Symptoms of anxiety include worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, an upset stomach, rapid heartbeat and sweating. Herbs including valerian, passionflower, kava kava and lavender may help relieve anxiety, but should only be taken under the supervision of your health care provider. Herbs can react with medications, supplements and other herbs and may have side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, when taken in 150 mg doses two to three times daily, is sometimes used to relieve anxiety, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Valerian appears to have a sedative effect on the brain and nervous system, but evidence for its effectiveness in treating anxiety is contradictory. Clinical studies lasting 28 days have shown valerian to be safe, but long-term safety of the herb is unknown. Possible side effects of valerian include headaches, uneasiness and sluggishness, according to MedlinePlus. Valerian may react with other sedative medications, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Pregnant or breast-feeding women and people with liver problems should not take valerian, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Passionflower
Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, contains calming substances. There is some evidence passionflower may reduce anxiety symptoms. Taking 90 mg of passionflower liquid extract daily may be as effective as prescription medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines. Passionflower is likely to be safe when consumed in food and when taken medicinally for short periods, but may not be safe to take in large amounts. Possible side effects of passionflower include dizziness, confusion and irregular muscle coordination. Passionflower is unsafe to use during pregnancy as it may cause contractions of the uterus, and the safety of passionflower use during breast-feeding is questionable. Passionflower may interact with prescription medications and herbs such as valerian and St. John's wort, causing excessive sleepiness, according to MedlinePlus.
Kava Kava
Taking 100 to 200 mg of Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, two to four times daily may help mild-to-moderate anxiety. Kava kava should only be taken for a few days at a time after speaking to your doctor, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Possible side effects of kava kava include drowsiness and abnormal muscle spasms. Heavy or prolonged use of kava kava may cause yellowed, scaly skin. There have been rare incidents of severe liver damage from kava kava use, such as hepatitis and liver failure, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Lavender
Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is used to treat anxiety, although studies into its effectiveness show mixed results. Lavender is most often used in aromatherapy, either by massaging essential oil extracted from lavender flowers into the skin, or inhaling the oil's aroma. Teas and liquid extracts made with dried lavender flowers can be taken orally. Lavender oil is generally safe to use in aromatherapy but may cause irritation. Lavender oil may be poisonous if swallowed. Possible side effects of lavender teas and extracts include headaches, constipation and changes in appetite. When used alongside sedative medications lavender may increase drowsiness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
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