Natural Supplements for Flight Anxiety: 5 Great Ingredients That Really Work:
What began as a slow glide forward grows faster and faster as the plane accelerates down the runway, anticipating takeoff. You hear the engine now and feel all of the sensations of the giant machine in action as it lifts you off the ground and into the skies.
Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. In fact, anxiety is one of the more commonly reported mental health issues in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million adults, or 19.1% of the population, every year. Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is a common type of anxiety that affects more than 25 million adults in the U.S. It’s no wonder that people turn to natural supplements to alleviate flight anxiety and other forms of anxiety. But which ones work best?
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Finding the right anxiety supplement doesn’t need to give you anxiety. Here are some natural supplements for flight anxiety that are shown to be effective and may be able to help make your next flight smooth sailing.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
Ashwagandha root
Ashwagandha root is an adaptogen that comes from the Ashwagandha plant, a small shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. It has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress as well as enhance cognitive and physical performance. Recent research shows that it may be effective at reducing anxiety; however, further studies may be needed to confirm this.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
Passionflower extract
Passionflower is a plant native to Central and South America, as well as the southeastern United States. It is traditionally used as a sleep aid but is also taken to treat insomnia, stress, ADHD, and as a pain reliever. Studies show it can be effective in reducing anxiety but show less of an effect on people with mild anxiety.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly in the brain and body. Research shows that magnesium helps mitigate symptoms of anxiety. A small 6-week study found that taking 248 mg of magnesium per day reduced anxiety symptoms significantly. On the preventative end of the spectrum, a study found a correlation between increasing magnesium intake and a lowered risk of depression and anxiety.
Magnesium also helps reduce anxiety by addressing some of its underlying causes, such as lack of sleep. It is often taken as a sleep aid because it regulates several neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. Studies show that magnesium helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, with better quality sleep as well. Sleep and anxiety are intrinsically linked – getting better sleep likely means your anxiety symptoms will also improve.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
Kava
Kava is a tropical plant that grows primarily on islands in the Pacific Ocean. Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, and the Republic of Vanuatu all have traditions of growing and using kava. Short for Kava Kava, its name means “intoxicating pepper.” Members of these island communities crush the plant into kava powder and combine it with water to create a drinkable herbal tonic.
Kava’s primary active ingredient, kavain, affects mood receptors, causing an increase in dopamine levels and giving the user a sense of relaxation and calm that is similar to the buzz you might get from an alcoholic beverage. It is also thought to ease pain, relax muscles, and potentially prevent seizures, making it a viable option as a natural supplement for flight anxiety.
However, it is still uncertain how much kava you can take safely and for how long, so it is advisable to start with a small dose. Reported side effects include headaches, depression, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea. Potential skin issues were also reported, including dry, scaly, or yellow skin, but only in those who took large amounts. Moreover, kava can also interact poorly with certain medications. If you are concerned about these potential risks, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking kava.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
Green tea
Green tea is a potent nutrient that is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols. It offers many potential benefits, including improved brain function, increased metabolism, protection against aging, as well as a reduced chance of developing diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.
In terms of flight anxiety, green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which enhances the activity of GABA in the brain to help mitigate stress and anxiety.
Natural supplements for flight anxiety:
What should you take?
Many of these natural supplements for flight anxiety are available for sale individually, but they also come as components of multi-ingredient supplements. It may be a better idea to find a supplement that contains multiple ingredients, as they work together for increased effectiveness and can save you money. The Serenity Pill from Medicine Man Plant Co. is one such supplement.
The Serenity Pill contains Ashwagandha root, passionflower extract, and green tea extract, as well as an additional ingredient to help you relax: nutmeg. While nutmeg is not typically associated with natural supplements for flight anxiety, it offers more than just flavoring — it has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used since the Middle Ages to treat arthritis pain and gastrointestinal issues. In terms of flight anxiety, studies on rats show potential anti-depressant properties, but more research is needed to clarify its effects on humans.
Flight anxiety can be tough, but there are many options available to help you. In addition to taking natural supplements for flight anxiety, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor or a mental health professional for additional advice on managing your symptoms.
Further Reading:
ClickOnDetriot: 7 ways to ease flight anxiety
CNN: A flight attendant’s secrets to surviving long-haul flights
NPR: 6 tips to help you overcome your fear of flying
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
