With the rise in challenges and competition around us, we are prone to stress and that is something that is the cause of numerous disorders. The person spends too much mental energy in their daily regimen about the future outcome. Unknowingly, putting stress on the body and mind triggers disturbance in the body.
What exactly is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an unsettling fear and uneasiness that makes you tense. The constant restlessness leads to rapid heartbeat and even sweating. For people who have anxiety disorders, this is not temporary as it stays with them most of the time.
When to see if things are going out of hand?
Anxiety disorders can take over your life, and it is not something normal as your emotions will make you suffer terribly. Along with that, you may experience some physical symptoms, anxiety does not limit itself to the mind and thinking process. If it reaches an extreme level i.e. lasts for months and is hindering your daily routine, you should consult an expert.
What does one experience?
Anxiety is not in your head, it really exists and some people have physical signs and symptoms in anxiety, such as:
- Pounding heart
- Uncontrollable thoughts
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, headache
- Negative thoughts
- Trembling and insomnia
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Being easily startled
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Weeping, sadness, suffocation
- Difficulty in facing situations
- Not able to express emotions
- Reluctance to meet people
Ayurveda for Anxiety
Ayurveda believes that the world constitutes five elements, fire, air, water, earth, and space. These elements combine to form Doshas. The three Doshas which are formed by the combination of such elements are Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha, and Kapha Dosha.
Anxiety is termed as Chittodvege as per Ayurvedic terminology and aggravation of Vata Dosha causes it. To pacify the respective Dosha, Ayurvedic treatment for Anxiety involves natural herbs, spices, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Anxiety
Ashwagandha
The stress hormones are regulated with its consumption. Additionally, it calms the brain and helps in coping with stress and anxiety. Acting as an energy booster, stamina, and endurance, power is also increased.
Brahmi
It helps to combat anxiety as it is known to boost brain function, enhance concentration and revive the brain.
Chamomile
The tea is a great drink to sip as it calms down anxiety and improves sleep.
Jatamanasi
It is a strong antioxidant that has anti-stress properties. The roots of this herb keep the body free from toxins and blockages.
Bhringaraj
This herb can be used in tea as well as herbal oil for massage. This helps in the detoxification of the body and consistently provides oxygen to the body, increasing the blood flow in the body. Additionally, it relaxes the body.
Mandukparni
An aromatic herb that helps to improve alertness and memory.
Vacha
It gives an effect of rejuvenation on the nervous system. As it is bitter it is consumed in dried form. Acting as an excellent brain tonic it protects the brain cells from inflammation and degeneration. It also supports proper brain functioning and boosts the brain.
Tulsi
It is considered the sacred plant in the country. It has numerous amount of benefits as it exhibits anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-oxidant properties. Along with these properties, it also has anti-viral, pain-relieving, and blood glucose stabilization properties.
Gotu Kola
It can be eaten in the form of salad. It works well for stress as it calms the mind and enhances memory.
Valerian
The root of this plant is used to treat anxiety disorders as it aids in receiving better sleep and relief from restlessness.
Lavender
This is a flowering plant, which alleviates anxiety and calms the nerves. Lavender can be used in various forms such as:
- Tea-Leaves
- Aromatherapy-Oil
- Massage- Oil
- Bathing- Oil/Flowers
Passionflower
This flower has an anxiety calming effect. It may be effective in providing relief from restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety disorders.
Kava Kava
It produces pleasant sensations and has a calming effect on the brain. It relaxes the brain giving the sense of euphoria. It can be used in the form of tea or powder.
Amla
It is rich in Vitamin C and has the ability to fight stress.
Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric not only reduces stress but also minimizes oxidative stress. Due to its flavor and color, it can be easily added to so many dishes.
Kesar (saffron)
Consumption of saffron calms down the body and gives a soothing effect to the brain.
Ayurvedic Diet for anxiety disorders
It is always said, “you are what you eat” and this statement fits well in the case of Ayurveda as it balances the energies wonderfully when the nutritional diet is healthy!
A healthy diet not only heals the body internally but the glow is seen externally also. The plus point is it elevates the mood too. You should make sure you follow the food habits as it is going to help you in manage the anxiety disorder.
What to eat?
Fresh fruits
Fresh fruits like berries, bananas, oranges, avocados instill you with various vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Berries: Berries like raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry contain antioxidants and they also boost the mood.
- Bananas: As they are a rich source of potassium, they manage stress levels and relax the body.
- Oranges: They are rich in Vitamin C and they reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. It helps you to stay calm, happy and relaxed.
- Avocado: It influences the mood of the person giving them a positive outcome. It also shows the relation between the widening of blood vessels and the formation of red blood cells.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables and green leafy vegetables should be included in the diet.
- Spinach: It contains Magnesium which keeps you calmer and also balances the mood.
- Asparagus: It contains mood-boosting nutrients and is rich in folic acid. Studies suggest people with anxiety disorders are usually deficient in folic acid, so asparagus is a good option for you!
- Kale: It has exceptionally high levels of antioxidants, which help in controlling stress at the cellular level.
- Beet Root: Rise in blood pressure is seen in people who are affected by anxiety disorders, to regulate the blood pressure Beetroot should be consumed in the form of salad or juice as it relaxes the blood vessels promoting oxygen to the brain.
- Broccoli: Enough Vitamin-K is present in the broccoli, which relieves symptoms of anxiety.
- Cabbage: Another form of Vitamin-K is cabbage. Along with this vitamin, it also contains folic acid, Vitamin-C, and Vitamin-B which helps in easing your anxiety. Further, it calms the brain, so grab it and have it!
- Carrots: The vitamins present in the carrot helps in the proper functioning of neurotransmitters as it strengthens the nervous system. Chop them; eat them as a salad or vegetable, or even drink it as a juice!
- Sweet Potatoes: They help in fighting the nervous system damage caused due to anxiety disorder. Make sure you add them to your diet plan.
Probiotics
Fermented foods like yogurt, buttermilk can help in the reduction of anxiety.
Juices
With anxiety and depression, juices of fruits and vegetables work like magic if you consume them empty stomach. Some of the advised juices are:
- Ash gourd
- Beetroot
- Bottle gourd
- Coconut water
- Carrot
- Orange
Nuts (Cashew, Walnuts, and Almonds)
They are a rich source of good fats and they also minimize the stress on the body, aiding in the management of anxiety. So you are advised to have these soaked nuts in the morning or consume them in raw form before the meals to help the absorption of nutrients adequately.
Milk
It is a powerhouse of nutrients and it soothes the nervous system.
- Almond milk along with saffron eases the brain, muscles, and promotes calmness. Drink it in the morning.
- Drinking warm milk with honey and saffron before bed can pacify Vata Dosha.
Cow’s Ghee
Intake of ghee increases the Ojas (energy reservoir) which is reduced due to anxiety.
Follow a balanced diet and make a habit to have regular meals timely.
What not to eat?
- Excess sugar harms the brain and can be a triggering factor for anxiety.
- Choosing substance abuse as a coping mechanism will make you dependent on them and will aggravate the anxiety disorder symptoms.
- Processed foods, canned foods, excess carbohydrates should be avoided as it is not good for overall health.
- Caffeine intake should be avoided.
- Carbonated and fizzy drinks should not be taken into consideration.
- Saturated foods, oily foods should not be consumed.
- Intake of non-vegetarian food should be avoided.
Every patient is unique and requires unique treatment to achieve complete healing on all levels so along with these herbs and dietary changes consult us for successful results! Hurry!
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