Generalized anxiety is a mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of nervousness, worry and fear. The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder don't occur in response to any one trigger but are constantly present with no identifiable cause. Although prescription medications may be helpful in treating generalized anxiety, they can cause side effects such as physical dependence or cognitive impairment. There are many natural remedies for generalized anxiety, some of which may be less likely than pharmaceutical medicines to cause dangerous side effects.
Kava
A sedating herb from the pepper family, kava (Piper methysticum) can be a powerful remedy for generalized anxiety. Kavalactones, the main active compounds in kava, have calming effects that may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasm. According to Medline Plus, kava is a Grade A remedy for anxiety and may be as effective as benzodiazepines--the most frequently prescribed anxiety drugs--for treating generalized anxiety disorder.
Serious concerns have been raised about kava's safety after the herb was linked to cases of liver failure in Europe and the U.S. For this reason, patients with liver disease should not take kava. Do not take kava with other liver-toxic substances such as alcohol or acetaminophen, and avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how kava affects you.
Valerian
Often referred to as "nature's Valium," valerian root can be helpful for reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The active compound in valerian, valerenic acid, increases amounts of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which can result in feelings of relaxation and calm. According to the National Institutes of Health, valerian may be effective in relieving the psychic and subjective symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Taking valerian root with other depressant herbs or drugs may intensify the effects of both, increasing the risk for dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression. The typical dose for treating anxiety is between 400mg and 900mg daily.
Passionflower
Valued for its colorful flowers and tasty fruit, passionflower is a helpful herb to have on hand for generalized anxiety. According to the National Institutes of Health, passionflower is comparable to the anti-anxiety drug oxazepam in effectiveness and may be less likely to impair cognitive functioning. Other potential uses include treating muscle spasm, insomnia and opiate withdrawal.
The usual dose of passionflower for generalized anxiety is 1 tsp. dried plant material in a tea or capsule up to three times per day. Side effects include sedation, drowsiness and nausea.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus: Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst)
- National Institutes of Health: Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.
- National Institutes of Health: Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.
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