Mimulus: the best natural remedy for social anxiety?

There are few natural remedies for social anxiety. Some people turn to over the counter medications, but many do not like taking them as they may have side-effects. Using natural remedies as a substitute is an option that some who struggle with social anxiety rely on, and these solutions often work better than OTC pills. One of the best herbal remedies for social anxiety is a flower essence known as "Mimulus" but there are a few flower essences you might want to consider, depending on how your anxiety symptoms manifest and how it makes you feel.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is a mental illness that has symptoms of anxiety such as a feeling of apprehension and fear in social situations. It can be very mild, such as feeling shy around others, or it can be so severe that it interferes with daily life. Social anxiety may cause people to avoid social situations, which can lead to isolation and loneliness in addition to stress and anxiety. Some people with social anxiety disorder also have panic disorder, a condition where people panic in response to a sensed danger instead of a true threat. Anxiety disorders can be very debilitating and social anxiety is no different.

What are the symptoms of social anxiety?

People can feel some fear or anxious feelings when confronting new or unfamiliar situations such as social gatherings, meeting new people or public speaking. However, most individuals with social anxiety disorder experience more intense feelings of dread and distress than those who simply feel nervous about an upcoming event.

Individuals with social anxiety disorder are very self-conscious in most social situations, and they are particularly sensitive to the judgments of others. They take comments or criticism very personally, which can result in low self-confidence.

Social anxiety sufferers may also experience physical symptoms of anxiety when confronted with a feared situation. These symptoms can include blushing, nausea, sweating, trembling or shaking. 

People with social anxiety disorder are aware that they are experiencing intense fear which is unreasonable in the context of the situation. Most people who have this condition will try to avoid potentially embarrassing situations by refusing to go to places where there may be unfamiliar people present. They will also often limit interactions with others, even if they know the people well.

If the fear is severe enough, some people with social anxiety disorder may find it difficult to leave their house or perform routine tasks such as grocery shopping or going to work. Social anxiety is a spectrum, ranging from mild anxiety to severe generalised anxiety disorder. No matter where you are on this spectrum, it's important to get help for anxiety and recognise it's not just shyness.

How to reduce anxiety & get help for social anxiety

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for anxiety or social phobia. However, many people find that talk therapy, anti-anxiety medication, alternative medicine, natural supplements or a combination of all these treatments can be very effective to lessen anxiety. It's also important to manage chronic stress and chronic anxiety with self care routines such as relaxation exercises, deep breathing, eating a balanced diet and eating a healthy diet with nutrients for brain health. When it comes to natural remedies for social anxiety and herbal supplements, Bach flower remedies can be beneficial to relieve anxiety, reduce stress and stop constant worrying. Best of all, they're 100% natural and are completely safe and gentle to use in your daily life.

Mimulus and other Bach flower remedies

Bach flower remedies are 38 plant and flower-based remedies that can help you manage the emotional demands of everyday life. Each remedy supports a different emotional state. The remedies were discovered by Dr Bach in the 1930s and have been used widely across the world ever since. The remedies are natural, safe, gentle and non-habit forming. They are safe to use at all ages and can be complementary to any existing medication.

Let’s explore Mimulus and some of the other flower remedies that might be able to support social anxiety. If any these remedies resonate with you, you can create a personalised treatment bottle by adding the individual flower essences using the buttons below.

Mimulus

One of the best herbal remedies for social anxiety is a flower essence known as Mimulus. Mimulus relates to the soul qualities of courage and confidence. It is supportive for overcoming one’s fears and is the flower essence for the fear of something specific e.g. social situations, not being liked etc. Mimulus also helps with general shyness or if you’re nervous and blush easily or stammer. Or perhaps you talk too much out of nervous energy. You may also be sensitive to your environment and withdraw from too much noise or light. You need your own time and space.

Those who benefit from Mimulus need to learn to live with their sensitive nature and surround themselves with people and places that will support their need to withdraw from the world occasionally to recharge and give their nervous system a chance to rest. In addition, Mimulus types should consider how fear can escalate and control the mind and body with constant worrying. Fear is a construct of the mind and when we learn to control that mind and the fear, we have greater power over ourselves and our lives.

After taking Mimulus as described below, you should start to feel some of the balancing effects of the remedies. You will be able to face your fears and have courage to face situations you may have previously been uncomfortable with.

It is not a cure-all, but it is a gentle, safe remedy that has been used for years. People with anxiety who take Mimulus say they feel more at ease in social situations and are less likely to feel the need to flee or hide. If you suffer from social anxiety, consider trying Mimulus to see if it works for you to improve anxiety.

Other flower remedies you might wish to consider

Larch

You lack confidence in your abilities and feel inferior to others. You don’t feel you’re capable and never expect anything but failure.

add to your remedy

White Chestnut

For constant mental arguments. You replay things over in your head and these constant mental arguments leave you stressed and exhausted. Thinking about what you should have said or might have said. This can also be very helpful for sleep problems particularly if you wake up in the night worrying and can't get back to sleep. This can provide a natural sleep aid.

add to your remedy

Crab Apple

For self hatred and self disgust. You dislike yourself and constantly condemn yourself. Anxiety around cleanliness and small things. You feel the need to cleanse yourself.

add to your remedy

Rock Rose

You are overwhelmed by fear, terror and panic. Useful for panic attacks and nightmares. Suddenly escalating anxieties, heart nearly stops for fear.

add to your remedy

Aspen

You're generally anxious but not about anything specific, you have a general sense of foreboding but you're not sure why. You generally just feel a bit on edge.

add to your remedy

How it works, when to take & side effects

All flowers carry with them a soul or energy. The flower energies lift our vibrations and unblock channels within our minds, allowing us to approach life more positively. The process is simple and gentle. When working with the flower remedies, passing moods will be quicker to clear than when you're looking to change deeper moods or personality traits.

They are similar to herbal supplements in that they are created using the help of mother nature to treat anxiety and other mental health problems. Unlike prescription medications, they don't have any side effects, you can't overdose on them and they're safe and gentle to use.

view all 38 flower essences 

How do you take them?

Like a herbal supplement, they are taken by mouth. The minimum dosage is 4 drops, 4 times per day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. You can take the drops directly from the dropper bottle or add to a drink. If you take directly in your mouth, be careful not to touch your mouth as this risks contamination. When first taking the remedies or in acute situations you may wish to take more often. You can't overdose on the remedies. When treating anxiety, specifically severe anxiety you may want to take more frequently or if you're feeling particularly anxious.

Are there any side effects?

The remedies do not cause side effects but in some rare instances people have reported feeling more strongly the emotional state they are trying to treat before it clears. Keep taking the remedy - this should only last a few days. The remedies don't interact with any other medications you might already be taking for anxiety and depression and are often actually very complementary.

When will I see the effects?

Acute moods should take only a couple of days to pass, however more long standing issues may take much longer. After a couple of weeks you should notice a shift in emotions. You may notice you're smiling more, feel more relaxed, feel more confident, have greater energy, have greater intuition or be more self aware.

Sounds great, how do I get started?

If you think any of the above flower remedies spoke to you, and you want to develop your own bottle, you may do so via the link below, which includes all of the natural flower remedies listed above. 

create a personalised remedy

We aren't listed in health food stores as we believe in only providing personalised remedies that are tailored to the individual. You may also wish to book a personal consultation with a registered practitioner who will discuss your issues in more detail and recommend flower remedies just for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or speak to your mental health professional or seek professional medical advice from your GP.