Agoraphobia is an extremely debilitating fear of crowded places. A person suffering from agoraphobia is unable to even leave his or her house sometimes. The fear of crowded places is often so acute that a person might go to any lengths to avoid leaving the home. Agoraphobia is a term derived from the Greek words meaning “fear of the market place”.
To heal agoraphobia naturally, it is important that herbs and natural remedies be used in a regular manner. Whatever changes you have to make to your exercise, lifestyle and eating habits must be rigorously followed. Agoraphobia is a form of phobia which is common in persons who have associated crowded places with trauma. You can cure this disorder if you use natural cures along with medical treatment.
Various Cures For Agoraphobia
Fish
You should make sure you eat a healthy amount of fish everyday. Fish as well as fish oil contains a substance called Omega 3 fatty acids. This substance is very essential for relaxing the mind and easing fears. You can eat salmon and tuna for getting this nutrient into your body.
You can add fish to your diet and even take fish oil supplements for the best results. Researchers have found that consumption of foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish help to calm the inner mind and relieve fears in the face of crowds in persons who have agoraphobia.
Alkaline Forming Diet
Alkaline forming items of food such as green vegetables and raw fresh fruits should be consumed to ensure relief from the symptoms of agoraphobia. These foods are rich in fiber and nutrients and they enable the body to remain healthy by lessening the acidic levels in the body.
Processed or fried foods should be avoided as these cause acidity. Phobic persons should seek to make their digestive systems healthy because this ensures relief from symptoms of agoraphobia such as stomach palpitations at the sight of crowds. It also helps to lessen fears and panic reactions in persons with agoraphobia as healthy foods aid in easy digestion and soothe the bodily systems as well as nourish them.
Foods Low In Glycemic Index
The eating habits of agoraphobic persons play a major role in how they cope with fears. Foods low in the glycemic index or the stable rate at which food is converted to blood sugar in the body is critical for naturally curing agoraphobia. Foods low in the glycemic index such as oats, lentils, legumes and vegetables are best because they prevent sudden fluctuations in the blood glucose levels and ensure the agoraphobic patient does not go into extreme panic states.
In case the phobic patient becomes agitated, eating such food items will help to prevent any sudden changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels as a result of this. This will aid in controlling the physiological symptoms of this phobia.
Water
Drinking adequate water is very important as it helps to flush out toxins from the system. Dehydration can also lead to dizziness. Often the agoraphobic person becomes panicky in a crowded place and he or she has dryness in the throat due to the fear and drinking water helps to overcome the fear.
Water refreshes and revitalizes the person and makes him or her more immune to stressors and extremely phobic, fearful states. This is why it is a very effective natural cure for agoraphobia. Stay well hydrated in order to overcome dehydration and phobic symptoms like dry throat and difficulty in swallowing when you are facing the fear inducing situation.
Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, yoga and meditation are all effective relaxation techniques that a person with agoraphobia can use in order to overcome his or her fears. The use of such methods promotes relaxation in the person in the face of the feared situation namely tons of people gathered in one place.
Deep breathing oxygenates the mind and body systems and ensures that the person feeling afraid at the sight of crowds does not become suffocated or go into rapid breathing mode which will further exacerbate the symptoms.
Adequate Exercise
It is also critical for the person who has agoraphobia to do regular exercises if he or she wants to recover. Exercise is a natural cure for agoraphobia because it improves the breathing and fitness levels of the person. Exercise also leads to the release of endorphins into the system, which elevate and calm the mind.
Exercises like running, walking and jogging help the person to become more toned and gain control over their mind through physical discipline and routine. Exercise is vital for strengthening the mind by improving the health of the body. There is definitely a mind body connection in the case of most diseases and agoraphobia is no exception.
Chamomile
This nervine herb is also a sedative with anti-spasmodic properties. Therefore, it is highly effective for easing the tremors and other mental and physical manifestation of the fearful states people with agoraphobia go into. Chamomile tea can be consumed to steady the nerves and relax the mind. It heals the nervous system and prevents fear from increasing.
Drink Chamomile tea at least twice a day for obtaining the benefits of this herb. Chamomile tea also calms and relaxes the person and helps him or her to face crowds without succumbing to fears. The nausea and indigestion which may result when a agoraphobic person goes into fearful states can also be overcome by regularly drinking Chamomile tea.
Kava
Kava is known by the botanical name Piper Methysticum. This herb has long since been used to make healing ceremonial drinks in the South Pacific region. This herb is native to Fiji and it has many healing powers. One of its medicinal properties is that this herb helps to reduce fear in the mind.
It also eases muscle tension and agitation that occurs when agoraphobic persons try to face crowds and visit public places. Kavalactones are substances found in Kava which influence neural activity in the brain and relax the body as well as anti-phobia medications such as benzodiazepines. Kava leaves can be crushed and added to hot tea or milk and consumed for best results.
Passion Flower
Known by the botanical name Passiflora Incarnata, this herb has the ability to soothe the mind. This herbaceous vine contains many nutrients and chemical compounds which are effective in activating anti-anxiety mechanisms in the brain. This helps the person with agoraphobia to calm his or her emotions and mind and become more confident in facing the crowds.
Passionflower contains alkaloids which bind to certain neuroreceptors in the brain which leads to the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which puts the person in a relaxed and pleasant mood. Drink Passionflower tea made from the dried leaves of this herb in order to benefit from the wondrous properties of this remedy.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
