Natural Treatments for Panic Attacks

Doctors are diagnosing a growing number of people with a panic disorder, and it is believed that at least one in ten people will suffer from panic attacks at some time in their lives. It is an extremely distressing problem that can have a terrible impact on your life if left untreated. Luckily, there are many approaches available for helping overcome panic attacks, meaning most people will find a method which is effective for them.

If necessary, your family doctor can prescribe medication to help reduce the attacks. But there can be side effects to the drugs and not everyone is happy with the idea of using medication, which effectively masks the symptoms rather than tackling the root of the problem.

There are natural treatments for panic attacks available, which you may wish to try before resorting to prescribed medication. As with pharmaceutical drugs, these tend to reduce the symptoms rather than genuinely curing the problem. But if you are living your life in fear of your next panic attack, natural remedies can give you the confidence to tackle the cognitive side of the disorder, (which is discussed elsewhere on this site).

Natural and herbal treatments that may lessen panic attacks tend to be those which are commonly used for anxiety disorders or depression, and include the following:

Bach's Flower Remedies

This product (commonly sold as Bach's Rescue Remedy) is specifically aimed at treating panic attacks, as well as being used for stress and anxiety. It is used as necessary, so a panic attack sufferer would use this remedy when they first start experiencing the symptoms of an attack rather than taking it on a daily basis.

Many people who take Bach's flower remedies rave about the product, but this is in contrast to the results of clinical trials which found it no more effective than a placebo. However, the ritual of taking the remedy when a panic attack occurs can help the sufferer feel like they are in control, therefore having a calming effect. So it is not necessarily worth discounting this natural panic attack remedy solely because of a lack of scientific backing.

Passion Flower

Passion flower is commonly used as a natural treatment for anxiety, which works by altering levels of a chemical in the brain (gamma-amino-butyric acid) that is linked to anxiety. There have been a limited number of trials testing the effectiveness of passion flower, but the results of the trials which have been done have been positive. However, side effects can include nausea, dizziness and heart problems. There have been a few isolated cases of severe toxicity, although this may in part have been due to other ingredients in the preparation.

Valerian

A popular and safe remedy for anxiety, which works by stimulating brain transmitters. Evidence that it is effective, however, is scarce. There are few side effects but it may cause drowsiness. Always buy from a reputable source as some formulations are linked to an increased risk of liver damage.

Hops

Some people credit dried hops with reducing their anxiety symptoms, and consequently alleviating their panic attacks. It acts as a mild sedative and is also used for insomnia. No reported side effects.

Lemon balm

A tea made from lemon balm is used by some anxiety sufferers and it is believed to affect the brain's transmitters. There are no clinical trials to prove that it helps cure panic attacks, but since it is very safe it is worth trying.

St John's Wort

This remedy is very commonly used for depression and works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Some anxiety sufferers – and those with a panic disorder – find it effective as it can make them feel calmer, more positive and more in control of their lives. It is important to use high factor sun screen if regularly taking St John's Wort as it can reduce the amount of time it takes to burn in the sun.

Kava

This has been withdrawn in the UK due to serious concerns about liver damage. However, this is still recommended as a panic attack or anxiety treatment on some websites and can still be purchased online. Therefore it is important to raise awareness that kava should not be used.

Please note, the above are not suitable for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. You should also consult a doctor first if you are already taking any other medication, as natural remedies may not be compatible with some prescription drugs.

For further information about panic attack treatments, please read 'Helpful Tips' and 'Alternative Treatments and Therapies'.