Anxiety: Nine Remedies For a Calm Mind 

Do you shake at the knees in front of an audience, worry about what the future may hold, or cancel engagements at the last minute because you just can’t go through with them? 

You’re not alone. Anxiety or panic attacks affect everyone at some stage or another but homeopathy has remedies to help. 

According to recent trials homeopathy is just as effective as diazepam (Valium) and benzodiazepine (Lorazepam or Ativan) at treating nervousness and anxiety disorders but without addictive or harmful side effects. 

In one small study by a professor of psychiatry, 60% of participants with major depression, social phobias, or panic disorders responded favourably to homeopathic treatment. It has even been used to help anxious mice! With the right homeopathic treatment, those living with debilitating anxiety can once again look forward to enjoying happy, worry-free lives. 

Nine Remedies For a Calm Mind 

The most common remedies for nuisance anxiety and nervousness are listed below but chronic anxiety disorders will need a course of treatment so for best homeopathic results do make an appointment with a qualified homeopath. 

As always, homeopathy treats animals just as effectively as humans so if your animal companion is prone to anxiety or panic, the appropriate remedy will help him or her also. 

Instructions on how often to give a homeopathic remedy for mild or transient anxiety is available at the end of the remedy list. 

1. Aconite napellus (Acon.) 

Aconite is one of the best remedies for waves of fear or outright panic. Symptoms are sudden, intense and may follow a shock such as an accident or natural disaster. The person is agitated, restless, and fearful. They can think they are about to die and may even predict the time of death. Other symptoms may include: dry skin and mouth; thirst; pounding heart. Aconite can also treat ongoing anxiety caused by a past traumatic event. 

Remember: Rapid onset, intense symptoms, agitation, fear of death, panic attacks. 

2. Argentum nitricum (Arg-n.) 

Apprehension and nervousness when the person is unsure of what is likely to happen. The more they dwell on the anxiety, the worse it becomes. They are hurried, feel the heat, and crave sugar or sweet things. Sugar can lead to digestive upsets and diarrhoea and flatulence may be triggered by anxiety. People who do well with Arg-n may also have strange compulsions and “What if…” thoughts. These can include things such as stepping into a line of traffic, throwing themselves from a height, or poking something into a power outlet. Anxiety worsens with overheating and they feel better in cool fresh air and away from crowds. 

Remember: Apprehension and anxiety. Strange imaginings and “what if …” thoughts. Craving for sugar. Worse when overheated. 

3. Arsenicum album (Ars.) 

The Arsenicum anxiety focuses on issues of security and safety, what will happen in the future, especially at night and when alone. They tend to worry about health, robbers, or money. To manage this anxiety, they become overly fastidious, perfectionists and selfish in their insecurity. They feel better in company but become critical of others and controlling in behaviour. They are usually overly neat and tidy, chilly and better for warmth. 

Remember: Anxiety about health, security, the future; perfectionists; critical; chilly; desire company. 

4. Calcarea carbonica (Calc.) 

Those who need Calc. have a fear of change and of losing control. As a result they insist on routine and struggle to keep things the same which can make them seem stubborn or obstinate. Frequently heavy in build, they tire easily on exertion or when walking uphill or climbing stairs. They sweat easily on exertion or during sleep, especially on the back of the neck. Fear of the dark, insects, spiders, and animals, especially dogs, are common. They can’t stand hearing about or seeing unpleasant things and acts of cruelty. They can sometimes struggle with confusion and worry that they are going insane. 

Remember: Fear of change and losing control; tiring on exertion; perspiring easily; anxiety on hearing about unpleasant things. 

5. Gelsemium sempervirens (Gels.) 

People who need Gels. suffer from performance anxiety that leads to weakness of muscles. Any exertion produces trembling of the muscles – knees may knock, legs may shake, and hands can tremble. They can feel paralysed by the anxiety, helpless and want to hide away. Gelsemium is one of 

the remedies used for agoraphobia (fear of wide open spaces) and influenza when the sufferer has weakness and trembling. 

Remember: Anxiety, weakness, trembling, desire to hide away, unable to cope. 

6. Kali arsenicosum (Kali-ar.) 

Anxiety about health, especially about heart disease or a heart attack. This can result in panic attacks or make them sleep with their hand over their heart. Anxious thoughts can increase at night making them avoid going to bed. They can even imagine that they see dead people. Frequently feel chilly. 

Remember: Anxiety about heart problems. Anxiety worse at night. 

7. Kali phosphoricum (Kali-p.) 

A remedy for those with anxiety from feeling overwhelmed. Easily, stressed, startled and frightened. Oversensitive and delicate. Easily exhausted and irritability from exhaustion or anxiety. Physical ailments from worry, overwork, and overexcitement. They can fear having a nervous breakdown or fear something bad will happen. 

Remember: Oversenstive, overwhelmed and anxious. Exhaustion and irritability with anxiety. 

8. Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc.) 

People who need lycopodium suffer from anticipation anxiety and stage fright. Lack of self confidence. However, once in the middle of a presentation they frequently relax and do well. Anxiety in new groups and situations that is covered up with bravado or over talking. Anxiety often accompanied by bloating. Craving for sweets. 

Remember: Lack of self confidence; boasting and bragging; bloating and desire for sweets. 

9. Phosphorus (Phos.) 

Many fears and anxieties but especially of being alone. Fears and anxieties always relieved in company. As a result, those who need Phosphorus are generally sensitive, sociable and friendly. Fear of the dark, ghosts, thunderstorms and many other things. Startle easily. Sensitive to odours and sounds. Vivid imaginations. Highly suggestible and highly empathic. Phosphorus types generally enjoy cold drinks, sweets (especially chocolate), ice cream and spicy food. 

Remember: Many fears and anxieties, especially of being alone. Friendly, empathic, suggestible.