Choose Natural Remedies to Get Panic Attacks Under Control

By Candace Martin

For some individuals panic attacks are the result of phobias. For others there is no apparent trigger. They just come out of nowhere with varying degrees of pain and/or embarrassment. Fortunately, there are many tools that panic attack sufferers can use to fight these debilitating episodes without powerful and possibly harmful medications. Natural remedies for panic attacks are often the most effective approach.

For recurring panic attacks, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. Many people find artificial pharmaceuticals disagreeable, so they pursue other possibilities. Frequently, they turn to herbal remedies, vitamins, and other health supplements. However, it is important to remember that before you take any supplements, you should speak with your doctor.

A healthy diet is a sensible first step to getting your panic attacks under control naturally. Beverages which contain caffeine, like tea and coffee, as well as any kind of beverage with alcohol, can increase heart palpitations. These will make panic attacks worse. Also, limit your intake of carbonated sodas and chocolate. Quitting smoking might help too. Some may claim that smoking helps to relieve stress but there is no direct evidence to suggest that tobacco products can help to reduce the effects of a panic attack.

Aromatherapy can help to relieve panic attacks. The soothing properties of certain oils can calm and relax tense nerves. Lavender, lemon balm and passiflora are some of the recommended oils that can produce positive results.

Consider taking a yoga class. This ancient system of exercise from India focuses on enhancing breathing techniques and improving flexibility. With enough time and practice the level of stress will go down considerably, and panic attacks will occur less frequently.

A number of herbal remedies have demonstrated their effectiveness at helping to control panic attacks. Following are a few of the most popular.

Many people swear by St. John's Wort for panic attacks. The active ingredients of this herb - wort, hyperforin and hypericin - maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. By regularly ingesting St. John's wort, you stabilize your levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It prevents your mood from constantly fluctuating, and guards against bursts of emotion. Thus, you avoid a common trigger of panic attacks.

Valerian root has been proven in many clinical trials to be an effective sedative. Its medicinal ingredients, valepotriate and sesquiterpene depress the central nervous system, and slow your heart and breathing. After taking valerian root for thirty days, patients report feeling less anxious and less nervous.

Something simple as not enough vitamin B could be messing you up. Without proper amounts of vitamin B-complex, your brain is prone to anxiety, nervousness and panic. Vitamin B stabilizes the concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and GABA in your brain. Try taking pills with vitamin B1, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12. They should help reduce panic attacks.

Whatever supplements you decide to take, discuss them with your doctor beforehand. If your doctor believes they will interact dangerously with your medications, his or her word is final. - 30415

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