Approximately 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Numerous prescription medications exist to treat anxiety symptoms, although no medical cure has yet been developed. However, many prescription medications, although effective, have significant side effects, including sedation, memory impairments, dependency and addiction.
Because of the side effects and personal lifestyle choices, some individuals may choose not to take a prescription medication. Instead, several herbal remedies exist that may also prove effective for relieving anxiety symptoms. The most used and researched substances include valerian root, kava and passionflower.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Valerian Root
Valerian root, commonly taken for insomnia, can also treat anxiety symptoms. Taken in pill form, the suggested dosage is 150 mg, two to three times per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Valerian root is sometimes combined with other herbs, including lemon balm and St. John's Wort. It may interact or interfere with certain prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and antihistamines, and therefore, patients should discuss this option with their physician.
Research evidence remains limited regarding valerian root's effectiveness for anxiety relief. A systematic review of the evidence by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2006 revealed only one controlled trial, which compared valerian root to diazepam, a benzodiazepine drug commonly used to treat anxiety. The two treatments resulted in similar side effects but results on anxiety symptoms were mixed, with some measures suggesting the two treatments were comparable and others suggesting the superiority of the prescription medication. Therefore, results remain inconclusive about valerian root's effectiveness for anxiety treatment.
Kava
Kava is a member of the pepper family, commonly used as a ceremonial tranquilizing beverage in some Pacific island cultures, according to Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman and Jerry Cott, Ph.D., in a 1999 article in Psychosomatic Medicine. Although approved in Germany for patient use for up to three months, concerns exist about its effect on the liver. Therefore, many physicians do not recommend its use for more than a few days, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
A systematic review of the research evidence by the Cochrane Collaboration revealed several controlled trials examining kava's effectiveness. Combined results from these studies suggest that kava exerts anti-anxiety effects superior to that of a placebo, or sugar pill. Comparisons to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety agents have been scarce but suggest that kava may have similar efficacy to some medications, according to Drs. Fugh-Berman and Cott.
Suggested dosage is 100 to 200 mg, two to four times per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Passionflower
A perennial climbing flower native to North America, passionflower may be a milder sedative than kava or valerian root. Frequently combined with lemon balm and other herbs, passionflower's exact effectiveness remains unclear, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In a few small research studies, passionflower was found as effective as benzodiazepines. However, because it was combined with other herbs, further study is needed.
No adverse reactions or risk of toxicity have been found with passionflower. It can be taken as a tea, tincture or fluid extract and dosages vary, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary Medicine - Anxiety
- The Cochrane Collaboration: Valerian for Anxiety Disorders
- "Psychosomatic Medicine" journal; Dietary Supplements and Natural Products as Psychotherapeutic Agents; Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD and Jerry M. Cott, PhD; 1999
- The Cochrane Collaboration: Kava Extract versus Placebo for Treating Anxiety
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary Medicine - Passionflower
