Anxiety: Panic Not—Herbs to the Rescue

Anxiety is a common and normal part of life, especially when trying to find the best herb for your needs in a hot, crowded health food store with hundreds of people shoving past you wildly grabbing herbs to stockpile for the year 2000 crises! Just kidding.
An anxiety attack is also commonly referred to as a panic attack. Either is brought on by excessive fear and can be characterized by the following:

• A rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• An out-of-control feeling
• Shaking
• Uncontrollable crying

These attacks are more common in women than men and are usually related to some psychological factor. Too much change at one time, family- or work-related stresses, or anything that makes you feel overwhelmed can trigger an attack.
Other factors that could trigger or disguise themselves as panic attacks are:

• Food stimulants, such as caffeine or sugar.
• Any foods to which you could be allergic.
• Chemical food additives such as MSG (mono sodium glutamate), aspartame (commonly known as NutriSweet®), and the like could also make you have what you believe to be a panic attack.

If these attacks are a recurring problem, it is helpful to take notes and record what you have eaten, drunk, or even chewed before each of your attacks. A daily journal can give you feedback on the big picture and will help you pinpoint patterns.