Cancelling out the natural responses and preventing physical symptoms of stress and anxiety

I have been recommended beta blockers as a cure to help with my ‘stage fright’ before giving a presentation to around 100 of my peers next month. Is there something in the natural world that would help with my nerves?

Beta blockers work by cancelling out the natural responses and preventing physical symptoms of stress and anxiety rather than addressing the actual root cause of your nerves or ‘stage fright’.

There are some people who should avoid taking beta blockers, since they may cause problems with certain underlying medical conditions and are well known for interacting with other medications. It is important to consult your usual doctor before considering them as an option.

Since beta receptors are found throughout the body (such as in the heart, lungs, arteries, brain, and uterus), the effect of beta-blocker medications is widespread.

Using Beta blockers can cause decreased heart rate; decreased force of heart contractions; asthma attacks in people with asthma; uterine contractions; and decreased blood pressure. People who should avoid taking them include those with a history of asthma,diabetes, most heart conditions,myasthenia gravis, low blood pressure, metabolic acidosis, and phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure as a result of an adrenal tumour). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to avoid beta blockers if possible, although there are some designed to be suitable for certain stages of pregnancy or nursing.

Rhodiola rosea is a herb which is being used with great success among university students to reduce stress, increase energy levels, and boost memory. It has also been found to work well as an alternative to the anti-depressant herb St John’s Wort.

An adaptogenic herb, it balances out each system, enabling your body to function at peak levels. Viridian’s Enhanced Rhodiola Complex combines rhodiola with other adaptogenic herbs long used to treat stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Enhanced Rhodiola Complex costs €41.05 for 90 capsules, and is available from health stores. Do not take together with antidepressant medication.

Is it safe for someone with coeliac disease to take homeopathic medicine?

Homeopathy is a natural medicine that utilises the energy of plant,mineral or animal substances to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. The specific remedy is chosen based on the Law of Similars (Similia Similibus Currentur — what asubstance can cause, it can cure).

While homeopathic remedies are considered to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional medication, some forms can indeed be problematic for individuals who are highly intolerant or allergic to wheat or dairy. You will no doubt already be familiar with doing your own research into the ingredient panels of everything you put in or on your body — and supplements, remedies and medicines are no exception.

Homeopathic tablets and pillules typically contain substances derived from lactose and/or wheat, so these would be best avoided.

The good news is that you are able to purchase homeopathic remedies as liquid drops, creams, and sprays — which should not contain any gluten. Individuals who are avoiding lactose or wheat without severe allergies will typically tolerate the minuscule amount found in some homeopathic preparations.

The process of distillation removes all gluten from alcohol, so even if analcohol-based remedy is derived from grains, it is considered to be safe for coeliac sufferers. Many homeopaths prepare remedies using brandy as the preservative and stabiliser, which is another safe option since the alcohol is derived from grapes rather than grains.

Nettle tea is a great remedy to help support and nourish system which is coping with Coeliac’s Disease. Rich in nutrients, this humble herb is a wonderful restorative tonic and will help to cleanse and enrich the blood.