A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder and a deep, irrational fear that causes panic when contacting the source of the fear. This persistent fear of a situation or object can last for more than six months. The affected person does his or her best to avoid the object or situation to a greater extent than the actual danger. If the person is unable to avoid the situation or the object, they are experiencing severe distress. A person can develop a phobia to countless situations or things.

Causes of phobia

Environmental and genetic factors lead to phobias. Children exposed to anxiety disorders are more likely to develop this phobia. Extreme heights, confined spaces, exposure to insect or animal bites, or a traumatic event such as near drowning can all be a source of such a phobia. Even those people with chronic medical conditions such as substance abuse, depression, or brain injury are susceptible to developing this phobia.

Phobia symptoms

The phobia may be irrational but those who suffer from the problem never fail the reality test. Different symptoms are displayed by patients with different types of phobias. For example, patients with schizophrenia have hearing, vision, paranoia, delusions, and other disorganized symptoms.

Phobia treatment

Whatever the cause, there are effective natural remedies for phobias such as ginseng, lemon or lime, valerian root or lavender oil.

• Lemon or lime: Lemon or lime juice is effective in reducing dizziness or nausea associated with a phobia. Just cut a lemon in half and smell it to get relief during a phobia attack.
• ginseng: This herb is known for its stimulating and relaxing properties and is widely used to treat nerves.
• Valerian root: This herb can be used to treat insomnia. It has properties of calming the nerves and central nervous system of an agitated person and thus is used as an effective herbal remedy for phobias. Grind 5-6 valerian roots to prepare the herbal remedy. It should be taken 2-3 times a day to reduce the effects of phobias. However, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid consuming valerian root powder.
• lavender: This is another effective remedy for phobias. Lavender has a calming effect on the body and has a pleasant scent. Daily massage with lavender oil can help get rid of a phobia attack. The best way to reduce stress is to add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water for a relaxing bath.
• kava: This is a popular herb used to treat and soothe mentally ill patients. Relaxes the mind without impairing patients’ mental clarity. Consuming kava herb daily increases the level of endurance which helps in reducing phobias. The standard daily dose of kava is 250 mg.
• passion flower: Passion flower is a potent herbal extract that enhances the functioning of the nervous system and brain and helps keep the organs in a healthy balance. This natural remedy is effective in controlling phobias and panic attacks.
• Supragia Plus: In addition to herbal and natural remedies, there are some Ayurvedic treatments for phobias. Supragia Plus It is one of the nerve tonics that strengthens the nerves and solves nerve related problems which include depression, anxiety, phobias, tension, irritability, anger, intolerance, insomnia, palpitations and much more.
• Ashwagandha: This is another effective Ayurvedic remedy that can be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions associated with phobias. The leaves, roots and berries of this herb have medicinal properties that have proven effective in treating a range of mental disorders.

Phobia is a serious mental illness but with a healthy diet, proper exercise, and some natural and Ayurvedic remedies, the problem can be treated effectively.