People with social anxiety are afraid that people will see their blushing negatively, as a sign that they are dishonest or weak.  However, it is possible that others will see someone who is blushing as shy or nervous, sensitive, or even ill.  The fear of blushing actually increases the possibility of the physical response, since the fear activates the fight or flight response and therefore the sympathetic nervous system.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Those with bothersome social anxiety would do well to seek assistance.  Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT can help the sufferer to understand their beliefs and how those around them view their blushing or sweating- it is possible that others might think that the blushing is cute and not a sign of weakness.

CBT often involves having the sufferer confront their fears, and the situations that cause them to fear blushing and sweating.  Lowering the person’s apprehension about the fearful situations will also cause a decrease in the physical responses.

The good news is that there is natural relief available for these types of problems.  Slow breathing and positive affirmations to one’s self are often helpful.  There is also psychotherapy and other types of therapy that can have a positive effect without the use of drugs to control the problem.

Herbal remedies are all natural and work for many people who have social anxiety issues.  There are many different types which are used successfully by different people:

Lemon balm is often used as a calming agent to relax nerves and treat insomnia and anxiety.

Passion flower is known as ‘nature’s tranquilizer.’  Not only does it help combat stress, anxiety, and insomnia, it also contains alkaloids, which closely mimic monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are often prescribed for depressed patients.

Kava Kava is popular in Fiji, where it’s been used for a long time. This herb has been called ‘nature’s Valium’ because it produces similar relaxing and calming effects in people who take it.

St. John’s Wort’s history for treating depressed and anxious people is legendary, and it has earned the nickname ‘nature’s Prozac’ accordingly.

Lavender is a powerful herb that’s well known for calming the nervous system, and is used by people combating fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, stress, and depression.

There are many other herbal remedies for social anxiety disorder and blushing: chamomile, valerian, and hops.  (Yes, many people take their hops in liquid form.)

Of course, it’s very important to talk to your doctor and be sure herbal supplements are right for you.

Do not try to combine herbal supplements on your own, but rather allow someone who is qualified in the field to do that for you.  Comprehensive formulas that work together can offer greater benefits than just one herb, if properly combined.  Leave that to the herbal experts!