Part 7: Herbal Remedies to Stop Panic Attacks
By NancyC on Dec 26, 2008 in Herbal Remedies for Panic Attacks, My Story
Herbs, Herbs and More Herbs.
I have a friend that is a nutritionist and she was sure she could help me.
Here’s the menu I was given, and at a substantial cost I might add. Herbs though glorified weeds do not come cheaply!
Why is it the ones you can pull from your flower beds do you no good?
Here’s the rundown on herbs, and again, don’t take me wrongly. I do take nutritional supplements but I found no relief from herbs specifically said to help panic attacks and have since found that they are meant primarily to treat more subdued forms of anxiety.
Kava Kava is probably the most well known of all of the herbal supplements.
Some studies have indicated that it can be harmful to the liver, but this, like everything else in the nutritional arena, is often disputed.
It is advised that you should not take Kava with other medications for anxiety or depression, nor should you take it on a daily basis.
You can get a sense of being relaxed when you take Kava, without feeling as though you have been drugged. This is the reason why many people like taking this herbal supplement.
Kava is meant to reduce anxiety. It generally works well when someone has mild anxiety or slight anxiety. This is not and will not be beneficial for anyone who has severe anxiety or is experiencing a full blown anxiety attack.
Kava is non-habit forming and generally safe to use if you do not abuse it.
Most doctors will advise that you take prescription drugs instead of resorting to herbals. There’s a big surprise, why would a doctor cut off the gravy train?
St. John’s Wort is another very popular remedy that is used for treating depression and anxiety.
St. John’s Wort is said to help treat depression in the natural way and has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for depression. Research indicates that St. John’s Wort works similar to the way that SSRIs work in that it helps to increase the flow of serotonin to the brain.
If you decide to take St. John’s Wort, be advised that it can be phototoxic. This means that it can have an adverse reaction if you go out in the sun when taking this herbal remedy.
Since I love the sun and play a lot of golf, this was not high on my list to try.
Women who are on birth control should be advised that St. John’s Wort can reduce the effect of the birth control pill. Roh-roh - trade your panic attack for baby anyone?
Valerian is another very commonly used herbal ingredient that is used to treat both anxiety and depression.
While not as widely used as Kava Kava and St. John’s Wort, many people who suffer from anxiety have found relief with Valerian.
Again, and I must stress, most herbs are meant to treat MILD forms of anxiety. Not the heart pounding, break out in cold sweats, chest crushing panic attacks that I experienced or you may be experiencing.
If you are suffering full blown panic attacks, don’t waste your time or money on herbs.
Michael
PS: If you need help RIGHT NOW, click here and STOP your panic attacks
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Herbal Remedies for Panic Attacks, My Story
Tags: Cure Panic Attacks, Herbal Remedies for Panic Attacks, Stop Anxiety Attacks, Stop Panic Attacks, Treatment for Panic Attacks
11 Comment(s)
By ark from MCure For Panic Attacks Now on Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
Hi, great post. great advice about using herbal remedies for panic attacks. I too have tried various herbs and in the end found that getting at the rout cause of my panic attacks, which was in my head, really started the curing process for me.
.-= Mark
By J Todd on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply
I agree that herbs are probably meant for non-severe forms of anxiety. There are many herbs recommended for anxiety but very few have scientific studies backing up the claims. However, there may also be some form of placebo effect that is effective. When one thinks one is taking something to help with anxiety then the anxiety is, in fact, reduced.
http://www.sawpalmetto.org
By licia from ACure For Panic Attacks on Aug 14, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
Yes, Kava (Piper methysticum) is really a herbal medicine against stress and anxiety. It is also used against insomnia.
Basic researches report that kava may have an anti-cancer potential, too.
However, you should use kava heavily for a long period of time, since it could have some side effects, like eye irritation.(When heavily using kava, the user’s eyes can become sensitive to light).
Concerns were really raised about the safety of kava, but the latest researches (from 2009) found that the study’s participants did not show any signs of liver damage.
.-= Alicia
By ill from BCure For Panic Attacks on Aug 25, 2009 | Reply
My youngest daughter experienced panic attacks during her first year of college. We tried to convince our daughter that her fears would not happen, and that she could control her thoughts if she tried hard enough. We had her start trying herbs to treat her anxiety and panic attacks. Over a two month period, she tried taking Kava Kava, Ginseng, and Valerian. She continued to have anxiety attacks, and she not like the sedation effects of the herbs. After three hospital episodes and no firm diagnosis, we pulled her out of school and brought her home to be treated by specialists. The neurologist put her on the medication lorazepan, and set her up with a psychologist. Over a period of six sessions with the psychologist, she self diagnosed herself as suffering anxiety, stopped taking the medication, and said she could control her anxiety herself. She has not had any panic attacks for over 18 months. She is a prime example of your statement that herbs are probably not a good choice for someone that is suffering full blown panic attacks.
By NancyC on Aug 30, 2009 | Reply
and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing either… mind over body!!
By Alicia on Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
Yes, Kava (Piper methysticum) is really a herbal medicine against stress and anxiety. It is also used against insomnia.
Basic researches report that kava may have an anti-cancer potential, too.
However, you should use kava heavily for a long period of time, since it could have some side effects, like eye irritation.(When heavily using kava, the user’s eyes can become sensitive to light).
Concerns were really raised about the safety of kava, but the latest researches (from 2009) found that the study’s participants did not show any signs of liver damage.
Alicia
By David Sandoval on Oct 23, 2009 | Reply
Great article. Panic attacks can affect all of us.
By Henry on Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
Thx so much for such a informative article.. you stress the important health benefits of drinking enough water.. something some of us dont manage to do.. i use to only drink water when i was thirsty..
By Dave on Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
This is a great way to word what having a panic attack is all about. The tips you provided are also a nice variety of alternative approaches.
Dave@Anxiety Meditation ´s last blog ..Anxiety Meditation
By NancyC on Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the additional info, Alicia… I think you mean to say you should NOT use Kava heavily for a long period of time without knowing side effects… but this would be true for just about anything.
By Jinnie on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
i have lot of confusion regarding this anxiety but as i gone through your post all my doubts are cleared thanks to you for this wonderful and informative portal.i like the way of your explanation easy to understand.anyways keep up with good work.