The Best Natural Cures for Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks affect approximately 40 million adults. While some degree of anxiety can be a normal response to a stressful situation, people who suffer from acute anxiety attacks experience extreme symptoms such as a pounding heart, racing pulse, profuse sweating, dry mouth, and trembling or immobility. Fortunately, in many cases anxiety sufferers can respond to natural treatments such as herbs, homeopathy, relaxation training, aromatherapy, and environmental stress reduction.

Bach Rescue Remedy has been called "yoga in a bottle" with good reason: it has a natural calming effect in stressful situations. Bach flower essences naturally help correct imbalances between the mind and body. They are made from spring water infused with wild flowers and are preserved in a 27% brandy solution. Rescue Remedy is an ideal combination of five flower essences which can help relieve acute anxiety sufferers during traumatic or stressful situations. Rescue Remedy contains Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Clematis, and Rock Rose. Rock Rose can also be taken alone to help naturally relieve anxiety. Rescue Remedy comes in drops, spray, and pastilles, as well as a topical cream.

Although it can be difficult to remain calm during an anxiety attack, panicking will only make things work. Deep breathing can be an effective, natural calming technique. During an acute anxiety attack, taking ten deep breaths not only helps calm you but also gives you something to focus on. Regular meditation, yoga, and light exercise are also helpful, natural calming tools for those prone to chronic anxiety.

According the the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy is beneficial in calming anxiety and increasing relaxation. How does it work? Scents enter the nose and rapidly reach the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These response centers tell the body how to react. Scents can relax or stimulate. Some essential oils recommended for easing anxiety are bergamot, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, and ylang-ylang. Add essential oils to a relaxing bath or to massage oils, or use in oil warmers to infuse rooms with a calming scent and create a serene environment. Aromatherapy is generally safe when essential oils are used properly. Some may be toxic when ingested.

The amino acid GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which naturally helps reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. A GABA deficiency may increase anxiety and influence how you respond to stressful situations. GABA levels can be increased with an oral supplement such as GABA Calm by Source Naturals, or may be incorporated into the diet with natural foods such as almonds, bananas, broccoli, brown rice, lentils, oats, spinach, and walnuts.

Kava Kava is an effective anti-anxiety herb native to Polynesia. It has been noted to ease anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and to promote calmness.

Do not take any herbs or other supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. Some herbs can interfere with other medications, and should be discussed with your medical professional prior to beginning treatment. The information in this article is not intended and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.