Article courtesy of Native Remedies
by A. Grano

Does the thought of boarding a plane induce feelings of panic and anxiety, or cause you to have palpitations, sweaty palms, trembling, shortness of breath, muscle tension and/or nausea? If so, you may suffer from aviatophobia, or fear of flying.

You’re not alone! A poll from Newsweek reported that 50% of surveyed adults have experienced flight anxiety, a condition which can significantly impact work or leisure travel. Luckily, there are many things you can try naturally to calm your mind and nerves.

Facing your fear

What seems to be the root of the anxiety? For some, it may be the confinement of a being on a plane, the crowds at the airport, or fear of the plane malfunctioning. Some people begin to feel symptoms before they even reach the airport, showing that a mind-over-matter approach can greatly alleviate stress.

Usually, these fears are irrational, as statistics show that air travel is actually safer than via an automobile. To handle anxiety caused by claustrophobia or crowds, the following tips may help:

* Take care the night before and drink a cup of chamomile tea, to ensure a restful night –minus the anxiety.
* Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, listening to music or meditating to relieve stress that may trigger symptoms.
* Have good distractions handy, such as a good book or puzzle to keep your mind busy if your thoughts start to wander.
* Think positively when you find yourself in a situation that causes panic – repeat affirmations such as “I can do this”.
* Arrive early so you can unwind before you have to board and are not stressing over long lines or checking luggage.
* Avoid sedatives, as they usually cause negative side effects and leave you in a vulnerably groggy state.

Finding support naturally

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can offer safe, effective relief for the symptoms associated with aviatophobia, without the risk of side effects. A combination of herbs such as Lemon Balm, Lavender and Passion Flower help to soothe nerves and maintain a positive outlook. The use of valerian has been known to effectively rid symptoms of anxiety. Though valerian is not related, it is known as nature’s valium.

Homeopathic ingredients such as Cocculus indicus, Lobelia inflata, Gelsemium and Bryonia alba can help to relieve dizziness, nausea, disorientation and sweating – often associated with panic attacks. A quick fix for queasy feelings is eating ginger, before leaving your home, making a small cup of ginger tea, or taking a bite of ginger root will quell nausea.

Combined with addressing the psychological side of the phobia with relaxation and other techniques, you can leave your flight anxiety behind!

Get more info on Easy AirTravel for air sickness