Anxiety attacks are characterized by intense feelings of paranoia, stress or fear of impending disaster, particularly when there is no apparent cause. They may be triggered by social situations, or they may have no identifiable trigger at all. Anxiety attacks can cause both physical and mental stress. Certain herbal teas may help relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety attacks. Talk to your physician before using any herb to treat anxiety attacks.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea was originally used by the ancient Egyptians as a remedy for fever, particularly fever associated with malaria. Ancient Greek healers believed this herbal tea could cure headaches, bladder infections and kidney problems. Chamomile is also a mild tranquilizer, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It may help reduce the severity of panic attacks by calming your central nervous system. Talk to your doctor if you plan to treat anxiety attacks with chamomile tea. In rare cases, it may cause vomiting and nausea.
Passionflower
Passionflower is an herb native to the Peruvian highlands, although it also grows in subtropical areas of North America. The ancient Incas brewed passionflower leaves and drank the tea in hopes of lengthening their lives, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." When European settlers arrived at the Gulf Coast of North America, they learned from Native Americans of passionflower tea's potential as an anxiety remedy. The chemicals in passionflower may reduce stress and panic associated with anxiety attacks. It may also improve sleep and prevent night terrors, or anxiety attacks that occur during sleep. Consult your physician before taking passionflower tea for anxiety attacks. The chemicals in passionflower may stimulate uterine contractions, so avoid this herb if you are pregnant.
Catnip
Although catnip is best known for its effect on felines, it may provide medicinal benefits for humans. Traditional Chinese healers recommended catnip tea as a remedy for cough, chest congestion and fever. European herbalists considered the tea an effective treatment for scarlet fever. Catnip tea contains chemicals called nepetalactone isomers that may relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep, according to Castleman. It may be particularly useful when taken as soon as you feel an attack begin. Talk to your doctor before treating anxiety attacks with catnip tea -- it may cause stomach upset.
Valerian
Valerian tea, made from the roots of the valerian herb, was used by German herbalists as an anxiety remedy as early as the 12th century, according to Castleman. This tea contains chemicals called valepotriates, which may offer sedative benefits. European military physicians used valerian tea to treat soldiers with trauma-related anxiety problems during World War I. Valerian tea may also relieve sleep problems associated with night terrors. Check with your physician before using valerian tea to treat anxiety attacks. Valerian may cause daytime drowsiness, vision disturbances and headaches.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
