Effective Natural Remedies for Managing Panic Attacks

In: Health & Fitness

6 Dec 2009

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.

An important step in treating your panic attacks naturally is by getting enough exercise. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and it’s important that the two are balanced and in optimum condition. The worst thing that a sufferer can do is to sit down and relax when a panic attack begins. When adrenaline is released and the fight or flight syndrome takes hold it’s vital to burn it off by taking a long walk or doing some other kind of mobile activity.

Many panic attack sufferers may not be aware of this, but familiar aromas that remind a person of their childhood years can instantly help somebody to curb an attack and induce a more relaxed state. Anything that reminds a person of happy memories like fresh air, barbecued foods or the scent of freshly cut grass can bust the negative effects of a panic attack.

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.

Using St. John’s Wort for panic attacks has been proven to increase a person’s well being and greatly reduce the effects of panic attacks. It helps to stabilize the brain’s neurotransmitters and the “feel good” chemicals norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. The result is more stable moods which tend to discourage panic attacks.

Kava root is a very popular anti-anxiety herb. It is an effectual and fast-acting sedative. Through depressing the central nervous system, kava root slows your heart and breathing, directly combating the effects of a panic attack. Because the body absorbs kava root very quickly, ingesting kava root right before a panic attack may significantly reduce symptoms. A meta-study concluded that kava root is more effective than placebo, in relieving anxiety disorders.

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.

While the frequency of your panic attacks may decrease with taking supplements, do not go off your prescribed antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Always speak with your doctor first before using any herbal remedies.

A panic attack is one of the most frightening disorders that you can experience. You will feel totally out of control, mentally, emotionally and physically. Find what you need to know about panic attack disorder and the treatment options at Help for Panic Attacks.

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