Anxiety is a mental state of constant nervousness, worry and fear. Getting anxious once in a while on certain occasions – like before an exam, meeting, an interview or a stressful event is normal. The anxiety on such occasions is short-lived and temporary, but it becomes troublesome when the reaction of the person is severe and disproportionate to the occasion. If episodes of such extreme anxiety appear often enough, they tend to interfere with the daily life of a person and may have a negative impact on his relationship.

Homeopathy is a widely acclaimed system of medicines that can offer remarkable results in cases of anxiety. Homeopathic remedies for anxiety work in a mild, gentle and effective manner. First and foremost, they manage the symptoms of the most recent anxiety episode. Later, these medicines reduce the frequency and severity of the anxiety attacks. A regular course of homeopathic medicines for a recommended time period helps cure mild to moderate cases of anxiety. However, patients who report with having severe anxiety, homeopathy can help manage the symptoms. In such cases homeopathy can be continued simultaneously along with other treatment options.

 How Homoeopathy Helps Treat Anxiety?

1. Individualized prescription

The most appropriate homeopathic prescription for any case of anxiety has to be tailored to the needs of specific individual (as per the law of individualization in homeopathy). A detailed evaluation of the symptoms pertaining to the mind and the physical body of a person need to be studied in detail to decide the prescription. This is because homeopathic medicines are not prescribed as per the disease, but as per the characteristic symptoms in each case. These medicines reach the point of origin of the problem and helps in natural recovery and restoration of health.

 2. Non-habit forming and free from any side-effects

The conventional treatment recommends medicines like anti-anxiety pills, sedatives and antidepressants These can be habit forming and also carry the risk of side effects with long-term use. On the other hand, homeopathic medicines are natural, safe, and not habit forming. These can be easily discontinued when the patient improves. And as is known widely, there are zero side effects of homeopathic medicines. This is owing to the fact that homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances without any chemicals or harmful toxins and are highly diluted.

 3. Homeopathy promotes body’s self-healing system

Each one of us is born with an inbuilt healing mechanism and we possess the power to overcome any issues of bad health. To accomplish this, a stimulus is needed in some form to turn this mechanism in the direction of self-recovery. Homeopathy does exactly this by administering highly-diluted natural substances that start the process of recovery through self-healing. In the cases of anxiety as well, homeopathic medicines activate this mechanism to provide relief and natural cure.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Anxiety

The top-ranking ten homeopathic medicines that treat anxiety effectively are Aconitum Napellus, Arsenic Album, Argentum Nitricum, Kali Phosphoricum, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Ignatia Amara, Natrum Muriaticum, Carcinosin, Phosphorus and Coffea Cruda.

 1. Aconitum Napellus – Top Remedy for Anxiety with Restlessness

It is the most frequently used medicine for the treatment of anxiety. The key symptoms to administer it are anxiety with noticeable fear, shaking, panic, and restlessness. Those who need this medicine move around and change sitting position quite often. With this, a chain of bad thoughts sets their mind rolling, cold sweat can be felt. The face appears hot and red or pale. One gets relief by drinking cold water. There may be sleeplessness due to anxiety. It also tops the list of homeopathic remedies to deal with panic attacks when there is intense anxiety, palpitations in the heart and fear of death. Tingling and numbness in the fingers or limbs can be felt, sometimes one may even faint.

When to use Aconitum Napellus?

This medicine can be administered in cases of anxiety with noticeable fear, shaking, restlessness, sweating, and palpitations in the heart and extreme cases of panic attacks.

How to use Aconitum Napellus?

Though it can be used in high or low potency, initially Aconite 30C should be administered twice to thrice daily. When relief starts setting in, the dose can be reduced.

2. Arsenic Album – For Anxiety with Chest Constriction, Difficult Breathing and Restlessness

Arsenic Album is highly recommended if chest constriction, difficulty in breathing and restlessness are noticeable in the anxiety episode. There is restlessness, trembling and cold sweating. Worsening of anxiety at night is a key symptom of this medicine. It is administered for patients who get anxious about little things. They have marked anxiety regarding their health, future and anxiety about others as well. Such patients have a specific fear that they will surely catch some infection or contract some disease. They may also have fear of death. Fear of financial loss and facing poverty is another thing that may stay in their mind. Any of these could be a trigger for anxiety.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is the best choice if anxiety is accompanied by chest constriction, difficulty in breathing and restlessness especially at night.

How to use Arsenic Album?

The dose recommended is Arsenic Album 30C one to two times daily depending on the severity of the symptoms.

 3. Argentum Nitricum – For Anticipatory Anxiety

Argentum Nitricum is a naturally obtained medicine for cases of anxiety that is linked to anticipation, also known as anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety means anxiety due to constant thoughts about events that might take place in the future. For example, a person may get anxious about a public meeting or a family function one is likely to attend in the future. The person tends to think constantly about the event until the final day arrives. They keep planning for that event and the mind is always preoccupied with various thoughts. Many thoughts randomly cross their mind like – will everything happen smoothly? Will I reach there on time? What if I get late? What if my car stops on the way, what will I do then? And so on….. These thoughts continue till the person reaches his destination. Diarrhea may set in due to the phase of anxiety. Impatience, hurriedness, and weakness in the legs are other accompanying symptoms. Another example for use of this medicine is performance anxiety – let’s say if someone has to deliver a speech on the stage in the days to come. The moment one gets to know about this responsibility, the anticipatory thoughts begin – “Will I be able to deliver the lecture correctly? What if I go speechless? What if I make mistakes in my speech? What if I forgot my lecture in between? Such thoughts will preoccupy the mind till the date of stage appearance comes and the person is actually on the stage. Once on stage, everything goes smoothly. Apart from these, Argentum Nitricum is a prominent medicine for patients with specific fear of height and high-rise buildings. There is severe anxiety and fear as though the buildings will collapse on them.

When to use Argentum Nitricum?

Just the word ‘anticipatory anxiety’ is enough to administer this medicine. Patients who feel anxiety that results from constant thoughts about events that will happen in the near future can be administered this medicine. This medicine can help calm the mind and control overthinking.

How to use Argentum Nitricum?

It works well in both low and high potencies. To begin with, one should be administered this medicine in 30C potency twice or thrice daily for best possible results.

 4. Kali Phosphoricum –For Anxiety With Sad Mood, Low Feeling and Fears

Kali Phosphoricum is an important and effective medicine for anxiety, fear and nervousness. Excessive sensitivity and negative thinking are the other dominating symptoms. Those who need it suffer from certain fears. These include fear of open spaces, fear of crowds, of being alone and fear of death. All these may trigger an anxiety attack. Slight noises may also trigger anxiety, and the person may feel fatigued and tired all the time. This medicine is also administered to manage psychological issues that arise due to fright, grief, or other strong emotions.

When to use Kali Phosphoricum?

Kali Phosphoricum should be administered in those cases of anxiety and associated fears such as fear of open spaces, fear of crowds, of being alone, and fear of death.

How to use Kali Phosphoricum?

It is generally used in biochemic form i.e., in 6X potency. Four to six tablets can be administered three to four times a day as per the severity of symptoms.

 5. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Social Anxiety (About Public Appearances)

Gelsemium is a naturally obtained medicine sourced from the bark of root of “Yellow Jasmine Plant”. It is the foremost medicine for anxiety that arises before making a public appearance. If the individual has to go and engage with many different people, excessive anxiety and nervousness arise. Melancholy, sadness and confusion of mind, irritability, and diarrhea are associated symptoms. This medicine is also administered for stage fright.

When to use Gelsemium?

It helps manage anxiety in social gatherings and at public places, etc.

How to use Gelsemium?

It can be administered in 30C potency twice or thrice daily.

 6. Ignatia Amara –For Anxiety Due to Grief and Suppressed Emotions

Ignatia Amara is especially administered in anxiety arising due to acute emotional stress, disappointment, grief, or suppressed emotions. This medicine is sought and administered for patients who are sensitive, emotional, and have mood swings, often appearing calm outwardly while suffering too much within. Anxiety is accompanied by sighing, lump sensation in throat, and contradictory behavior— alternate crying and laughing.

When to use Ignatia Amara?

It is well indicated when anxiety is a result of grief, acute emotional stress, disappointment, or suppressed emotions.

How to use Ignatia Amara?

This medicine is administered in both high and low potencies. One may initiate this medicine in 30C potency one to two times daily. For using high potencies, prior consultation with a qualified homeopath is a must.

 7. Natrum Muriaticum – For Silent Anxiety from Prolonged Grief

Natrum Muriaticum is administered to individuals with anxiety and are reserved in behaviour, introvert, and emotionally closed. Anxiety often stems from long-standing grief, disappointments, or emotional wounds that the patient dwells upon silently. They prefer isolation, dislike consolation, and may appear calm but suffer internally with anticipatory anxiety and fear of failure or rejection.

When to use Natrum Muriaticum?

It is administered in cases of anxiety to individuals who are introvert and reserved. It is also well-indicated for patients suffering from anticipatory anxiety and fear of failure or rejection.

When to use Natrum Muriaticum??

It is administered in 6X potency to begin with. Subsequently, the potency can be raised to 30C & 200C after consulting a qualified homoeopath.

 8. Carcinosin – For Anxiety from Perfectionism and Over-Responsibility

Carcinosin is used for anxiety seen in highly sensitive, perfectionist individuals who are conscientious and self-critical. Anxiety arises due to high expectations, long-term emotional suppression, and prolonged stress accompanied by fear of making mistakes or not meeting standards. The patient may have anticipatory anxiety and a strong sense of responsibility.

When to use Carcinosin?

Carcinosin is a very effective medicine in anxiety seen among very sensitive, perfectionist individuals who are self-critical and conscientious.

How to use Carcinosin?

This medicine is administered in both high and low potencies. Initially, one may use its in 30C potency one to two times daily. For using high potencies, consult a qualified homeopath.

 9. Phosphorus – For Anxiety with Palpitations and Sweating on Forehead

Phosphorus is administered to patients who suffer from anxiety and is accompanied by restlessness, palpitations, and excessive sweating on the forehead. They always overthink that something terrible and bad may happen. They may have a heated sensation in their head along with the above complaints.

When to use Phosphorus?

Its use is recommended to treat anxiety along with restlessness, palpitations and perspiration on the forehead.

How to use Phosphorus?

It should be administered only once a day in 30C potency. Once the relief sets in, gradually reduce the dosage to two times a week or even one a week.

 10. Coffea Cruda – For Anxiety with Sleeplessness

Coffea Cruda is prescribed for anxiety accompanied by sleeplessness. Those who need this medicine have their minds fully occupied with constant flow of thoughts. The key symptom to use this medicine is overcrowding of mind with different ideas. This leads to restlessness and tossing and turning in bed. Palpitations may also take place. This medicine is also administered for waking early from sleep and finding it difficult to sleep again.

When to use Coffea Cruda?

Coffea Cruda is administered to deal with issues related to anxiety accompanied by sleeplessness due to constant thoughts running in mind.

How to use Coffea Cruda?

Coffea Cruda can be administered one to two times a daily for best possible results.

Note: Any of these medicines can be taken for about one month. To continue them any further or to use higher potencies, strictly consult a qualified homeopath if anxiety is associated with some medical condition like a heart ailment, thyroid, etc.

 Major Causes of Anxiety

The exact cause of anxiety in an individual is not yet understood. However, several factors play a significant role that marks a person as predisposed to anxiety:

1. An individual with a positive family history of anxiety is at risk of suffering from it.

2. People who are prone to stress, or have had bad life experiences in the past (like domestic violence, child abuse, bullying,) or emotional events like the death of a loved one are at risk of developing anxiety. The stress can be associated with relationships, financial instability, friendships, and problems at the workplace.

3. Onset of anxiety may also be due to withdrawal symptoms of certain drugs and alcohol or its abuse.

4. Stress due to certain health conditions

5. Certain medical disorders also predispose a person towards anxiety. These include complaints of heart ailments, thyroid issues, asthma, cancer, diabetes mellitus and brain degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

 Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety may be present as various levels – physical, psychological and emotional symptoms can vary from person to person.

 Emotional Symptoms:

1. Worry

2. Nervousness

3. Tension

4. Fear

5. Restlessness

6. Panic

 Physical Symptoms:

1. Palpitations

2. Sweating

3. Trembling

4. Dizziness

5. Shortness of breath

6. Chest pain

7. Frequent urination

8. Dry mouth

9. Diarrhea

10. Nausea

 Other Cognitive Symptoms:

1. Concentration difficulty

2. Trouble falling asleep

3. Difficulty in memorizing things

4. Overthinking and racing thoughts in mind

5. Mental Fog

 Diagnosing Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental health issue and is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms the doctor ascertains by talking to the patient. There are no tests to diagnose anxiety. However, additional tests like thyroid function test and vitamin B12 are recommended to rule out other medical conditions that could cause anxiety.

 Types of Anxiety Disorders

Various types of anxiety disorders are described below:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder: In this, the patient has intense stress, worry and tension about little things.

2. Social anxiety disorder: Also called social phobia, the sufferer is highly self–conscious and feels embarrassed in public/social functions and gatherings. Individuals have a fear of being judged in social situations.

3. Panic disorder: It is characterized by sudden intense fear and terror that strikes without warning. It results in chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and heavy sweating.

4. Anxiety due to some medical condition: A person has anxiety and panic attacks due to some health problem he/she is suffering from.

5. Separation anxiety disorder: This refers to anxiety and fear when any of your loved one leaves you. Negative thoughts come to mind as if something unfortunate may happen to them.

6. Substance-induced anxiety disorder: This refers to anxiety resulting from misuse of certain drugs, medications, or withdrawal from drugs.

7. Selective Mutism: This refers to the children who talk normally at home and with family but fail to speak in certain situations like in public.

8. Specific phobias: A person who suffers from this has marked fear of specific things or situations like public appearance, fear of flying, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is anxiety a disease or just another name for stress?

Occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, but when worry becomes constant, severe, or starts interfering with normal day-to-day functioning; it is considered an anxiety disorder and requires immediate attention.

2. Can anxiety cause physical problems also?

Yes. Anxiety often does show physical symptoms such as acidity, chest tightness, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, frequent urination, or bowel disturbances.

3. Why do I feel anxious without any reason?

Anxiety can result due to emotional stress, suppressed feelings, hormonal imbalance, genetic tendency, past experiences, or prolonged mental strain—even if there is no trigger.

4. Can anxiety affect sleep?

Yes. Many people with anxiety experience sleep issues like difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, early morning awakening, or sleep that is not refreshing due to constant overthinking.

5. I get worried, anxious and tense very quickly and tend to get palpitations. Am I suffering from an anxiety disorder?

Getting stressed, worried, or anxious and tense is a normal condition and every individual tends to experience it every once in a while. You are not suffering from an anxiety disorder if these symptoms last only for a short duration or are situation-oriented. However, if these symptoms occur often enough with too much severity, last for a long time and tend to interfere with your everyday life, then there are chances that you have an anxiety disorder. A clear diagnosis can only be made with a clinical analysis and in-depth discussion of your symptoms.

6. How does anxiety affect daily life?

Anxiety reduces confidence, affects work performance, curbs social interaction, strains relationships, and decrease overall well-being if left untreated.

7. When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

You should seek help if anxiety persists for weeks, aggravates over time, affects sleep or appetite, causes physical discomfort, or interferes with day-to-day functioning.

8. Can homeopathy help in anxiety?

Homeopathy focuses on treating the individual as a whole. Its objective is to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, calm the mind, and address the emotional cause rather than suppressing the symptoms.

9. Is homeopathic treatment safe for anxiety?

When administered by a professional homeopath, these medicines are safe, gentle, and non-habit forming, making them a good option for long-term use.

10. How long does it take to improve the symptoms?

Improvement depends on the intensity, duration of anxiety, emotional background, and individual response. Some patients feel relief early, while others may need treatment for a long time.

11. Can lifestyle changes help reduce anxiety?

Yes. Regular sleep, exercise, limiting caffeine, balanced diet, relaxation techniques like Yoga and managing screen time play an important role in anxiety management.

12. Can recurrence of anxiety take place after treatment?

Anxiety may return during stressful phases, but timely treatment, emotional awareness, and healthy coping mechanism helps prevent relapses.

13. Can anxiety be cured completely?

Many patients experience long-term relief and lead a normal life after they have undergone proper treatment, sought emotional support, and lifestyle changes.

14. For how long does a person with anxiety need to continue homeopathic treatment to completely recover?

The period of recovery in any case of anxiety varies from a few months to a year. However, most cases of anxiety start to respond as one begins homeopathic treatment. Factors like duration and severity of anxiety and the individual’s response to homeopathic remedies tend to affect the length of the treatment.

15. Can anxiety lead to any complications?

Yes, people with anxiety are at risk of some complications like disruption of relationships, isolation, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and suicidal attempts. Such people are also pre-disposed to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), weight fluctuations, high blood pressure, heartburn, heart diseases.

16. Is anxiety permanent?

No. Anxiety is a manageable and treatable condition. By bringing about lifestyle changes, seeking emotional support and also going in for early treatment, symptoms of anxiety can significantly reduce.