I believe the first plan of action should be ruling out any underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues, heart and lung abnormalities, kidney and liver disease by taking a good history and blood work, as these more serious conditions can present with symptoms similar to anxiety.
During the initial interview sometimes I can pick up on hormonal imbalances. Changes in the levels of sex hormones; Testosterone, Progesterone, and Estrogen can cause aggression, easy irritability, hot flashes and sweats, tearfulness and lack of sleep.
High levels of Cortisol increases blood sugar bringing about hyperactivity and too many thoughts in our mind. The release of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, which are the fight-or-flight hormones, can make one more aggressive. They also increase heart rate and breathing rate.
Then there are brain specific chemicals: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which makes us feel comfortable and happy, like the feeling you experience when someone you love hugs you. GABA is a neurotransmitter which shuts off the brain so we can fall asleep. Low levels of both can create feelings which can be experienced as anxiety. Serotonin is found to be low in depression, obsessive-compulsive, eating disorders and other mood disorders. Low GABA levels interfere with sleep leaving the patient tired during the day unable to carry out daily duties which may increase stress and anxiety levels.
So the question at hand: does Homeopathy effectively treat anxious states? Can Homeopathy help? Can it be used in conjunction with Medical treatment?
If you have been following my previous articles you remember that Homeopathy addresses specific symptoms in an individual. Let’s talk about some Homeopathic medicines for anxiety. Keep in mind that some patients do need medication while others can be treated successfully using supplements and/or Homeopathic medication.
Here is a partial list of remedies a Homeopathic physician might draw from based on the individual’s symptoms:
Aconitum Napellus:
Can be used to treat anxiety which causes increased heart rate, tingling of the lips, feeling of weakness, trembling and faintness with dizziness. One might feel the symptoms are so bad they are going to die. It usually follows an emotional shock.
On the examination pulse is tense and blood pressure reads higher than normal. The face might be red. Patient might also complain of thirst.
Argentum Nitricum:
As Hahnemann described: “anxiety that compels the subject to walk quickly”. Patient is worried about the future and what it brings. Catching a flight, having a test, visiting a doctor for professional advice, can all bring about a feeling of uneasiness that makes the patient get up and pace around. Also, used in patients who have fear of being late. The anxiety may cause soft stools or diarrhea. Patient can have other phobic tendencies like fear of closed spaces or crowds or social events. There is craving for sweets in some patients.
Gelsemium Sempervirens
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