Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

All Medicines at some stage started out as a plant. We don’t think of that when we go in to our local pharmacy and buy tablets to help overcome panic attacks, headaches or whatever ails us. It makes you think what did our ancestors do when they had health issues and there were no pharmacies?

They became experts in the use of herbs! Until recent decades Grannies recipes and potions were almost forgotten about. They were deemed old hat. But lately these natural alternative methods are making a big comeback.

Here are 6 herbs that have a history of being beneficial in helping to Overcome Panic Attacks.

1. Kava: This plant originated in the Pacific Islands and is related to our pepper plant. It was well known and used by the Islanders for its relaxing effects on the body. Captain James Cook first came across the Kava plant on one of his voyages to the South Seas. Cook informs us that, whenever the village elders met for council meetings, it always included an elaborate kava ceremony.

Since then, kava is not only widely appreciated for its ability to help relieve the affects of panic attacks, but it also helps to reduce anxiety. Some individuals also take it as a supplement to help with their symptoms of depression. You can buy this herb in just about any health food store. The only warning that seems to go with this herbal supplement is that pregnant or lactating women should not use it.

2. Lavender: Though lavender is an herb, it is more often thought of as an essential oil. Its fragrance has a calming effect on your senses. Some people will carry a small bottle of the oil with them. When they feel as if an attack is developing they pull out the little bottle and inhale its healing aroma. Many people swear by this. In fact my own sister sprinkles a few drops on her pillow every night before going to bed. She says it feels as if she is “programming her mind” to calm itself.

3. Passionflower: These flowers are native to the tropical and sub-tropical sections of the Americas, especially in Central America. Native Americans in both North and Central America have used these herbs for several centuries to help eliminate anxiety and control stress. In recent times a lot of research has been performed on the passionflower. The experts have discovered that this herb is effective at calming nerves because it acts like a depressant on the central nervous system. They also discovered that it is very beneficial in treating general restlessness, muscle tension and nervousness that is brought on by your worrying, overwork or excessive excitement. It is also a great herb for overcoming insomnia. In short, it provides a calming, relaxing and a general anti-anxiety effect. The real experts, the Native Americans knew that already.

4. Chamomile: Chamomile contains mild sedative properties. It is normally sold as a tea. You will find it on supermarkets shelves just about everywhere nowadays. It is the one herb that just about everyone has heard about. The soothing effects of this herb are known the world over. Chamomile is a great herb to take regularly if you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks., chamomile is not only safe for adults, but an effective and safe choice for children as well.

5. Lemon Balm: This is another herb that is well known for its soothing effects. It is a favorite among sufferers afflicted with panic attacks. It is especially useful in calming the digestive juices agitated by stress and tension.
Lemon balm has been known to calm that “racing heart” associated with the onset of a panic attack. It is a help with lifting the mood of people suffering from mild depression.

6. St. John’s Wort: This is another fairly well known and popular herb among herbalists. With its yellow flowers,this plant is native to Europe, where in many parts it is just thought of as a weed that can be dangerous to livestock. It has been extremely popular as a natural remedy for depression and lately has become known as an aid in combatting insomnia. St John Wort is touted as a natural aid for anxiety in general and panic attacks in particular.

Nature is a wonderful thing and in general herbs are safe but it is better to be careful. For instance, see above that Kava should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you are on medication please consult your doctor before trying a course of herbal remedies. Let him know of your plans and together you can draw up a plan that will help you overcome panic attacks permanently.