Some Of The Best Herbal Medicine For Panic Disorder
January 6, 2011 by AMA
Filed under Depression
Panic disorder is a nervous system disorder that needs immediate attention. If you do not treat the panic disorder in time then there are chances that the situation may get out of control. If a panic attack is imminent then you need to be equipped with something good to negate it immediately.
The most common and popular of all the medications are Benzodiazepines. Although they are effective the come with some side effects as well. Patients who have use these have reported headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, confusion, blurred vision, trembling, amnesia, impaired coordination, irregular heart rate, and chest pain. Hence, people look out for a treatment that is as effective as benzodiazepines, and without any side effects. Here comes the role of herbal treatments for panic attacks.
One of the oldest known medicines for panic disorder is lavender. This herb has been used since ancient times for the cure of panic attacks. Lavender is widely cultivated for its aromatic properties that are present in its oil. Lavender oil is often available in perfume shops and select medical stores. If you do not get this oil in the perfume shops or the medical stores you can try buying this oil from online shops. If you want to buy lavender oil from online shops, you may need a credit card or a debit card.
Kava is also considered to be very effective in controlling panic attacks. This tall shrub is used for panic attacks since ancient times. This plant is commonly found in the South Pacific islands. The root has the medicinal properties to subdue the effects of panic attacks. Today, kava is widely available in the following forms:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Tea
- Beverage
- Liquid extract forms
According researchers, kava contains kavalactones, which affect the levels of neurotransmitters found in the blood. Though there are many good results of this herbal product, you must not over use it. Over use of this herbal product may give rise to side effects such as skin rash, mouth numbness, indigestion, headache, visual disturbances, and even drowsiness. You must avoid kava if you have been just operated upon. In addition, kava is not recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers. If you have any kidney or liver disease, refrain from the use of kava immediately.
Next comes the passion flower. It mainly calms the mind and helps overcome the symptoms of panic disorders. It comes in the form of passion flower pills and passion flower tea. The thing that makes it popular is that it is completely save and can even be given to children with panic disorders.
If you are using any sedatives as a treatment for panic attacks then you need to avoid using passion flower because use of passion flower may cause a little drowsiness and may add to the effect of the sedatives. The use of passion flower is not only helpful in reducing panic attacks but also helpful in reducing the day to day tensions.
A natural sedative called as Valerian Root is also used as a medicine for panic disorders. The extracts of this roots are a natural sedative and is also used in the treatment of sleep disorders, muscle tensions, anxiety and restlessness. If you are currently on benzodiazepine and you want to discontinue it, then consuming Valerian root extract is the best way to do so. Like other natural sedatives, Valerian root extract also has minor side effects such as dizziness.
Another natural medicine that is used to treat panic attacks is St. John’s Wort. It has been in use since long. It has some of the side effects like fatigue, upset stomach, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and drying of the mouth.
First aid is what is a primary thing while you are into a panic attack. Best of all is deep breathing. Just take a deep breath and slowly exhale. This would prevent hyperventilation.
Article by Beth Kaminski of AnxietyDisorderCure.com, a website with the best anxiety attacks information on the web.
Mental Health – Depression
December 9, 2010 by AMA
Filed under Depression
Among mental disorders, depression is the one widely known to affect many people whatever age they may be. The World Health Organization declare that there are no less than 120 million people affected by the disorder which is the leading cause of disability.
Common Depression Symptoms
A higher occurrence of depression is because of today’s stressful living. Because of this cause, depression must be cured once symptoms are manifested. Incidence of depression from mild to severe can be treated by medical health professionals who are trained to deal with this illness.
Usually, signs of depression include change in eating or sleeping habits, lethargy, feelings of low self-esteem, disinterest in hobbies, loss of focus on tasks, and social withdrawal.
Most people disregard these symptoms thinking that this is common when you feel down from time to time; However, unchecked recurrent bouts with depression can become complicated as it develops to a more serious type known as bipolar depressions. Studies have presented that there is a high co relativity between suicide and depression because most people who attempt and commit suicide and initially depressed.
Health Care and Medication
The key to solving mental health depression is effective primary health care. As soon as symptoms are observed, an individual can consult a psychiatrist for a complete assessment of the severity and type of depression.There are varioustypes of depression such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, Postpartum for women who have given birth, bipolar disorder, major depression including psychotic episodes.
If the type of depression has been diagnosed by the doctor, an appropriate treatment regime can be prescribed. Most of the time depression is treated by antidepressant medications such as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin and Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRI). These are new types of medication that operate to correct the brain’s chemical imbalance thereby enhancing one’s mood. An increased amount of norepinephrine helps in fighting depression. There are other types of depression ( like bipolar disorder) that are unresponsive to mild medications and can only be treated with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) . Caution; MAOIs are not easily tolerated due to adverse side effects. It is also possible to combine drug medication and psychotherapy to have a better chance to remedy depression.
The Power of Sleep
Having a health professional to share one’s thoughts with is comforting and therapeutic. One best thing to combat depression is to have an adequate 7-8 hours of sleep. This can relax the mind and body, plus you can build a strong resistance against illnesses.
