This was an answer to a question about panic attacks due to a recent separation/divorce where the wife was left stranded with their young children in their remote area without a working vehicle. She's having some major daily panic attacks.
I recommended Chamomile, Valerian, and Skullcap. Another person told me I should have recommended Passionflower and Lemon Balm.
I stand by my recommendations. This is my reasoning.
I recommend Chamomile, Valerian, and Skullcap over Lemon Balm and Passionflower for acute panic attacks.
I am a practicing herbalist of over 30 years and am currently studying under a naturopath. While I agree with you that Passionflower and Lemon Balm can be used for stress, stronger herbs would likely be more helpful, in this instance.Passionflower is an excellent anxiolytic but its sedative effects might not be strong enough for moderate to severe panic attacks like the Valerian and Skullcap. It is more often used for generalized anxiety (day-to-day stressors) or chronic stress (unpleasant work environment) rather than an acute panic attack caused by a life-changing event (breakup, divorce, death).
Lemon Balm, a wonderful herb with many beneficial properties, is considered too mild for acute panic attacks. It is considered better suited for mild stress and tension. I've seen it work for moderate stress but it was inconsistent person to person. I leave it for mild anxiety.
Of course, my recommendation is just generalized information given off the hip in compassion at seeing a friend with an acute panic attack caused by a painful life-changing event. I do not know all of the ins and outs of her situation, habits, health, etc.
If one were visiting a clinical herbalist, the herbalist would take the current situation and more specific symptoms, a very detailed overview of their health, lifestyle, beliefs, and habits, and an assessment of their personality into account. They would then use that to design a herbal formula with personalized dosages. They would also warn one about contraindications for each herb. If they failed to do any of those things in a clinical setting, I'd RUN from them.
Happy Herbaling!
