Many people have touted the effectiveness of herbal remedies to alleviate anxiety and panic attacks.
However, when it comes to using alternative methods for treating health-related matters, it's useful to understand the advantages and disadvantages.
Althought many users have claimed that herbal remedies for anxiety can be as highly effective as psychotropic medications and without causing any side effect, these methods have not been approved by the FDA as there is still lack of scientific evidence.
Most of the positive results are based on users' experiences.
And different people may also experience different experience.
If you have decided to try herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks; we suggest you to inform your doctor first.
Ask your doctor to share his or her thoughts on alternative methods for treating anxiety.
If you're currently taking any prescribed medication or other herbal remedies, you also must inform your doctor about it.
Informing and communicating with your doctor is a necessary precaution to avoid undesirable result especially if you're currently under a medical prescription.
This is to ensure that the herbal remedies you'll be taking do not interact negatively with your medications.
Interaction of medications can produce undesirable side effects and can be dangerous to your health as well.
Some of the popular herbal medications for alleviating anxiety and panic attacks include: o Saint John's Wort This herb has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and as a sedative as well.
It acts as a mood stabilizer as well as an antidepressant.
For those who suffer anxiety disorder, this herb can be taken everyday to help balance your stress levels and help manage your feelings or moods more effectively.
You need to this herb for at least a month before you begin to see improvement.
One disadvantage of St.
John's Wort herb is that it may interact with some drugs.
The herb may speed or slow a drug's breakdown.
o Valerian A soothing herb that has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety, this can be taken at bedtime or at any time of the day when you are beginning to feel a little anxious.
This herb has also been used for depression, headaches and irregular heartbeat.
A known disadvantage of valerian is that it may cause some mild side effects such as dizziness, stomach upset, and feeling fatigue in the morning.
o Passion Flower Passion Flower is a natural plant-based supplement that is used as a mild sedative and sleep aid.
It also helps to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness.
Passion Flower has a disadvantage of causing allergic reaction.
Some symptoms of allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
Seek medical attention if you think you've an allergic reaction from this herb.
o Chamomile This herb is effective for treating anxiety, sleeplessness and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach and diarrhea.
Chamomile is also used topically to treat mouth ulcers.
There is a reason why chamomile tea is used before bed.
It helps to soothe your stress and manage your anxiety.
Disadvantage: There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who come into contact with chamomile herbs.
Some of the symptoms include skin rashes, throat swelling and shortness of breath.
The above is by no means the complete list of herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks.
They are just some popular herbs or natural supplements used to alleviate anxiety, stress and panic attacks.