Herbal Medicine for Obsessions, Addictions and Phobias

Obsessions are recurring thoughts or ideas that are distressing and frightening. Like phobias, obsessions are irrational and uncontrollable and are rooted in anxiety.

Obsessions are recurring thoughts or ideas that are distressing and frightening. Like phobias, obsessions are irrational and uncontrollable and are rooted in anxiety. Compulsions or rituals often follow, when sufferers cannot stop themselves from taking particular actions or following particular routines to ward off the imagined danger.

Most people experience mild obsessions - for example, the urge to check or count things - but an obsessive person might not be able to leave the house without going back countless times to check the door was locked. Someone with an obsession about cleanliness might be compelled to wash his or her hands hundreds of times a day.

Doctors sometimes call this type of behavior "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." Performing a ritual means the sufferer feels better for a while but the anxiety soon starts again and the ritual has to be repeated. Obsessions and rituals interfere with daily life as they are very time consuming.

Treatment

Anything that helps reduce anxiety and tension can help. Relaxation techniques are useful for calming the body and mind. Some people find that sharing experiences and information with other sufferers can help.

Addictions

A person is addicted when they are compelled to do any activity repeatedly and to depend on it. Smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are well ­known addictions, but people can also be addicted to activities such as gambling, eating, or sexual intercourse.

Addictions are normally classified as psycho­logical dependence or physical dependence. Psychological dependence involves powerful cravings for the activity, while physical dependence induces physical symptoms when the object of the addiction is withdrawn.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Self-Help Groups

For some treatments sufferers have to agree to stop the addiction before therapy begins, while others concentrate on reducing the harm being done to them. One of the best-known self-help groups for alcohol addiction is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture It is claimed that acupuncture can reduce a number of cravings, alleviate pain, and hi sufferers to relax.

Aromatherapy, Massage, Meditation, Yoga. and Hypnotherapy

These can all help people cope with physical withdrawal symptoms by aiding relaxation and improving general well-being. In all cases, strong willpower is essential. It is also vital to take care not to replace one source of addiction with another.

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