Several herbs may be helpful in treating your panic disorder and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, panic disorder is a condition in which you experience recurrent bouts of intense fear. Depression is a condition in which you experience prolonged feelings of sadness and unhappiness. Before taking herbs to help treat your panic disorder and depression, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your panic disorder and depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, St. John's wort has been used for centuries to help treat mental disorders and neuralgia, or nerve pain. St. John's wort, a member of the Guttiferae family, has a sweet, bitter and astringent taste and slightly warming tendencies. The flowering tops of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that St. John's wort is a sedative, antidepressant and nervine, or a substance that calms your nerves. St. John's wort, notes Tilgner, is specific for depression, fear and anxiety. It is known, however, to interact with several commonly prescribed medications. Before taking St. John's wort to help treat your panic disorder and depression, consult with your physician about potential side effects, proper dosage and possible drug interactions.
Lavender
Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, may be beneficial in treating your panic disorder and depression. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that lavender is native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, although it now grows throughout Europe, Australia and the United States. Lavender thrives in stony areas with plenty of sun exposure. A member of the mint family, it has a bitter taste and cooling and drying tendencies. The flowers of the plant are used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," lavender is an antidepressant and mild sedative for nervous exhaustion. Lavender, notes Smith, has been used to help treat nervousness, anxiety, worry and depression. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions before taking lavender to help treat your panic disorder and depression.
Valerian
Valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your panic disorder and depression. According to MedlinePlus, valerian has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including depression, psychological stress and fear. Valerian, a member of the Valerianaceae family, is a perennial plant native to Europe that possesses slightly warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Tilgner states that valerian is a sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive and relaxing nervine. Valerian, notes Tilgner, has been used to treat many of the symptoms associated with panic disorder and depression, including restlessness, hysteria, emotional stress, insomnia, anxiety, nervous palpitations and nervous irritation. Meet with your doctor to discuss proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking valerian to help treat your panic disorder and depression.
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