Hysteria
Hysteria is a neurological condition that causes emotional disturbances of one form or another. People suffering may have unexplained fears, loss of self control, depression, seizures and other problems. The problem usually manifests during the teen years or early adulthood, and some types are more commonly seen in women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an impending attack may include heavy breathing, tensing of the muscles, clenched teeth, a swelling of the veins in the neck, complaining that something is stuck in the throat or alternating quickly between crying and laughter. A strong hysterical attack can result in pain, cries of distress, seizures and blackouts. Attacks are usually very sudden so it is difficult to get immediate medical assistance.
Causes
The causes of hysteria have been divided into two types: histrionic personality disorder and somatization disorders. Histrionic personality disorders cause people to act theatrically or exaggerated. They are often seen as self-centered and shallow. Somatic disorders are characterized by the patient being obsessed by an endless list of physical symptoms that don't seem to have a medical foundation. The problem may be traced to heredity, age, psychical influences, and environment.
Cautions
People who are hysterical may do injury to themselves. Take precautions.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Black cohosh – this herb balances the hormones and is used to treat some cases. It is available as a tincture, tablets, or capsules. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results. This herb should not be used in pregnancy.
- Reishi – this herb calms and acts as a tonic to the system. Take it as a tablet, capsule or tincture.
- Siberian ginseng – this herb is known as an adaptogenic herb. In other words, it helps adapt the body to a normal state from whatever state it is in. It also supports the adrenal glands.
- Rauwolfia – this herb can be used until the emotional highs have subsided. Take 1 gram of powdered root added to a cup of milk and take it in the morning and the evening.
- Asafetida – this herb has been used for a long time to treat this problem. The gum from this herb can be used like smelling salts to prevent hysterical attacks. It can also be taken as an oral supplement in a dose of ½ to 1 gram. An emulsion can be made with 2 grams of the gum added to 120 ml of water. This mixture can be administered as an enema in a hysterical patient.
- Valerian – this herbal sedative has long been used to treat hysterical people. It is useful in calming down the hysterical person.
- Passionflower – this herb is also used as a sedative. It calms the person down and helps hysteria, neuralgia, headaches and high blood pressure that are caused by mental attitude.
- Skullcap – this herb is very nourishing to the nervous system. It is also useful when a person is under stress. It has been used for hysteria, anxiety and nervous tension.
- Chamomile – for mild hysteria, this herb is a very good remedy. It calms and soothes the nerves. Take this herb as a soothing tea, as a tincture, tablet or capsule.
- Lavender – this herb is recommended for all disorders of the nerves and head. Sniffing lavender essential oil can calm down hysterics.