Panic Attack
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Natural Remedies for Panic Attacks

| Modified on Dec 19, 2023
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Natural remedies for panic attacks include Omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.  These alternative treatments can be literally life-changing. Over 40 million Americans are affected by this disorder, which disrupts relationships, jobs and everyday activities.

What are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are one type of anxiety disorder; symptoms range from mild to severe. Those who haven’t experienced panic attacks sometimes think sufferers should just deal with it. However, what sufferers are experiencing is not the anxiety everyone feels from time to time, perhaps from worry about a work problem or a child’s behavior. People who have panic attacks are dealing with a mental illness that can interfere with all aspects of their lives. There are physical symptoms of panic attacks, irregular heartbeats and chest pain which make many feel as though they are having a heart attack. Some even think that they are dying. These panic attacks arrive suddenly and unpredictably.

Natural Remedies for Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be treated naturally by learning and practicing mind and body relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Eating more Omega-3 fatty acids is good for the body overall but also fights depression and anxiety. SAMe is a supplement that replaces what is lost as we age, but it looks as though this is a promising natural remedy for panic attacks.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Walnuts and Flaxseed)

We all know that the Omega-3 fatty acids are good for our hearts. This natural remedy is also good for anxiety disorders. In parts of the world where people eat a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids (fish), they suffer less from anxiety disorders and depression.

Mind and Body Relaxation Techniques

Experts feel that these natural relaxation techniques will benefit anyone who is troubled with anxiety disorders as they will improve energy, concentration and mood. There are many to choose from, including meditation, yoga, tai chi or repetitive prayer (like saying a rosary). Biofeedback requires self-training but clinicians have said that people who have learned to control their heartbeat and emotions suffer less from panic attacks.

SAMe

The name is a mile long (S-adenosylmethionine) but it’s a molecule that is within our bodies, but as we age, less is produced.  Theoretically, this supplement can treat clinical depression with few side effects. However, it can be expensive and it may react badly with some medications. Research is ongoing, but is promising.

Panic attacks are an anxiety disorder, normally treated with antidepressants and therapy. Natural remedies for depression and anxiety are available and do not have the side effects of antidepressants. Continue reading below for wonderful tips from Earth Clinic readers on how to deal with panic attacks naturally.

Am J Clin Nutr November 2002 vol. 76 no. 5 1158S-1161S

Kavanagh, David J. (2009) St. John’s Wort and Kava in treating major depressive disorder with comorbid anxiety : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 24(1), pp. 41-4

Lipids in Health and Disease 2004, 3:25  doi:10.1186/1476-511X-3-25

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Aconite Nepallus 200 CH

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Posted by Sanja (Ontario) on 10/24/2020 3 posts
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Editor's Choice

Hi.

I am homeopath and had panic attacks for years...I took Paxil for 9 years too. Then during my studying I found Aconite Nepallus 200 ch that worked wonders for me to wean off anti depressants and continue with this remedy. I would take 1 or 2 pallets when needed and soon I didn't need it at all. Great remedy!

Argentum Nitricum

Posted by Trilby (Western Massachusetts) on 08/03/2017

I wonder if anyone here has tried Argentum Nitricum for panic attacks? I'm using maca root right now in combination with rhodiola and it's working pretty much. But I'd like to try the Argentum and see if it works better. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Dietary Changes

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Posted by Diane (California) on 04/05/2017
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Regarding panic attacks.

When I was 24 years old I suffered from severe panic attacks. I am Hispanic and live in the U.S. Many American Hispanics from the U.S. love chili and I was raised with a big bowl of yellow chili in juice at the table morning, noon, and for supper. As a child I only had a little juice from the chili bowl on my food. Eventually I graduated to large serving with food until I was totally hooked on chili. My family was from New Mexico where some of the best chili in the world is from! Red or green is mostly used. And usually it is hot! We loved it! We ate enchiladas and tacos, burritos, beans with chili! Anyway I didn't know it but the chili was causing me a lot of acid and this worked hand in hand with my severe panic attacks! The acid from these foods and spicy dishes was causing me really severe panic attacks! Eventually I noticed that Rolaids or Tums and even baking soda in water would help control my panic attacks! I ended up cutting down on spicy foods and this in my case stopped the panic attacks. If I feel a panic attack coming on which today is rare, I head for the acid medication fast! This usually stops the panic attacks in my case. I now have very little chili in my diet.

Replied by Sunny
(Ca)
09/05/2021

What about acidic foods, do those give you panic attacks also?

And how fast does it stop the panic attack after taking the antiacid medication? Thanks

Dietary Changes
Posted by Sober (Anonymous, Usa) on 07/09/2011
 ★★★★★

Awhile back I was dating a heavy beer drinker. I started heavy drinking beer with my buddy. 'bout a 6 pack of exotic beer a night. 'round that time I got horrible panic attacks for the 1st time in my life. So bad I'd go to the hospital. They gave me drugs but the drugs didn't help. They'd give me more drugs util I was a zombie. My family complained & I was taken off. I had also stopped drinking beer cuz your not supposed to drink while on these drugs. So even I stopped the drugs I didn't get panic attacks that sent me to the ER. Lots of sugar can also bring them on a lil' bit. I've been readin here & other places that alcohol & even sugar can deplete the body of nutrients like magnesium. When I rub some magnesium on I feel calmer. No panic attacks. Also helps with my leg cramps and speeding heartbeat I sometimes get at night. IDK why the hospital doesn't look for such. There tests don't seem to pick up borderline deficiencies. My shrink tried to tell me I got me a chemical imabalance and needed the drugs. When I stopped the drugs that made me nutty in a different way, the attacks were gone. Cuz I quit the drinkin as well.

Gut Connection

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Posted by Charity (faithville, Us) on 09/05/2021
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Panic attacks are interesting. I had them five hours a night for years on end and they seemed to be hooked to my stomach. I would wake up sick to my stomach with my heart racing and sweating and thought I might throw up or die as my chest pounded. Five hours later I would calm down and fall back asleep. I also had night terrors since childhood until I was late 50's. I had a little pomeranian/dachsund 88--2000, that looked like a papillon, and she would entertain everyone with her silliness. She would run to me when I would be having these attacks and snuggle up. I did learn later that distractions would help and started to play solitaire cards to get my mind to focus on something else. In the early 90's, after I had neck surgery to remove a chip from a disc that broke off, the doctors put me on prozac and I slept a 12 hour night and a 4 hour nap during the day for 3 years. During that time I had no yeast infections, could eat most foods I normally had to avoid, and was not emotional. I did gain weight and was still seeing one of my counselors, as a friend.

Ps WE OVERCOME

Homeopathy

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Posted by Dr Howard (San Pedro, CA ) on 03/03/2023
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General use: The key remedy in my view in homeopathy for panic attacks is Kali (potassium) phosphate 6X (used with magnesium phosphate 6X works wonders even for pain! )AM/PM 6 pellets or tabs is a start potency can go to 30X or 12C once in a while if the attack is severe, but use the 6X daily. During the attack, a dose of each mineral given here should be taken every 10 minutes as the brain will use them up fast. As the attack eases take every 30 minutes then hour until event has subsided. Chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve impingements. Focus on atlas or first cervical or neck vertebra as the entire nerve cord as it leaves the brain goes through the atlas and the axis or second neck vertebra. Both are held in place by muscle and ligaments so go out of place called a subluxation thus placing pressure (which can affect the brain and emotions-electrical impulses leaves the brain and comes back from the cells reporting any disturbances, etc.) on the vital nerves or spinal cord. Over 427 trillion nerve fibers! “Upper cervical” chiropractors are listed online as these chiropractors focus on the atlas.

Dr Howard San Pedro, CA

Replied by Natalia
(Sarasota)
12/19/2023

Cell salts 6x #8 magphos and #6 kaliphos come in dissolving tablets. I want to make sure I understood you correctly. So you recommend to take 6 of each every 10 min, then 6 of each every 30 min, then 6 of each every 30min until symptoms subside, otherwise take 6 of each am and pm every day.

Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation

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Posted by Susan (California) on 06/26/2022
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Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation for Panic Attacks

I used a sinus inhaler (the kind used for head colds). I rinsed it well and filled it with H2O2. I pumped it 2-4 times into the back of my mouth, sucked it in as hard as I could and held it for 5-10 seconds. Do that 3-4 times and do it 3-4 times a day. I noticed within 2-3 days that I no longer had panic attacks. I would do the inhaling whenever I went out to the store, or whatever, and within 2 weeks I found that I didn't need to do it anymore. I always thought that the panic attacks were tied to my ADHD but...I don't know how it worked, it just did.

Inositol

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Posted by Tb (San Francisco, Ca) on 08/19/2012
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Just a shout out to anyone suffering from panic attacks. I was debilitated by them and was close to taking anti-depressants until I met with my holistic doctor who gave me inositol 400 mg tablets. I take 6-8 tablets a day. It has made a real difference for me and I have not had to take any of the prescription drugs that have so many bad side effects. Additionally, the inositol has no side effects and is very inexpensive. I hope this is helpful to someone because it really saved my life!

Replied by Jude
(Hong Kong)
07/04/2015

I just read this post and I wonder if it works for panic attack of any kind please? I had panic attacks frequently in 2006 when I had hyper thyroidism. I got better by seeing a naturopath and took nearly 25 supplements daily. So I didn't know which supplement was more important or it's a balance effect It was so expensive so when I have a few attacks in these couple of months, I searched on earthclinic looking for alternative method I did some research, apple pectin is proved to improve mood and lessen anxiety. I really appreciate EC and everyone that cares so much to share their knowledge and experience

Lavender Oil

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Posted by Kendra (Boston, MA) on 12/29/2007
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A clinician once told me to drop lavendar essential oil onto a tissue and breathe in the scent to help with my anxiety and panic attacks. It works really well and can be done in a public place as holding a tissue to your nose does not attract any attention. Be sure to use a brand that doesn't smell too strongly (or dilute with water) so you can carry your scented tissues with you all the time.

Link to MSG

Posted by Lynn (Colorado) on 01/21/2016 5 posts

I realized that rapid heart rate, frequent urination and panic were associated, for me, with an allergy to MSG. I looked up the side effects, and there it was, arrythmia, panic, rapid heart rate, swelling, etc. We underestimate how much of our food is added with MSG. It was better when I was younger, but no more. Age has made it a terrible reation. CHECK YOUR FOOD, eat nothing with MSG and see if your issues resolve. I am 59, take nothing, not even Advil. MSG is responsible for heart arrythmia, heart attack, swelling, frequent urination (had that too), so be aware. You are responsible for your health....the medical community of big pharma, the 3 minute dr.visit, you must wake up and take care of your health, thank goodness for earthclinic. God bless.

Magnesium

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Posted by Candy (Fort Madison, Ia) on 01/07/2010
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For panic attacks. you should try the transdermal magnesium. it really helps with that. i soak my feet in a small tub of it every night and i can't believe how much it helped me with that same problem. hope this helps.

EC: Here's the page: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/transdermal-magnesium-therapy.html

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
01/09/2010
490 posts

Hello Candy from Fort Madison,

Perhaps the magnesium oil works to counteract your panic attacks because magnesium competes for the same receptor sites in the brain and central nervous system as the monosodium glutamate which all our processed foods are loaded with, along with aspartame. Both of these excitotoxins are being connected to many problems involving our brains and CNS.

You might get rid of the problem completely by trying to eliminate these two toxins from your foods, but you won't find it easy to avoid them, and you'll need to learn all the names they hide them under.

Panic Attack Remedies

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Posted by Sue (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/22/2009
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I was always prone to fainting as a child but this disappeared with adulthood. However, in the last few months I have suffered frequent dizzy spells and have lost consciousness on a couple of occasions. Blood tests taken by the doctor have come back as ok. I have also experienced palpitations and 'dreamlike' feelings, particularly when driving, and have self-diagnosed panic attacks. I don't want to go down the line of prescription meds so last week started to take a magnesium tablet once a day (to reduce adrenaline) and 1 tsp acv daily (for anxiety/ general health). I fainted just this morning. My diet/ water intake is pretty healthy. Are there any other remedies I could try? Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Replied by Chris
(Perth, Australia)
05/22/2009

can anyone tell me if taking apple cider vinigar in large amounts can cause nervousness (anxiety panic attacks)?

Replied by Luis
(Cali, Colombia)
05/22/2009

While there are a number of pharmaceutical drugs used to control anxiety disorders, not all are successful and many produce unwanted side effects, including neurological damage, impotence, and profound weakness.

There are things you can do to reduce anxiety in a much safer manner. For those not adequately controlled by these methods, it would allow you to use lower doses of your medications, which would reduce side effects.

Here are eight tips to help control anxiety and panic attacks:

1. Most important is to avoid excitotoxins in your food. These include MSG, aspartame, hydrolyzed proteins, vegetable protein, isolated protein, soy products (including soy protein isolates, soy protein and soy milk), natural flavoring, sodium or calcium caseinate, and others. All of these food additives worsen brain excitation and have been shown to specifically target the amygdala nucleus - a set of neurons in the brain's temporal lobe. They are key to the processing of emotions.

2. Increase your vegetable intake to at least five servings a day. Many of the flavonoids in vegetables have been shown to reduce anxiety - especially hesperidin, quercetin, and curcumin. All three are available as supplements. The dose is 250 milligrams of each three times a day. Quercetin comes in a water-soluble form. Otherwise it must be dissolved in either fish oil or extra-virgin olive oil.

3. Reduce your intake of fats -- especially saturated fats and omega-6 fats (vegetable oils, such as corn, safflower, peanut, sunflower, soybean and canola oils). Studies have shown that animals on high-fat diets release more cortisol and take longer to recover from stress than those on low-fat diets.

4. Magnesium is the body's natural calmative agent. It reduces excitotoxicity and, when taken at bedtime, it aids sleep. It also reduces the immune over-reactivity seen with anxiety disorders. In addition, it reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke and Type-2 diabetes (and metabolic syndrome).

5. White tea contains a flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate. This flavonoid has recently been shown to calm the brain and reduce anxiety. It works by activating the organ's most protective system against anxiety -- the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor. This aids sleep as well. White tea has a higher level of this flavonoid and much less fluoride than green tea.

6. For those who do not want to take a pharmaceutical drug, the herb valerian has been shown to activate the same calming brain GABA receptor. It has been used to induce sleep but also calms anxiety during the day. It should not be mixed with medications that act as sedatives or tranquilizers.

7. Another useful product is called Relora. It is a blend of two extracts -- phellodendron amurense and magnolia officinalis. In a number of tests, Relora has been shown to reduce excess cortisol levels associated with stress while improving mood and reducing stress. It acts via the brain's GABA and serotonin systems, which are both important in controlling anxiety.

8. Avoid caffeine. People with anxiety disorders hyper react to stimulants, such as caffeine. They can also worsen insomnia.

Replied by Pamm
(Alabaster, Alabama)
05/24/2009

Have you been to a endocrinologist? It sounds like your adrenal glands are fatigued. I have addison's disease and I was experiencing what you are before I was put on Cortef. When you feel faint take your blood pressure if its low then its more then likely your adrenal glands acting up. If your more anxious then usual and have more agitation then usual then it sounds like Addison's. These were some of the symptoms I had before I was diagnosed. I had lost weight without trying. If you gain weight with these symptoms it can be Cushings syndrome(adrenal glands). Also electrolyte imbalance will cause you to feel faint. Check your sodium intake, and potassium intake and all the others that are very impt. Any of these lacking can cause faintness. I wish you luck and hope you get better. One way to check for Addison's is to check blood pressure laying down and stand up and take it again right after and if your blood pressure drops 10 points or more then that is a sign of Addison's. God Bless!

Replied by Pamm
(Alabaster, Alabama)
05/24/2009

P.S. I forgot to add that ACV will lower your blood pressure and will lower your potassium levels so that is probably why you fainted. If by chance your already having problems with adrenal glands ACV just aggravated your problem that much more. ACV is great however it is a natural diuretic and will make you urinate alot & it will deplete you of sodium very quickly. Make sure you do not have a adrenal gland problem and your electrolytes are balanced. Water alone will not balance them out. Drinking too much water will also lower your sodium. With adrenal gland issues its hard to keep sodium & potassium in your body leveled out. I have fainted while taking ACV before I found out that it was causing my blood pressure to drop fast & depleting all my sodium. Because ACV caused me to urinate alot. Also check your blood sugar, ACV will also lower blood sugar. Its alot to take in I know..

Replied by Serach
(Jerusalem)
05/17/2014

HI, I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and my heart goes out to you. I recently went into a panic during cupping in my acupunctrue treatment. He worked on my kidneys and I was face down over the little head rest with a hole to breathe. I got really hot and was scared very bad. He came right in.

They gave me a homeopathic called field of flowers, and very important, critical in fact is that they energetically infused the tincture with something to heal panic, and I calmed down. They can infuse it with healing for what ever emotional problem you have. The infusion on their machine is critical, as in the past I just took the tincture, and did not notice results.

I would try mindfulness meditation, and if you can't sit down try walking meditation. when the panic comes let it wash over you, and tho its hard, don't fight it. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but I I found in the past, if I let the panic wash over me it went away relatively quickly.. say 20 minutes to half hour. I would just lay on my bed and let it wash over me. or if the weather is nice lay under a tree til it passes.

Breathing deeply and slowly, not fast, helps. Grounding also helps. Feel your feet on the ground, your butt on the chair, 3 things you can literally feel, 3 things you see, 3 you hear and 3 you can smell. that helps to bring you into the present and calms you.

Be careful of the drugs, as they can be addictive and have lots of side effects. I have not found that they help. If you come off of them be sure to do it slowly, carefully and with lots of support. This may sound odd, but helping others with panic/fear etc will also help your panic fear, as it gets me out of myself.

There is a 12 step group called oca, for folks with ocd and anxiety and you can google obsessivecompulsiveanonymous.org. they have face to face meetings and phone meetings as well. If you get irritable and angry I have had some success with nerve tonic, a safe homeopathic made by hylands.

Wishing you the best. serach

Replied by Sam
(Miami, FL)
09/05/2014

Look into blood course syndrome

Xue Dao Zheng

and other shen disorders (TCM). I recently found a wonderful TCM site that is so informative. I am attaching a link to a chapter 6

http://www.itmonline.org/shen/chap6.htm.

Also, jingherbs.com has free health analysis. They also provide free 15 min consultations with an experienced herbalist.

I really recommend to browse www.itmonline.org site for lots of information on TCM.

Replied by Emma
(Centralia, Illinois)
12/28/2016
11 posts

Hi Sue. I found MSM solves my panic attacks, and I haven't had one since. I take first thing in the morning and you can increase as you get used to them. Easy on your stomach, too. Don't take at night when beginning, as can cause nightmares. I found that out the hard way, but now I can take three a day without that, since my body is used to the MSM.

Paper Bag Breathing

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Posted by Vera (Colorado) on 10/31/2023
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I started having panic attacks in my thirties, during a challenging time. I learned they are caused by shallow breathing (when anxious) and resulting lack of CO2 in the blood. I was taught to breathe into a paper bag to replenish the CO2. It stops the attack right away.

If I don't have a bag handy, I pull my shirt over my nose and breathe into the space created. Or even into cupped hands.

Potassium

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Posted by Rakaia (Perth, Australia ) on 10/24/2020
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I too have panic attacks at night. Also I can't breath an give short little Gasps. I thought maybe I have forgotten to breathe and the time between breaths is too long therefore causing me to give the involuntary little gasps. Well I tried having potassium and it has sure helped the breathing and panic attacks. Also I feel it has helped a lot of my bone and muscular pain. I have Hashimotos and Hematomachrosis which I take medication for and venesection for the latter of my problems.

Sea Salt

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Posted by Joan (Wildwood, Florida) on 07/20/2007
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I am suffering from many things at once. such as lower tract infections and thrush and shingles all at once/ Part of which is due to the many antibiotics I was prescribed for the bladder and lower GI track. One of the effects of shingles is it produces much anxiety because your muscles start to spasm and the spasms and pain mimic some very serious conditions. This is the third bout with shingles. The panic attacks were so serious the paramedics had to come out twice and one time to the hospital in the ambulance because my blood pressure soared up to dangerous levels. Well to get to the point... Out of desperation today because now I developed a sore in throat that feel like something is stuck in there and it is swollen red and yucky.. It was too sore to gargle. I had to pace the house for an hour to prevent a panic attack because I felt like my throat was closing up (this is side effect of thrush), When I calmed down an intuitive sense told me to just sip on water and salt. I only had sea salt at home put a very small amount about 1/16 tsp to 8 oz size purified water and sipped it over an hour. Then I got worried (no anxiety attack) I hurt myself because my mouth felt like it was drying up (my mouth might be responding to the thrush). Went got another glass of water and drink that plain. Gradually the puckered dry feeling went away. But the amazing thing is that the salt must have been absorbed through my mouth because I could taste salt water coming from my nose trickling down my throat. It felt very good and soothing. I went to the computer to research what damage sea salt can do to you and I got a confirmation rather than an antidote for toxins. I am waiting to see what improves next. Next time I am going to reach for the S A L T rather than 911 or visits to the doctors.


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