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Anxiety is a normal emotion that plagues most people from time to time. It acts as a warning of danger, and once the danger is clear, usually the anxiety subsides. But for certain individuals, it's really disrupting and debilitating, and it escalates and requires treatment before it goes away. While prescription medication may be necessary for some people, there are many home remedies that can actually work for treating bad nerves and anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms can be mild or very intense. Milder symptoms are:

  • flutters in the chest
  • adrenaline rushes
  • muscle tension or pressure
  • suddenly feeling frightened
  • a feeling of things being surreal
  • difficultly focusing
  • stomach distress
  • diarrhea

More intense symptoms include:

  • heart palpitations
  • hyperventilation
  • dry mouth
  • uncontrollable shaking
  • sweating
  • chest pain and pressure

Many people who experience intense symptoms often believe they're having a heart attack and end up in the emergency room, only to find out it was an anxiety attack.

Herbs and Supplements for Bad Nerves and Anxiety

Herbs and supplements work well to bring relief from nerves or anxiety. Here are just a few of the most effective.

  • DHEA: A hormone produced in the body. As people age, the level of DHEA decreases, especially in those with health conditions or diseases, and this can cause anxiety. A DHEA supplement gently calms anxiety with no side effects. It can also be used at bedtime to facilitate falling asleep. For faster relief during an intense anxiety or nerve attack, let a tablet dissolve under your tongue. Follow directions for use on the label.
  • GABA: An amino acid produced by the brain. Low GABA levels can bring on nervousness and anxiety. GABA supplements soothe and calm nerves and eliminate anxiety by restoring GABA levels back to normal. Follow recommended usage found on the label.
  • Lavender: A plant famous for its calming properties. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a large bowl filled with boiling water. Lean over the bowl with a towel covering your head and inhale the soothing steam. You can also add a few drops to a hot bath and have a relaxing soak.

Breathing Exercises

Anxiety, whether intense, mild, or anticipatory, can be calmed by learning and using simple breath patterns. Here's a quick breathing technique for when you don't have a lot of time:

  1. Inhale and count to two, then exhale as you count to two
  2. Inhale and count to two, then exhale as you count to four
  3. Inhale and count to two, then exhale as you count to six
  4. Inhale and count to two, then exhale as you count to eight
  5. Inhale and count to two, then exhale as you count to 10

Do Something Fun or Funny

Look for ways to distract yourself and elevate your mood with laughter. Do something just for fun. Watch your favorite comedy or a movie that you know always makes you laugh. Read that hilarious book again. Find relaxation and fun in small, simple ways, like taking a yoga class, which helps calm the anxious body.

Stimulants

Be careful about what you put in your body. Stimulants like chocolate, sugar, or caffeine can increase anxiety attacks and intensity. Caffeine is a strong stimulant and should be eliminated from your diet slowly to avoid severe side effects like headaches and nausea.

Anxiety is a serious disorder that can take over your life if you let it; some people are unable to leave the house or stay home alone. The most important home remedy for bad nerves and anxiety is to fight back and never give in to it. Even the smallest victories add up and let you reclaim your sense of calm and happiness.