For some individuals anxiety attacks are the result of phobias. For others there is no apparent trigger. They just come out of nowhere with varying degrees of pain and/or embarrassment. Fortunately, there are many tools that anxiety attack sufferers can use to fight these debilitating episodes without powerful and possibly harmful medications. Natural remedies for anxiety are often the most effective approach.
Though some anxiety attack sufferers may combat their attacks with medication, it’s best to treat them naturally. Medications, especially when taken in large doses can lead to uncomfortable side effects and drug dependency. The sufferer might become so addicted to his/her medication that anxiety attacks symptoms may not dissipate. Sleeping pills and stress relievers may help up to a point but these will only suppress the attacks. Once the medication is finished the anxiety attacks will return and with higher degrees of severity.
An important step in treating your anxiety attacks naturally is by getting enough exercise. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and it’s important that the two are balanced and in optimum condition. The worst thing that a sufferer can do is to sit down and relax when a anxiety attack begins. When adrenaline is released and the fight or flight syndrome takes hold it’s vital to burn it off by taking a long walk or doing some other kind of mobile activity.
Aromatherapy can help to relieve anxiety attacks. The soothing properties of certain oils can calm and relax tense nerves. Lavender, lemon balm and passiflora are some of the recommended oils that can produce positive results.
Regular doses of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B can help the sufferer to sleep better and to settle the nervous system. More rest leads to greater mental acuity and better overall health.
There are also many herbal remedies that have shown to be effective at managing anxiety attacks. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Many people swear by St. John’s Wort for managing their condition. The active ingredients of this herb – wort, hyperforin and hypericin – maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. By regularly ingesting St. John’s wort, you stabilize your levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It prevents your mood from constantly fluctuating, and guards against bursts of emotion. Thus, you avoid a common trigger of anxiety attacks.
Kava root is a very popular anti-anxiety herb. It is an effectual and fast-acting sedative. Through depressing the central nervous system, kava root slows your heart and breathing, directly combating the effects of a anxiety attack. Because the body absorbs kava root very quickly, ingesting kava root right before a anxiety attack may significantly reduce symptoms. A meta-study concluded that kava root is more effective than placebo, in relieving anxiety disorders.
Low amounts of zinc in the blood has been directly associated with depression and poor mental health. Conversely, zinc supplements have had beneficial effects on patients with depression. Zinc is believed to stabilize moods, and consequently to reduce frequency of anxiety attacks.
While the frequency of your anxiety attacks may decrease with taking supplements, do not go off your prescribed antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Always speak with your doctor first before using any natural remedies for anxiety.
Darren Wilson is a regular contributor to Panic and Anxiety Disorders. You might be interested in his latest article: Are Panic Attacks Hereditary?