Effective Natural Remedies for Managing Panic Attacks

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.

Though some panic attack sufferers may combat their attacks with medication, it’s best to treat them naturally. Medications, especially when taken in large doses can lead to uncomfortable side effects and drug dependency. The sufferer might become so addicted to his/her medication that panic attacks symptoms may not dissipate. Sleeping pills and stress relievers may help up to a point but these will only suppress the attacks. Once the medication is finished the panic attacks will return and with higher degrees of severity.

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.

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.

There are also many herbal remedies that have shown to be effective at managing panic attacks. Here’s a look at a few of them.

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.

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.

One of the most frightening ailments that you can suffer from is a panic attack. You will feel completely out of control, both psychologically and physically. Find the information you need to stop panic attacks at Help for Panic Attacks.