Anxiety attack symptoms include a racing heart, nausea and a feeling of terror. Effectively dealing with these episodes requires a mix of therapy, lifestyle changes and possibly medications. Certain herbal remedies have a reputation for quelling anxiety, and may be a useful addition to your treatment regimen, but no herbal treatment will stop an active panic attack. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance on using herbal therapy for this condition, particularly if you already take pharmaceutical medications.
Passionflower
Dr. Andrew Weil, physician and integrative medicine expert, recommends passionflower for anxiety disorders. This herb has a long history of use for this purpose, and Dr. Weil notes that it can work as well as mild prescription tranquilizers. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, explains that several studies have shown passionflower to work as well as benzodiazepines, a group of drugs typically prescribed for anxiety.
Kava Kava
Along with passionflower, kava kava has a strong reputation for combating anxiety. You must use this treatment with caution, however, as MayoClinic.com notes that the FDA issued warnings about possible liver damage associated with this herb, though it did not take it off the market. If you do not have any liver disorders, you can probably use it safely for up to 6 months, and MayoClinic.com adds that this treatment probably works better than other natural treatments touted for anxiety. Avoid kava kava if you have liver problems or are pregnant or nursing.
Valerian
Valerian, a popular natural treatment for insomnia, may also help with anxiety, but the UMMC notes that some studies have shown it to be no more effective than a placebo. Many supplement formulas often combine this herb with St. John's wort, a popular natural treatment for mild depression and other mood disorders; this herb can interfere with the metabolization of several types of drugs, including oral contraceptives and medications used to treat depression. Taking valerian at the same time as drugs that produce a sedative effect can lead to an unpleasant increase in their effects. Avoid valerian if you have liver problems or are pregnant or nursing.
Other Possibly Beneficial Supplements
The UMMC notes that several other herbal treatments have been recommended to treat anxiety, including ginger, chamomile and licorice. Do not use licorice if you have hypertension or heart, kidney or liver problems. It might interact negatively with blood-thinning medications, water pills and certain antidepressant drugs. Weil recommends supplementing with B vitamins and magnesium, all of which play a role in regulating mood, stress and behavior.
