Severe clinical anxiety is best managed with validated treatments such as medication or therapy. However, people with mild anxiety or those who are unable to obtain standard treatment may try herbs for anxiety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of herbal supplements, and most herbs do not have scientific support for use in treating anxiety. If you use herbs to calm anxiety, consult your physician about potential side effects, risks and medication interactions.
Passion Flower
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, passion flower is used to calm anxiety and insomnia. Patients who received passion flower before surgery experienced less anxiety than those given a placebo in the 2008 study "Preoperative oral passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study," conducted by Dr. Ali Movafegh, associate professor of anesthesiology at Tehran University, and other colleagues. MedlinePlus reports that although there is some early evidence supporting the use of passion flower for anxiety, more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. Passion flower is available as teas, liquid extracts, infusions and tinctures.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is known as an adaptogen, meaning that it increases resistance to emotional and physical stress. Rhodiola rosea is believed to stimulate the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, thus calming anxiety. It is available in extract form, capsules and teas.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort typically is used as an alternative treatment for depression. Although there is not yet scientific support for the use of St. John's Wort in the treatment of anxiety, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), it sometimes is used for this purpose. St. John's Wort generally is taken in pill form. There are many medications that can potentially interact with St. John's Wort, and you should consult your doctor before using this herbal supplement.
Valerian Root
MedlinePlus reports that valerian root may affect the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which may in turn reduce nervous tension and calm anxiety. Valerian root is available as capsules, tablets, liquid extract and teas.
Kava Kava
According to the NCCAM, kava kava is an herbal supplement traditionally used for insomnia and anxiety. Kava kava is available as capsules, extracts, drinks and topical agents. The NCCAM reports that there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of kava kava for the treatment of anxiety. However, on March 25, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a consumer advisory warning of the potential risk of severe liver damage when taking kava kava. People with liver problems should not take kava kava.
References
- American Family Physician: Valerian
- "Anesthesia and Analgesia"; Preoperative oral passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study; Ali Movafegh and colleagues; June 2008
- Clarocet: Rhodiola Rosea
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance
- National Library of Medicine: Passion Flower
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