Natural Ways to Fight Anxiety

Anxiety got your mind running and your body up tossing and turning all night? Some people find relief taking prescription medications for chronic anxiety, but if that’s not for you or you’d like to handle it on your own there are some natural options that might help.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that the body uses for 300 different purposes…and most people are deficient in it. Magnesium can help to calm you down and also help you sleep better overall. Take it before bed and start with a low dose in case it affects you strongly. Many magnesium supplements come paired with calcium, and it’s safe to take over the counter.

CBD

People can use oral CBD products from Area 52 to relieve anxiety throughout the day. It may help to take these products in the morning with some food. Smoking or vaping CBD oil can provide immediate relaxation that may help people during especially stressful events, such as giving a speech.

Theanine

Theanine is found in black and green teas, and it can help calm those feelings of anxiousness that make you want to throw your phone on the floor. (Which will always just cause more anxiety, don’t try it.) You can find theanine in a supplement form.

Taurine

Taurine can help to increase the levels of dopamine in the body, which in turn can relax the central nervous system. A lot of people think that taurine is an energy booster since it is commonly found in energy drinks, but it actually can sedate the brain a bit when there is excessive neuronal firing going on, which can help with the stressed feeling.

Rhodiola

The herb Rhodiola is popular in Europe and is thought to help reduce stress, fight fatigue, and increase energy, as well as help with weight loss and enhance immunity. It’s been used since 77 A.D. in Greece, and its effects on depression have been studied on animals. Animal studies have seemed to show that rhodiola enhances the transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. When serotonin in our brain is balanced it can make us a feel a lot happier and more calm.

Rhodiola is also an adaptogen, which can increase the body’s nonspecific resistance and normalize functions of the body. Adaptogens might work by encouraging the cells to work more efficiently to both manufacture and use cell fuel in a productive manner.

Any side effects of this herb are unknown and is thought to be safe to take over a few week period but there has been no research done over the long term.

Chamomile

If you’re having a moment of anxiety you might be able to find some relief by drinking a cup of chamomile tea. (Or by taking the herb in a supplement form.) Some compounds in the tea have been shown to have similar effects on the brain receptors as drugs like Valium do. The result might not be as strong, but it is safe.

Valerian

Valerian is going to make you tired, so it can be used as a sleep aid if necessary. In Germany it has approved for that use. It can be drank in tea form but it doesn’t smell too great so most people prefer to get it in a pill form.