Herbs and other homeopathic remedies are becoming a popular option over prescription drugs for anxiety treatment. Some people may have success with anti-anxiety medications, but prescription drugs can be habit-forming or cause unwanted side effects, whereas herbal anxiety supplements are considered safer and usually do not lead to addiction problems. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so talk with your doctor before taking them, especially if you are already taking other medications or supplements.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is recommended for patients with mild to moderate anxiety disorders, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The website Healthy Place cites this herb as one of the most effective for treating anxiety, because of its mild sedative and muscle relaxing properties. It's also fast-acting and can even provide an uplifting and euphoric feeling. According to Healthy Place, this herb should not be taken with prescription antidepressant drugs under any circumstances.
St. John's Wort
According to Healthy Place, St. John's wort is a gentle sedative that calms the nervous system. This herb can help increase neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, low levels of which are synonymous with depression and anxiety. According to Healthy Place, it should not be taken with prescription antidepressant drugs under any circumstances.
Damiana
Damiana is considered a nerve tonic, according to Health Place. It has a calming effect and is considered effective against mild depression and anxiety.
Valerian Root
This herb has been shown to relieve anxiety in some clinical trials, according to the website Seredyn. Valerian works quickly when taken in doses of a few hundred milligrams--often in less than an hour. The herb can be taken three to four times per day, according to the website.
Passion Flower
According to Health Place and Seredyn, passion flower extract is effective for anxiety and related conditions such as heart palpitations, convulsions, epilepsy, insomnia and stress. And according to Seredyn, combining passion flower and valerian extracts will be more effective than either of these herbs taken alone.
L-theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, has a significant anti-anxiety effect, according to Seredyn. The website also claims that L-theanine works as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications, this according to people who have taken the supplement.
Aroma Therapy Herbs
Health Place lists herbs that are effective against anxiety when used for their aromatic properties. Those include bergamot, cypress, frankincense and jasmine. Each has its own distinctive calming properties, and some are said to also diminish fear, anger and frustration as well as anxiety.
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