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We should be able to take most worries in our stride without becoming unduly anxious but if we get to the point where we feel physically wretched, where problems loom terrifyingly in our minds by day and pursue us relentlessly into our dreams by night, it is time to take stock of the situation. Irrational anxiety may have a purely physical cause such as a poor diet leading to a deficiency of minerals and vitamins. Low blood sugar level or too many stimulants in the form of coffee, tea and cigarettes can also contribute to a feeling of impending doom. Inevitably the worse we feel the worse we become. Holding our selves taut and strung out with tension can create difficulties in breathing, it makes muscles ache, the jaw stiff, the neck rigid and we may suffer from stomach pains. We slump into a depressed posture which causes indigestion and constipation. Nervous tensions, stress and strain not only upset the digestive system but may also interfere with the hormonal balance of the body. We become tired, out faces become drawn and indented with anxious lines and we look and therefore feel doubly dreadful. All the unpalatable platitudes which were meant to stop us feeling sorry for ourselves can be crystallized into several very commonsensical suggestions. Take some regular exercise in which the mink has to become totally absorbed in what you are doing and thoughts cannot wander – a quick and unaccustomed jog around the block whilst your mind is busy beavering unhappily away will not do. When an anxious, aggressive, fearful or negative thought burrows randomly into your consciousness briskly disperse it with a pleasant picture of your own choosing and work hard elaborating on that. Refuse to allow yourself to dwell upon beastly thoughts, especially those inflicted upon you, willy nilly, by the media. The days are gone when we might have collected the leaves of heliotrope in which we could wrap bay leaves and a wolf’s tooth to protect ourselves against cruel thoughts and unkind words. Relaxation or learning to relax, taking long controlled breaths, practicing yoga or meditation, swimming or walking with a purpose (bird watching, admiring other folks gardens) will all help to dispel anxiety. So will a long chat into a friendly ear. One of the best methods of relaxing is to have a massage or to visit a reflexologies and have your feet massaged – this is something that you can do for yourself at home and it will having your back, shoulders and neck massaged, especially if, with practice, you can manage to induce in yourself a trance – like state. I have heard it said that in order to achieve this one must turn one’s third eye inwards. Essential oils are some of the best home remedies for anxiety or reducing tension. Use them in a carrier oil to massage the body or throw a few drops into a warm bath. The following are those most frequently recommended to relieve tension and stress; basil, marjoram, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, thyme, tarragon and sage. If the hormonal balance is affected both drinking sage tea and massaging with essential oil of sage are particularly effective. All of these herbs should be taken in tea and used lavishly in cooking too. Bergamot, chamomile, juniper, lavender, vervain and orange can also be used as essential oils in bath and massage and the herbs used in tea as a mild sedative and digestive. Coriander, geranium, neroli, cedarwood and frankincense are spicy healing oils which are particularly calming when used in the bath. There are very few old – fashioned remedies to relieve anxiety beyond suggesting that one eats plenty of brown bread, wheat germ, molasses, honey, milk and oats. Self – help is by far the best home remedy for anxiety. Although not initially an easy answer, once you have learned the lesson it is always there for you to fall back on in a crisis and although habit – forming it is not detrimental to the health. Home Remedies for Anxiety Soothing drinks
A Tea to Soothe and Heal the Troubled Spirit 25g (1 oz) each dried chamomile flowers, Mix all the ingredients together and store in a dark airtight container. Use 1 teaspoon to 300 ml (1/2 pint) of boiling water in a tea pot and leave to stand for five minutes before straining and serving with a slice of lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey if liked. This tea calms turmoil and anxiety and also helps to clear a fuzzy head and upset tummy. One cup morning and night will sustain a feeling of well – being. A Tea to Soothe the Nerves 1 teaspoon each grated dried valerian root and dried mint ½ teaspoon each dried chamomile and lavender flowers Infuse the dry ingredients in the water for 15 minutes then strain and take 1 glass three times a day for one week only.
A Tonic Tea to Relieve Stress, home remedy for anxiety Steep the greenery in the water for five minutes. Strain and drink with lemon and honey.
The Nice Breakfast Food 450g (11b) porridge oats Mix all the ingredients together and serve with chopped fresh fruit, stewed dried fruit, yoghurt or milk. This makes enough to last a family several weeks.
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