An anxiety attack, also called a panic attack, can be a frightening experience. Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear that happen for no obvious reason and cause severe physical reactions. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, sweating, rapid heart rate and a sense of impending doom. Herbal medicine may be a helpful adjunct in the treatment of anxiety. Note that some emotional disturbances can be indications of serious psychological conditions; therefore, mental and emotional disorders should be diagnosed and managed by a qualified mental health care practitioner. Botanicals can have strong effects on the body, and they can interact with medications. Before taking herbal remedies, consult with a botanically trained health care provider.
Lavender
Lavender, also called by its Latin names Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula officinalis, is well-known for its use as a fragrance in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes or freshening the air. The plant is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean, and it now flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States. Medicinally, lavender has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including anxiety, stress and insomnia. It works by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation. Lavender may be taken internally as a tea, spice or liquid extract, or inhaled as an essential oil. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, research confirms that breathing lavender essential oil produces slight calming, soothing and sedative effects.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata, commonly called passionflower, is a perennial climbing vine native to the southeastern parts of the Americas. The flower is an attractive mixture of white and various blue and purple hues. Passionflower is used throughout the Americans and Europe for its calming effects to treat anxiety, insomnia and hysteria. UMMC reports that passionflower's therapeutic effects may result from its ability to increase levels of GABA---a neurotransmitter that is associated with relaxation---in the brain. Passionflower is commonly taken as a tea, tincture or liquid extract, and it may be combined with other calming herbs such as valerian, kava kava and lemon balm.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, officially known as Melissa officinalis, is a member of the mint family, and it grows all over the world. The flowers are small and a light yellow color, and the leaves, when rubbed by the fingers, produce a pleasing lemon scent. Like other calming herbs, lemon balm is used to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," lemon balm may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing restlessness, rapid and irregular heartbeat, headache and irritability. Lemon balm is available as a tea, capsule, extract, tincture and oil.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a European plant with small, sweetly scented white, light purple or pink flowers. The root is used medicinally, and in contrast to the flowers, its odor is less than pleasant. Valerian has a long history of traditional use for insomnia, anxiety and nervous restlessness. It's thought to be one of the stronger anti-anxiety herbs. Like passionflower, valerian is thought to increase levels of GABA. Valerian may be taken as a tea, liquid extract, tincture, capsule or tablet.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Passionflower
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
