subject: An Herbal Anxiety Remedy - Part of the Solution? [print this page] Copyright (c) 2010 Peter RubelVarious herbs have long been used for their sedating and mild calming effects. Such herbs are generally safe when used in moderation except in the case of some allergic reaction. Generally they have fewer and milder negative side effects than corresponding pharmaceutical drugs used to treat anxiety or depression.Although taking herbal anti-anxiety remedies along with drugs for anxiety may be a popular idea, it is generally inadvisable to do so without first consulting your medical professional because some drugs, whether used for anxiety or depression or other ailment, should not be taken in combination with herbs treating the same symptoms.Herbal supplements and products are typically available in the form of teas, tinctures, capsules or tablets, either alone as single herbs or together in a recipe of herbs used to treat anxiety and stress. As with any nutritious and live plant material, the following herbs may have additional effects on the body other than the sedating or calming one.Kava Kava: This was long used in Polynesia. It would numb the mouth of those chewing on it. Some studies suggest Kava Kava (or just Kava) may be as potent as some pharmaceutical drugs for alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can cause drowsiness like various drugs. It also relaxes muscle spasms.Especial care should be observed by pregnant or lactating women. Indeed some recommend it should not be consumed by persons under eighteen. Those consuming alcohol or on drugs for anxiety or depression should probably avoid it.Valerian: Helps relieve nervousness, pain, muscle spasm, irritable bowel syndrome, and stress. May work best when used over a several week period. As an apparent balancing function, it may both calm an overactive nervous system and stimulate a fatigued nervous system. Valerian should not be used with alcohol. One of the stronger herbs at relaxing anxiety-stressed nerves.Passionflower: It has a mild sedative effect. Helpful for anxiety, hyperactivity, and stress. Should not be used during pregnancy.Chamomile: Chamomile is the name given to a number of closely related species used for their antispasmodic properties and help in reducing inflammation in the gut. Good for insomnia and anxiety also. Chamomile should not be taken daily for long periods and should be used only with caution or not at all by those with rag weed allergies. Avoid when consuming alcohol or sedative drugs.Hops: Used in brewery for centuries, hops is also useful for nervous tension, insomnia, stress, and hyperactivity. Traditionally put in pillow cases to help children sleep. Should not be taken in conjunction with antidepressant drugs.Lemon Balm: Named for the lemon scent of its leaves, the essential oil of lemon balm acts as a mild sedative and antispasmodic. Lemon Balm is also antibacterial and antiviral. It should not be taken by persons who have glaucoma or hypothyroidism.Skullcap: This is helpful for alleviating muscle cramps, hyperactivity, and anxiety. It is one of the more helpful herbs for insomnia and fatigue.Skullcap should be avoided by children under age six.Lavender: Taken externally only via the air or on the skin, the essential oil of lavender has a calming effect on the central nervous system.St. John's Wort: Actually, St. John's Wort is used for mild to moderate depression, which many anxiety sufferers a prone to experiencing. It increases in effectiveness over a period of consistent initial consumption.Prolonged St. John's Wort may make a person overly sensitive to sunlight, so that some take it in winter and avoid it in summer, depending on the latitude where one lives. It should be avoided when taking antidepressant drugs or MAO inhibitors.Other herbs may be indirectly helpful to those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorders such as Siberian Ginseng, which helps with endurance, and herbs like Fenugreek and Marshmallow Root, which calm the digestive tract and Peppermint or Ginger, which can soothe the stomach. Stress and pharmaceutical drugs generally tend to deplete the body of various vitamins and essential nutrients, so good diet is important as well.Long term, panic attack and anxiety disorder sufferers should probably incorporate other health-related modalities in addition to herbal ones, such as exercise and therapy, or modalities that address accompanying problems, such as in the presence of alcohol abuse, relational, work, or economic distress, or reactions to food allergens or environmental toxins.
