Phobias are termed as illogical fears that have no basis in reality. Aviatophobia or the fear of flying is one such fear. People who have this problem suffer from anxiety attacks and panic attacks while aboard a plane, especially at the time of takeoff or landing. However, the symptoms of aviatophobia can also occur when the person is not on a plane.
The idea of flying itself can drive a person to anxiety or panic attacks. Usually these people have an irrational fear that the plane is bound to crash. Usually the intensity of the disorder is decisive in what course of action should be taken for its treatment. However, there are almost no allopathic medicines that can deal with the actual fear and they only help in suppressing the anxiety which can result in drowsiness among other side effects. Hence it is better to opt for herbal remedies for aviatophobia which have a similar impact on the person but have very few if any side effects.
5 Herbal Remedies For Aviatophobia
St John’s Wort
This herb is very popular in Western herbal medicine and has been used for ages for the treatment of various diseases. This herb is very good at soothing the nerves and relieving anxiety that is usually present during an attack of aviatophobia.
Hence taking this herb just before flying or when the thought of flying causes an attack can alleviate the symptoms and help the person to face the flight without discomfort. This herb is also well known for its beneficial effect for patients suffering from depression which is one of the symptoms related to anxiety.
Valerian Root
This herb is one of the effective herbal remedies for aviatophobia. It has been used in western herbal medicine for centuries to treat sleep disorders like insomnia.The sedative effect of this herb helps in soothing the physical and mental tension that develops in a person suffering from aviatophobia and relaxes him or her. It is very effective in reducing the pressure in the muscles and joints caused by the anxiety.
Chamomile
Chamomile has a sedative effect which is very useful in treating the mild anxiety experienced by aviatophobia patients. The nervousness in the stomach and mind can be effectively calmed by the use of this herbal remedy for aviatophobia.However, this herb can only be used as a temporary remedy and does not treat this phobia permanently. This herb is safe for children as well.
Fennel
Sometimes the people suffering from aviatophobia experience coughing bouts, indigestion and asthma when they are having an attack.These symptoms can be effectively treated with the use of fennel seeds which are easily available and all you have to do is chew a spoonful of these seeds to alleviate the symptoms. However, it is not a specific treatment for aviatophobia.
Kava
This herb is useful for moderate to severe symptoms of the disorder and hence is one of the effective herbal remedies for aviatophobia.It is also useful in treating stress due to any reason, insomnia and anxiety. You can consume this herb for a few days continuously so that you get relief.