Holistic healers have long thought that anxiety can make us sick. Now, modern scientists are reaching the same conclusion.
Negative emotions such as excess stress, and chronic worry, can probably cause excess inflammation. Some health experts believe this is the root cause of disease. So they often recommend various ways to keep inflammation in check.
A certain level of inflammation is normal. Actually, we need it. For instance, if we cut our finger, the inflammatory process is triggered, so healing can begin. Inflammation is only bad when it’s chronic and excessive.
Anxiety and Chronic Inflammation
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Judging by the large number of people dealing with chronic illness, it’s safe to say that many of us have too much inflammation.
Personally, I’m dealing with chronic nerve inflammation. So I’m very aware that stress appears to make a huge difference. Managing this better, I’m convinced, is partially responsible for my recovery. I also take natural herbal supplements, designed for anxiety, and I use essential oils for quick stress relief.
Can Anxiety Cause Inflammation?
The research is coming in. It looks as if stress can trigger chronic inflammation. One study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University showed how chronic stress can cause an abnormal inflammatory response, potentially leading to disease. It’s believed this happens because the body no longer responds to cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, which naturally controls inflammation.
Can Chronic Inflammation Cause Anxiety?
The reverse may be true as well. Chronic inflammation may also cause depression, according to some scientists. Although this theory has not been proven, it’s safe to say that it makes sense to reduce both emotional stress, as well as excess inflammation.
Please understand, though, that I’m not a doctor. So I can’t give medical advice, or claim or promise I have a solution, or that any natural remedy will work for you. All I can do is share my own story of living with a painful nerve condition, which I’ve learned to control. Thankfully, I’m no longer in excruciating pain and I’m not worried about becoming an invalid. Instead, I’m leading a normal life and I continue to get better.
Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Inflammation?
The evidence continues to grow that stress and anxiety can cause inflammation. Personally speaking, my condition developed after prolonged low-level stress. I think I’d had some sort of subtle inflammatory disease for a number of years. It showed up in my wrists, which would occasionally ache.
Anxiety Induced Inflammation
It became a huge problem after a period of stress. The inflammation kicked into overdrive, and attacked my nerves. At one point, it was so bad I could barely walk.
Fortunately, I’ve pretty much recovered. I can lead a normal life, as long as I managed my inflammation. I eat a clean diet and I take various herbal anti-inflammatory supplements. (These I need to rotate.) The one I’m currently taking is a natural stress guard formula, which you can see below. It contains tulsi and a few other adaptogens.
Link Between Anxiety and Inflammation
The holistic health practitioners I saw thought my inflammation was a result of adrenal fatigue. This is a condition that’s apparently pretty widespread. Yet it’s rarely diagnosed outside of alternative medical circles. Mainstream physicians don’t recognize this condition.
The treatment for adrenal fatigue consists of eating well and eliminating stress. I take an herbal supplement that contains tulsi, a swell as other adaptogens. (Adaptogens are plants that function as emotional balms, to protect us from stress.)
Essential Oils for Anxiety and Sleep
I also use aromatherapy for quick stress relief. Essential oils have been used for centuries, both for physical and mental relief. Modern researchers are now beginning to realize these highly concentrated plant extracts can influence our mood, in a positive way.
Here are some special essential oil blends, designed for stress and worry. These are sold by Plant Therapy. I buy a lot of my own oils from Plant Therapy. I am very careful about where I buy my oils. This is a trusted company that tests its oils twice for purity. One test is done by a third-party tester.
Plant Therapy Worry Free
Plant Therapy RelaxPlant Therapy Tranquil
Bach Flowers for Anxiety Reviews
Regular homeopathy has helped me a lot. But I’ve also used Bach flower remedies. These are really easy to use, and don’t necessarily require the assistance of a professional. They’re sold over the counter, and there are 38 remedies designed to correspend to a particular emotional state.
For instance, aspen flower essence may be appropriate for people who have a vague fear of the unknown, according to the British-based Bach Centre, which also notes that mimulus may be appropriate for fear of known things. Or, it says, sweet chestnut may be used for “extreme mental anguish.” Below, you can see these two Bach remedies. Others are also available online.
Bach Sweet ChestnutBach Aspen Flower EssenceBach Mimulus Essence
Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Stress
In addition to taking herbal supplements designed for natural stress relief, as well as using essential oils and Bach remedies to take the edge off, I found one other way to calm my troubled mind. This is called “tapping” or EFT. It simply involves tapping on certain parts of your upper body, and thinking calming thoughts.
Some people like to recite affirmations while tapping. I thought these were kind of silly, so I either just prayed or told myself a few times that everything is going to work out.
Natural Ways to Treat Chronic Anxiety
For me, tapping was so helpful that I rarely need to do it any more. It was something I did for awhile, and it seemed to “clear” negative thoughts. Even though it sounds a little New Age, it didn’t seem to conflict with my Catholic faith. Tapping is also something recommended by online health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO.
Looking back on my battle with chronic anxiety and inflammation, I’m so grateful to now enjoy better health. I’m also thankful it’s so easy to find out about natural remedies online.
Dealing With Toxic Situations
There’s one more thing I had to do, in order to naturally combat my anxiety. One relationship in my life (a platonic friendship) had to change. Actually, it had to end.
It was very toxic. Once I realized just how bad it was, I decided the best thing to do was to stay away. I can pray for this person, but from a nice safe distance.
