Does the very idea of flying make your heart thump rapidly? Do you feel agitated, breathless or nauseated when someone asks you to fly? Well, you may be suffering from Aviophobia, which is simply a fear of flying. The symptoms are of purely psychological origin and you may even start expressing them severely when made to actually sit in an airplane or helicopter.
Aviophobia may be caused by anxiety neurosis or a previous traumatic experience. It can be associated with other phobias and it triggers panic attacks that manifest themselves in the form of different symptoms. Aviophobia can be treated by Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Some herbs, such as St. John’s Wort, Chamomile, Valerian Root, Kava and Fennel, are found to be effective in calming the minds of persons suffering from Aviophobia and in reducing their anxiety.
Herbal Remedies For Aviophobia
Skullcap
Skullcap is used for treating anxiety and insomnia, as it contains chemicals that pacify the mind. When administered just before undergoing a flight journey to a person suffering from Aviophobia, it can work as a pacifier and sedative which will not only pacify the phobic’s mind but also enable him/her to take a comfortable nap in the flight journey so that he/she completes his/her flight journey peacefully.
St. John’s Wort
St. Jonh’s Wort is recommended for treating Aviophobia, as it will help in calming the nerves when one is flying. It contains chemical messengers called hypericin and hyperforin that work on the nervous system to pacify the mind at the time of mental tension.
Valerian Root
Valerian Root is one of the most effective herbal remedies for Aviophobia. This herb is seen to have the same effect as benzodiazepines (drugs used to treat anxiety, depression etc) on the GABA neurotransmitters. Hence, valerian root works like a sedative on a mind stressed with anxiety and insomnia. Hence, it is a recommended herbal remedy for Aviophobia.
Purple Passionflower
The Purple Passionflower seems to have a calming effect on the mind. Benzoflavone is the active component of the Purple Passionflower which is responsible for calming the mind, inducing sedation and relieving muscle spasms. Its action has been found to be similar to the sedative action of diazepam.
Kava
Kava is one of the most effective remedies for Aviophobia. This herb not only treats phobias and anxiety, but also reduces mental stress and insomnia. Kavalactones are the active ingredients of kava. They are psychoactive. They have a sedative and anesthetic action on the brain without disturbing mental clarity.
Chamomile
Chamomile is used to treat mild Aviophobia, as it relieves anxiety. The terpenoids and flavonoids present in Chamomile are responsible for their mind calming effect. This herb is useful in calming the stomach disturbances caused due to Aviophobia.
Fennel
Fennel is known to elevate the mood and calm the mind. Fennel contains anethole that is responsible for its medicinal properties. It is known to relieve gastrointestinal problems that are associated with anxiety. Hence, symptoms such as Aviophobia-induced nausea or airsickness can be treated effectively with fennel. Fennel is pleasant to taste and can be chewed for a long time for relief from nausea.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.