Anxiety and depression can be debilitating and cause emotional, mental and physical symptoms. Antidepressant medications can ease feelings of anxiety, nervousness and sadness; however, they can cause side effects and dependency in some individuals. Nonprescription herbal supplements for anxiety work in a similar manner as antidepressant drugs to balance chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters (biochemical messengers). This helps to promote feelings of calm and decreases anxiety and nervousness. However, nonprescription herbal drugs are potent medications and can cause side effects and drug interactions. Consult your family physician before using herbal drugs for anxiety and other conditions.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is the most popularly used herbal drug for anxiety and depression. This nonprescription medicine helps to elevate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), St. John's Wort may help to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety as effectively as prescription antidepressants. The herb may work by preventing the uptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing their concentrations in the brain. These biochemical signals promote feelings of calm and well-being in the brain. St. John's wort is also a popular choice because it does not cause side effects, such as loss of libido, that are associated with some prescription antidepressants.
Valerian
The UMMC notes that the herb valerian is a nonprescription drug for the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety and nervousness, and related symptoms such as insomnia. This herb may affect mood by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps to promote feelings of calm and relaxation and regulates nerve signals in the brain. A family of prescription antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines have similar, but stronger effects on the brain.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herb that has been widely used to treat anxiety, depression and stress symptoms, as well as a sleep enhancer, in Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and the Caribbean. It is gaining popularity in the United States; however, it is not widely available as high dosages are thought to cause liver side effects. A study published in the medical journal "Pharmacopsychiatry" showed that kava kava extract was a successful alternative to prescription tricyclic and benzodiazepine in treating anxiety disorders, without the side effects of common antidepressant medications.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular aromatherapy scent and herbal remedy for depression, anxiety and fatigue, or tiredness. The UMMC explains that this is due to the calming, relaxing and slightly sedative effects of lavender when it is inhaled as an aromatherapy scent.
