Using Traditional Chinese Medicine For Panic Attacks

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is also very effective against panic attacks. The Chinese has combined the TCM with modern treatments, and many reported to have positive results. However, finding a qualified and professional TCM therapist is not easy, it might take some time before you find the one who will treat you right.

The information provided below is for reference only, please consult the profession before using.

Kava Kava
This is a very common herb, which is an excellent relaxant. The advantage of using this herb to fight anxiety is that it is extremely effective for reducing anxiety, especially those who suffer from mild to average anxiety levels. This is the reason Kava Kava is usually recommended for those who have stopped their anxiety medication, yet need a little handholding before they would be able to completely shake the problem off. Kava Kava would not help too much if your anxiety levels are very high, or are experiencing a panic attack.

It is also important that your medical practitioner knows if you are contemplating to use this herb side-by-side with anxiety medication. It is possible that you risk the danger of drug interaction if you do not do so. Kava Kava is nicknamed as ‘Natural Valium’ because it possesses almost all the qualities of this drug.

You will find if you care to look for information on the Net about Kava Kava, that some people claim that this herb is harmful to the liver. This is true, provided it is taken in excess or over very prolonged periods. The same is true with allopathic medicines, too. Therefore, though there are not many studies to approve of disapprove of this fact, Kava Kava is still considered the number one choice for the treatment and cure of mild anxiety.

St John’s Wort
Immediately next on the list of popularity as an anxiety herb is the St John’s Wort. According to history chronicles, in ancient times most civilizations (Aztecs, Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Greeks, Romans, and so on) have used this wonderful herb to fight depression and chronic anxiety. The action of this herb is very similar to that of the SSRIs about which we discussed a little earlier. This increases the production and flow of serotonin to the brain, which in turn short-circuits the acute anxiety and/ or depression symptoms.

There are a few side effects when using St John’s Wort herb. Fortunately, all these are positive. This herb also cures muscle pain, digestive problems and hypertension all afflictions that are direct by-products of acute depression or anxiety attacks.

The studies conducted so far indicate that the negative side of the St John’s Wort is few. Among these dizziness and sudden dryness of mouth are worth mentioning. This herb is contraindicated for use by women who are on the birth control pill, as this reduces the pill’s efficacy. Other than this offshoot, everything else points to the fact that this herb is a good choice when anxiety and depression plague you.

Valerian
Valerian is another herb preferred by many because of its fast action. This herb too treats both anxiety and depression in a similar manner as the SSRIs, only with better results. Though not as popular as the Kava Kava and St John’s Wort, Valerian is still well known and extensively used for the treatment of this particular affliction.

SAM-e
This herb is different from all other herbs used for the treatment of anxiety and depression for the fact that it not only increases the production and flow to the brain of two vital compounds: serotonin and dopamine (an action similar to the SSRIs), but also improves liver function and treats osteoarthritis. Some people reported slight nausea in the initial stages of use, which is the only side effect this wonder herb causes. Most people who have used SAM-e stated that they felt better within days from starting treatment.

Passionflower
Passionflower is an exceptional herb often publicized as one of the best-known natural sedatives. It is particularly useful for the treatment of anxiety and depression because it relaxes muscle tension, which is so common with these conditions while at the same time, leaves the mind and respiratory system unaffected. This herb is also used with great success for pain, nerve disorders, high blood pressure and heart palpitations – most of which are symptoms of anxiety. The best thing about Passionflower is that it not habit formative, which means there would be no withdrawal symptoms when its use is stopped.

There is only one downside to the use of Passionflower, especially if it is used in combination with other anxiety medication: it induces sleep. Used in excess you would experience confusion and mental fatigue.

Hops
Hope is a very effective herb used mostly to counter anxiety symptoms such as excitability, sleep disorders, restlessness, irritability, nervousness and the like. As a member of the hemp family, this herb is an excellent sedative. Before its property of being such an excellent tranquilizer was discovered, this herb was used to assist the brewing of beer and ale and for giving it a specific flavor.

Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is a very effective herb with applications for many disorders. It is used in the treatment of anxiety and depression because it enhances the blood circulation to the brain, clarity of thought, and power of concentration and improves short-term memory. For best results in the treatment of anxiety and depression, Gingko biloba is taken along with ginger, which is one other herb with tremendous anti-stress properties.

Vitamins and Minerals
It has been observed that the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals such as the Vitamin B complex group and calcium, zinc and magnesium aggravates the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is not yet very clear whether depression causes their depletion, or their depletion causes depression. However, it is very encouraging to note that when these are taken as supplements and maintained at optimum levels, depression and anxiety symptoms reduce considerably.

Selenium
Selenium is yet another compound the deficiency of which affects depression negatively. This compound can be assimilated from foods such as fennel seeds, liver, alfalfa, ginseng, garlic and so on. The advantage offered by this compound is that it is exceptionally effective in preventing heart problems as it counters bad cholesterol. The depletion of this compound from the body affects the mood; it keeps the person into a perpetual low feeling.

Chamomile
You would not find a more versatile herb in Nature. While in context with depression, this is an excellent sedative and sleep inducer, chamomile is also helpful in treating digestive disorders and circulatory problems. The coumarin, which is a natural anti-coagulant and blood thinner, is able to help people who have high blood pressure and plaque thickened arteries. Due to this property, its use is contra-indicated for about two weeks before and immediately after any surgery. This herb is commonly consumed as tea. Just a cup twice day can reduce anxiety symptoms and induce sleep almost instantly.