves and flowers can also be found in a liquid form. When using a liquid form
of this plant, add six drops of lavender oil extract or ¼ to ½ cup of dried lavender
flowers to your bath water.
Lavender oil can also be taken orally by adults.
It is important that you speak with your doctor before you begin any new treatment on your
own to determine the proper dosage and usage. Lavender capsules should not be taken by children.
Precautions:
If lavender is combined with certain prescription medications, such as certain anti-depressants,
benzodiazepines or narcotics, such as codeine, it can cause drowsiness. This is also the
case in aromatherapy. Again, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning to use lavender
to treat your symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor should be aware of all methods that you are
using, including those that do not involve a prescription. Also, if you are taking any
prescription medication, your doctor needs to ensure that you will not experience any
adverse side effects from adding lavender to your current regime.
Chances are that you, or someone you know, either suffers or has suffered from anxiety.
Have you ever used lavender to treat symptoms of anxiety, or to simply relax? Let us know
in the comment section what benefits of lavender you have experienced.
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