Anxiety has long been treated with various pharmaceutical solutions. The problem with using a drug to help with your anxiety is that many drugs are habit forming and can have harmful side effects. Herbal remedies are often considered to be safer because they also treat the symptoms without the possible lingering addiction. Several herbs have been found to be effective in treating chronic anxiety.
Valerian
Valerian root is used primarily as a sedative that works to ease restlessness and treat insomnia and anxiety. The herb helps with night-time anxiety by decreasing the amount of time you need to fall asleep and makes it easier to stay asleep. Often, this herb will be used as a mild tranquilizer to treat anxiety disorders and emotional stress. Do not use this herb with children under 12 years of age or pregnant or nursing women.
Kava
Kava is an herb that traces its origins to the South Pacific. It acts as a sedative and can cause a mild feeling of euphoria. The reason kava works is that it depresses and calms the central nervous system and is an antispasmodic, helping to keep muscles calm. Taking this herb long term will be beneficial for helping with chronic stress and anxiety disorders. Caution should be taken when taking this as it has been linked to liver and skin damage.
Passion Flower
Passion flower is an herb that comes from South America and has been used historically to calm patients and treat anxiety, insomnia, hysteria and seizures. This herb tends to have less-potent effects than other herbs like valerian and kava and is often used as part of a greater treatment program. This herb can be taken in capsule form or can be brewed into tea. Generally, passion flower is considered safe; however, care should be taken when using this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Skullcap
Skullcap is an herb that grows in wet places in North America and Asia. This herb is rich in minerals and has been used to treat chronic stress and is used to help the nervous system. It aids with nervous tension, headaches, insomnia, exhaustion and depression. All of these conditions can serve to aggravate an existing anxiety disorder.
Motherwort
Motherwort is primarily used in helping heart disorders and has been known to positively affect the nerves. It acts to strengthen the heart and it helps the body with circulation without the side effect of raising the heart rate. As a sedative, it helps your muscles to relax and has a short-term effect of a lowering blood pressure. Expectant mothers should take care with this herb as it is a uterine stimulant. It should not be taken during the first two trimesters of a pregnancy. Also, women should not use this herb if they have heavy menstrual bleeding.
