Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition marked by anxiety following a traumatic event, such as an accident, physical abuse, or sexual abuse. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell how long PTSD will last and every person experiences the condition to varying degrees. ¹

Traditionally, two forms of treatment are used to combat PTSD symptoms: medication and psychotherapies. While the combination is usually effective, some people prefer to take a natural recovery route.

In recent years, holistic treatments for PTSD have garnered a lot of attention. This involves a similar process to traditional treatment methods – incorporating all-natural alternative medication with therapeutic practices.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the most effective measures of holistic treatments for PTSD.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Following a traumatic event, there’s a chance someone may develop a type of anxiety known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of this condition usually appear within three months of the accident and can become so severe that they complicate daily necessities, such as work, school, and relationships.

It’s estimated that 1 in 11 people will struggle with PTSD at some point in their lives, with 3.5% of U.S. adults currently struggling with the condition. Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) V, you must exhibit a minimum of the following to receive a PTSD diagnosis:

• One re-experiencing symptom
• One avoidance symptom
• Two arousal and reactivity symptoms
• Two cognition and mood symptoms

The symptoms that are divided into each of these categories are as follows:

Re-Experiencing PTSD Symptoms

When one re-experiences trauma through:

• Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event)
• Frightening thoughts
• Nightmares

Normally, people who struggle with PTSD will have something that triggers re-experiencing symptoms. For example, if a person develops PTSD after getting in an accident with a red car, cars of that particular color may trigger re-experiencing symptoms.

Avoidance PTSD Symptoms

Following up on re-experiencing symptoms, a person may avoid things that can trigger their PTSD. Symptoms of this category include:

• Avoiding places, people, events, and objects that trigger symptoms
• Avoiding thoughts and emotions that trigger symptoms

Being the nature of these symptoms, an individual may change their daily routine to accommodate their PTSD. For example, if they experienced a traumatic event on their college campus, they may opt to continue their career online and from a location far away.

Arousal and Reactivity PTSD Symptoms

This set of symptoms doesn’t usually require a trigger and can happen at any moment. They include:

• Angry outbursts (irritability)
• Being easily startled
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Feeling tense or “on edge”

Ultimately, such symptoms will lead to stress that may not have been prevalent previously. In turn, this stress can complicate various aspects of their day-to-day life.

Cognition and Mood PTSD Symptoms

While these symptoms may be associated with an injury, the weight of the traumatic event can worsen them. Cognition and mood symptoms include:

• Difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
• Distorted emotions (i.e. guilt)
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Negative thoughts and feelings about yourself and the world

Cognitive and mood PTSD symptoms are perhaps some of the most devastating. Not only can they make people feel alienated from those around them but they can also lead to other mental health conditions.

PTSD Risk Factors

Anyone of any age can develop PTSD. Those most at risk are people who have experienced a traumatic event. What a traumatic event is varies depending on the individual’s concept of trauma. ² However, the most common types of trauma include:

• Bullying
• Community violence
• Disasters (i.e. an earthquake, hurricane, etc.)
• Early childhood trauma (emotional, physical, or sexual abuse)
• Intimate partner trauma
• Medical trauma
• Physical abuse
• Refugee trauma
• Sexual abuse

It’s not entirely understood why some people develop PTSD following a traumatic event and others don’t. However, it’s assumed that those who do are either more prone to anxiety risk factors or simply experienced an event so traumatic that it’s difficult to avoid symptoms.

5 Best Holistic Treatments for PTSD

Traditionally, treatment for PTSD incorporates medications with psychotherapy. The most common medications for PTSD are antidepressants and the most common psychotherapies are a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), such as exposure therapy.

While these therapies are usually effective, there are two difficulties some individuals may run across:

1. Even with the best treatment, they may find it difficult to overcome PTSD.
2. Medications can be addictive and if taken improperly, can cause more problems than PTSD itself.

For the above two reasons, many are turning to holistic treatment methods to combat PTSD symptoms. These methods involve a similar structure to traditional treatment, incorporating all-natural herbs and supplements with holistic forms of therapy.

The following is a review of the most effective holistic treatments for PTSD. However, it should be noted that these alternatives haven’t yet been proven to be more effective than traditional treatment. That said, anyone who decides to participate in them is doing so at their own risk.

1.) Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may be effective in relieving symptoms from several mental health conditions. This is thanks to the overall nature of the practice. By manually handling soft body tissue, practitioners may relieve stress and promote overall wellness.

In one study, it was found that veterans who had received massage and other integrative therapies saw a significant decrease in the following: ³

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Physical pain
• Tension

Other studies have found that massage therapy may also be able to help people who struggle with dissociation (a prominent cognitive and mood PTSD symptom). ⁴

2.) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is when you insert thin, tiny needles into various points of your body. Through this, it’s believed to help return the body’s flow of energy to a state of homeostasis. This is primarily thanks to the stimulation certain nerves, muscles, and connective tissue receive.

In one study, 60 veterans received acupuncture and it was found to improve their ability to sleep at night. ⁵ Even though all the veterans didn’t struggle with PTSD, those that did also saw improvement in their sleep.

3.) Yoga

Traditional exercise is great for promoting endorphins which have been found to help lower stress levels. ⁶ Yoga takes traditional exercise and incorporates mindfulness to enhance wellbeing.

A 2015 study found that yoga helped reduce certain symptoms in 80 individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The study suggest yoga may be an alternative treatment route for those who struggle with the condition. ⁷

4.) Meditation

Like yoga, meditation is another practice that seeks to promote mindfulness. However, a major difference in meditation involves very little physical activity and is more centered with a focus on the present moment.

To reach this state, you’ll learn to develop certain techniques that help with clarity, positivity, and concentration. One of the most common is deep breathing exercises.

While there aren’t many studies looking into PTSD and meditation, there has been positive findings. One study found that those with the condition saw an improvement in both PTSD and depression symptoms when practicing meditation. ⁸

5.) Reiki

Reiki is a unique alternative therapy that’s often referred to as “energy healing.” It involves a practitioner placing their hand on your body and creating different hand shapes and movements. This is meant to decrease stress.

One study found that individuals with PTSD who received Reiki treatment saw a reduction in overall symptoms. Not to mention, many felt an improvement in their well-being. ⁹

5 Best All-Natural Herbs and Supplements for PTSD

All-natural herbs and supplements may also be beneficial alongside holistic treatment paths. Admittedly there isn’t enough research to confirm that an all-natural protocol is going to cure your PTSD. Rather, some preliminary studies and self-reports claim the following alternatives could help:

1.) Kava Root

While there is some controversy behind Kava Root, there’s no denying its ability to relax muscles and overall anxiety. In fact, studies have found it can effectively reduce generalized anxiety disorders and help individuals who struggle with panic attacks. ¹⁰

Kava can be purchased in several forms, from teas to tinctures to capsules. While it’s quite easy to access in the United States, you may want to consult your doctor before taking Kava Root. Especially if you’re currently on any other medication.

2.) Green Tea

Like Kava Root, green tea can help to relax muscles and, in turn, reduce PTSD symptoms. More specifically, L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea) has been found to induce changes in rats’ brains that have been affected by trauma. Rats who consumed L-theanine experienced less anxiety and stress along with enhanced mood. ¹¹

To further this, green tea can benefit the body in several other ways. For example, it’s been found to help balance out hormones and the nervous system and strengthen a weakened immune system. ¹² Naturally, when our bodies experience such healing, they’re less likely to succumb to stress and anxiety.

3.) Dong Quai

Studies have found that Dong Quai may manage the body’s adrenal glands. ¹³ In turn, it can help to reduce anxiety and panic attacks that are associated with PTSD.

Furthermore, Dong Quai has been found to contribute to a healthy nervous system. ¹⁴ This is notable when it comes to PTSD as many patients struggle with an overactive and over-sensitive nervous system and adrenal glands. ¹⁵

4.) Chamomile

Many have found chamomile to reduce anxiety symptoms and overall nervousness levels. Not to mention, some have used it to get a better night’s sleep. ¹⁶

While chamomile can come in many forms, it’s most popularly brewed as a tea. Some prefer to have it in the morning to ease daily anxieties whereas others may only take it when they experience an attack.

5.) Cannabis

In places where it’s legal, cannabis has become one of the most popular alternative medicines for PTSD. In fact, PTSD is often applicable to obtaining a medicinal cannabis card (in most states).

While studies are limited, the current literature suggests cannabis can help with several different PTSD symptoms. Most notably, marijuana may help patients reduce nightmares and overall anxiety, get a better night’s sleep, and fight against daytime flashbacks. ¹⁷

If you find that the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) only worsen your anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) may also be an effective alternative. Beyond the fact that it’s federally legal and non-psychoactive, studies have shown it can help reduce symptoms of PTSD. ¹⁸

Other Alternative: Ayahuasca Retreats

Another alternative that has garnered a lot of attention is ayahuasca retreats. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant that contains high amounts of N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) which causes individuals to experience powerful hallucinations, euphoria, and out-of-body consciousness.

Scientists have discovered that DMT can have long-term benefits to our brain health. ¹⁹ With this, some people believe that ayahuasca may be able to help treat PTSD and its associated symptoms. More particularly, some studies indicate ayahuasca may help people properly process traumatic memories. ²⁰

Unfortunately, the research on this is extremely lacking. More so, some people who undergo such a strong psychedelic experience end up developing further anxiety. For this reason, ayahuasca may be a high risk to some people.

Final Word

When it comes to treating PTSD symptoms, holistic therapies and natural supplements may be the answer you’re looking for. However, the lack of research makes it difficult to tell how effective they are compared to standard treatment.

More so, there are no guidelines when it comes to treating PTSD in this manner. There’s no protocol for dosage amount, how often one should participate in therapy, how long treatment should last, etc.

With that, you need to experiment with these practices before understanding how they affect you. Some have found it beneficial to participate in these natural alternatives alongside traditional treatment to further curb PTSD symptoms.

References

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