Are they are any herbs that effectively treat ANXIETY/PANIC?

Stacie M · 01-12-2004, 09:24 PM

Does anyone know of any herbs that effictively treat anxiety/panic problems.

I always have some anxiety/panic problems, but lately it has been worse. I have been on just about EVERY antidepressant/antipanic drug and they either do not work or give me far too bad side effects. My doctors will not prescribe me an actual anti-anxiety drug (Xanax, etc) because they say it is too high risk of addiction AND they don't think I have tried hard enough to use antidepressants to control it.

THANKS for any help or info that you may have!

StaciieM

(a very anxious cyster!)

Proudmommaoftwo · 01-13-2004, 11:30 AM

Have you tried Bach's Resque Remedy? It's a liquid made of flower essence and it's great for anxiety. You use it as needed. I even give it to my kids in their water bottles when they go on sleep overs. Very safe. I'm not sure it is strong enough for severe anxiety, but it might take the edge off at least. I buy mine at our local health food store. Good luck!

Stacie M · 01-13-2004, 11:24 PM

THANK YOU!

I will absolutely look into it and at least give it a try!

Anyone else know of anything?

StaciieM

Doobie · 01-14-2004, 08:20 PM

Hi Staciie,
I had my first panic attack almost 10 years ago. The problem has ebbed and waned over the years and is now pretty under control. It's a serious problem that takes a well-rounded approach and serious committment to control.

My attacks are now limited to the first few hours of a vacation or travel, but then I can regain control. I, too tried an anti-depressant. While I felt less tense, I still had anxiety when away from home. I used to love to travel. I was also allergic and had a terrible rash. I really believe that the problem is both chemical and psychological. Once you have a panic attack, you fear having another one, and this contributes to "anticipatory anxiety". I really believe you can control this inappropriate physical response.

Here is what I recommend:
Counselling can help you identify any real-life situations that could be contributing to the problem. It can also teach you cognitive-behavioral techniques to calm yourself during an attack. For me, the best benefit was learning I wasn't crazy, I wasn't dying and many people also suffer with this problem.

Relaxation tapes (Progressive relaxation by New Harbinger) can help you start a body awareness that will help you learn to relax.

No caffeine, absolutely none, until you have the problem under control.

Take a good-quality B vitamin supplement.

Excercise burns off the bad stress chemicals that accumulate from repeated bouts with the fight or flight panic response.

Herbs that can help:
Scullcap is a nervine tonic that can be taken regularly and will support the healing process.
For acute anxiety kava kava is great, BUT IT CAN BE HARMFUL IF TAKEN REGULARY. PLEASE only use it once in awhile. I use Sound Sleep by Gaia, it is a mixture of relaxing herbs.
Valerian, hops and passionflower are all safe to take on a regular basis. Valerian and hops are quite nasty tasting, so a quick-dose of tincture or capsules will be easier than tea.
Good Earth makes a tea called "Tea for Sleep"

Also, I improved greatly after adding some meat back into my diet. I was vegetarian when the anxiety was at its worst.

Yoga is great for releasing tense muscles and just breathing for 1.5 hour class. Helps enormously.

I wish you the best on your quest to beat anxiety. It's no fun to live life in that state, I know. If you need additional info, feel free to private mail me.
Lisa

shellfish · 01-15-2004, 03:29 PM

I took Valerian Root when I went through a very very stressful week at work--felt like I was gonna have a break down. The Valerian Root really helped me-or so it seemed. I told all my friends that it was like an herbal valium. Good Luck--the feeling of absolute panic is a horrible experience--I know.

hopeless · 01-15-2004, 09:00 PM

Calms Forte - I found it at a natural foods store. I used to get really nervous and tense before exams and it really helped with that. It also helped for nights when I'd lie awake thinking (and over-analyzing everything) for hours....I'd take the Calms and it really helped.

paigettie · 01-16-2004, 05:08 PM

Absolutely make sure you are getting enough B-complex. a b-50 2-3 x/day...You may notice a difference in just a couple of days, but I deffinitly noticed a difference when I'd forget for too many days to take it....I'd go back on and within 48 hours I was starting to feel a lot more in control.....I am amazed at how important enough b vitamins are...

B-COMPLEX, B-COMPLEX, B-COMPLEX!!!!

shellfish · 01-16-2004, 05:12 PM

Ooooo, and I forgot this one. I may need to use it for a while, myself. When I would freak out and start crying over nothing my mom always said "oh, baby-you need Calcium Magnesium with Zinc." I thought she was loopy, but it worked. Not sure what it had to do with, horomones or what, but it helped. Hmmm.....where is that bottle I had?

paigettie · 01-16-2004, 05:15 PM

Actually, they are very calming for the body system and they all seem to need each other to work best...Good reminder shellfish!

Paige

Stacie M · 01-17-2004, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by paigettie
Absolutely make sure you are getting enough B-complex. a b-50 2-3 x/day...You may notice a difference in just a couple of days, but I deffinitly noticed a difference when I'd forget for too many days to take it....I'd go back on and within 48 hours I was starting to feel a lot more in control.....I am amazed at how important enough b vitamins are...

B-COMPLEX, B-COMPLEX, B-COMPLEX!!!!

Duh on me! No wonder I am having anxiety attacks. I recently ran out of my B complex vit. and forgot to buy some more.

That will def. help I am sure!

StaciieM

wenderella · 01-27-2004, 09:32 PM

I read in the PCOS book by Colette Harrison(?) that Metformin can cause anxiety.

I wonder if this is due to Metformin slowing the absorption of
B vitamins?

Have you ladies heard of any of this?

Maybe a B-12 shot would help us as I too have had severe anxiety since my PCOS symptoms worsened.

Wendy