One of the most powerful applications of herbal medicine in the treatment of anxiety is in the fortification of a stressed and weekend nervous system Nervines are the name given to a particular group of herbs that act as nerve tonics. In the case of long-term anxiety and panic attacks the nervous system will always be fragile and weekend. Using Nervine type herbs we can strengthen and create a more resilient nervous system. One of the benefits of working with anxiety and panic attacks in this way is that stronger meditations such as tranquillisers and sedatives are often unnecessary due to the fact that the nerve tonics have taken the edge off a considerable amount of stress and strain associated with the anxiety.

Here then is a shortlist of some of the most common herbal treatments for anxiety. These herbs have been used for hundreds of years either singularly or in combination and their effectiveness has been proven over those years.

Oats: One of the best and also one of the most common herbal remedies for panic attacks and anxiety is oats. Oats can be taken in a number of ways including herbal extracts, pills as well as being eaten in the form of porridge. If you are wanting to use oats in this way do not use instant oatmeal.

Lemon Balm: With many years of empirical use and current research findings to support what traditional herbalists have always known, lemon balm is a safe and effective herbal remedy for anxiety and depression and the associated symptoms that anxiety sufferers experience such as insomnia and restless sleep, headaches, palpitations and breathing difficulties.

Passionflower: Iis a commonly used herb in the treatment of all nervous complaints including anxiety, panic attacks as well as nervous complaints of the stomach and heart (gastric cramping and palpitations for example) Passionflower's strongest action and most commonly used application is as a natural sedative and as such is an excellent remedy for insomnia.

Skullcap: Is a very effective herbal treatment from anxiety that affects the body in two ways. It has an easy and safe sedating action that can very quickly calm and relax an overexcited nervous system. It's other main action is as a strengthening and supportive herb for a nervous system that is chronically overloaded and exhausted which can obviously lay the foundation for anxiety and panic attacks.

Valerian: Is one of most commonly used herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks. It has a well earned reputation as one of the most powerful natural treatments for virtually any kind of psychological or emotional disturbance. Valerian's status is such that the prescription medication Valium was named after it. While its biochemical action may be similar to Valium, chemically they are very different. As a natural herbal sedative it is especially effective and is most commonly used only when sleep disorders are part of the symptom profile of the anxiety sufferer.

It is especially renowned for helping with sleeping disorders and appears to only work when there is a sleeping problem, having no effect on people who are good sleepers. Another feature of this herbal remedy is that unlike many pharmaceutical sedatives Valerian is free of any depressing side effects and does not create dependency or addiction in the user.

If you are interested in using herbal remedies in the treatment of your anxiety and panic attacks you must always consider your current situation and health status. For the most part the herbs mentioned above, and many other similarly effective herbs that can help you dramatically with your anxiety and panic attacks, are safe and relatively free of side effects. But they need to be prescribed appropriately to your specific health condition. In some cases such as pregnancy, or if you are currently taking prescription medication, some of the above herbs may be contraindicated so it is wise to seek out an appropriately trained natural health practitioner.