Panic Disorder Treatments: Valerian Root

April 6th, 2012

Those that suffer from panic attacks and panic disorder know that finding a solid treatment that actually helps the symptoms and allows them to live a normal life is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It might seem impossible, but once it’s found, it’s priceless. So, many that suffer from panic attacks and panic disorders go through months, and even years, of trying different treatments of all types – from natural treatments to medications to self-help. One such treatment that people have used for centuries to help with panic attacks and disorders is called valerian root.

 

Valerian is an herb that is used to not only treat anxiety and panic attacks, but is also used to help insomnia, stomach cramps, and menstrual pains. It can be found in many different areas of the world, such as Asia, North America, and Europe and there are actually over 200 different species of valerian. While it’s well known for it’s roots smelling like gym socks, it is widely sold all over the globe in several different forms: liquid, powder, tea, and pills. Many natural healers recommend that valerian be taken with St. Johns Wort, which is also known for it’s relaxing powers as well.

 

The history of valerian root has a long and even famous past. The earliest recorded uses of valerian was during ancient Greek and Roman times, and even Hippocrates was reported as using it and recommending it. Other people throughout history have prescribed the root to people as an “all heal” medication and was even used in medieval Sweden as a way to ward off the “envy of the elves” when a groom was getting married. Many physicians prescribed it to patients for a wide variety of different ailments, as it was known especially for it’s calming effect.

 

Many naturalistic physicians recommend valerian root to their patients that suffer from severe anxiety or panic attacks because of it’s calming effects. It is also reported to help people that have problems sleeping, which many people suffering from panic disorders sometimes have. From those that wake up throughout the night to those that have problems falling asleep, valerian root has been said to help all sorts of sleep issues – even severe insomnia. While some people report help within the first few times of taking valerian root, others say that it has taken up to four weeks of daily use before they noticed a major change in their moods and sleep patterns.

 

Of course, just like any type of herbal supplement, valerian root is not something regulated by the FDA, like medications are. Even though it has been used for centuries, make sure that you check with your doctor before you start taking valerian – especially if you are taking any other type of medications for panic disorders or anxiety. Since this herbal supplement is known for it’s calming effect and is used to help people sleep, you want to make sure that you check with your doctor before you take it with any type of sedative or medication that makes you sleepy.

 

Since valerian has been used for centuries with success when it comes to treating panic attacks and anxiety disorders, it might be a great avenue for people suffering from these conditions to try – especially if they have not found other treatments that have helped.

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