8 Effective Natural Remedies For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which affects countless people throughout the world is a mental health condition that an individual often develops after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event like life-threatening accident or natural disaster, rape, violent physical assault and armed conflict. The children or adult affected can re-experiencing the vivid recollection of the terrifying event through nightmares, dreams, flashback accompanying intense bout of behavioral disorder, disturbing thoughts, fear, feeling of hopelessness, crying, insomnia and depression. In some cases PTSD can be so severe that it may interfere with daily life. The PTSD is mostly treated with anti-depressant drugs and behavior therapy but they often cause dependency. Supporting the patient with your love and affection is the best way to help him/her come out of this situation. Fortunately, there are certain natural remedies that have shown great potential to relieve the patient from post-traumatic anxiety symptoms.

10 Remedies For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

PTSD not only affects one’s mind but body also. One’s heart, stomach and brain can get affected and the individual may suffer from headache, migraine, high blood pressure and digestive problems. Therefore proper nutrition, exercise and adrenals that calm the nerves can help to alleviate the condition and help him/her come out of the situation.

1. Green Tea

As we have discussed above that PTSD, though a mental disorder, it also affects the hormonal balance and immune response of the body. Green tea is well known for its immune boosting properties and also has relaxing properties that can lower stress level and calm the mind and reduce mental anxiety and nervous distress.

2. Dong Quai

To calm the overactive adrenal glands highly sensitive nervous system that usually accompanies PTSD, the ancient Chinese herb Dong Quai can be very helpful. The herb helps to regulate the adrenal glands effectively and therefore can help prevent high anxiety moments and panic and help the affected person overcome feeling of helplessness by strengthening the nervous system.

3. Basil

Just like Dong Quai is an effective herb for strengthening the adrenal glands. Chewing basil leaves or adding them to tea or taking basil juice regularly will not only support adrenal glands but will improve digestion and other symptoms associated with PTSD.

4. Kava Root (Piper Methisticum)

Kava root is a strong relaxing herb that can help reduce nervous episodes and panic attacks associated with PTSD. It works as an excellent muscle relaxant. Studies show that kava is a powerful natural alternative to prescription medication for dealing with PTSD. Research shows that increasing GABA, a brain chemical that Kava helps to suppress the impulses that cause anxiety. It is available in various forms like tea, capsules and tinctures.

5. Skullcap

For centuries, skullcap has been used to soothe and calm the nerves. It can ease mental stress, improve mood and thus can be used in PTSD to restore mental stability.

6. Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle can be used as natural treatment for reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as it helps to regulate the adrenal gland and inhibits the production of the hormone adrenaline that is released when an individual is in shock state or stressed.

7. Exercise

Exercise is one of the best natural remedy for filling the body with positive energy. Exercise helps to release endorphins that lower the stress hormone and help you relax and sleep better. Engage yourself in aerobic activities like playing your favorite sports like badminton, basketball etc. staying active will help to eliminate those negative thoughts and bring you back to normal life.

8. Aromatherapy

The essential oils used in Aromatherapy have soothing, calming and sedative effects on the nerves and provides relaxation and peace. Few recommended essential oil to reduce anxiety stress and symptoms of PTS D are chamomile, lavender, Geranium and lemon. They can be diffused, applied on cloths on massaged into the skin after diluting.

The effect of post-traumatic Stress disorder can vary from person to person. It can be both mild and severe. If you or someone in your family is suffering from this condition, it is best to seek advice from medical professional or a counselor before attempting any remedy.