Herbs to Relieve Anxiety

Anxiety is a persistent mood condition that may be triggered by a specific traumatic event or may not have any identifiable cause. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Conventional treatment may involve antidepressants to balance brain neurotransmitters and benzodiazepines for sedation, but these medications can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs have been used since ancient times to relieve anxiety. Consult a health-care professional for an accurate diagnosis before starting herbal therapy.

Lavender

Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a fragrant herb with delicate purple flowers native to Europe, especially France. The flowers contain an essential oil rich in monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, and the plant has sedative action. Herbalists have used lavender in cosmetics, medicines and rituals since ancient times. Dr. Linda B. White and herbalist Steven Foster recommend lavender for both anxiety and depression. They advise using the essential oil on the skin, in the bath, as a massage oil or as aromatherapy. A study by D. Shaw and colleagues published in the September 2007 issue of Phytomedicine found that lavender oil was as effective in relieving anxiety as chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine commonly used to relieve anxiety and irritation caused by alcohol withdrawal. This study supports the traditional use of lavender oil for anxiety symptoms. The oil should not be taken internally.

Lotus

The lotus, or Nelumbo nucifera, is a sacred plant in India that is found floating in ponds or rivers. The roots and seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals and are used in traditional medical systems throughout Asia. The bitter embryo inside the seed, known as lian zi xin, or heart of the lotus seed, has a calming effect on the central nervous system and is used to treat anxiety symptoms like insomnia, restlessness and heart palpitations. A study by Y. Sugimoto and colleagues published in the December 2008 issue of Phytomedicine found that an alkaloid called neferine is the major constituent of the seed embryo and is responsible for the sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Neferine was as effective as diazepam is reducing anxiety in test animals but did not impair muscle coordination or induce convulsions as diazepam did. This study supports the traditional use of lotus for anxiety. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. Lotus may enhance other sedative medications.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola, or Centella asiatica, is a small trailing plant native to Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, according to herbalist Penelope Ody, the plant affects the kidney and spleen meridians, which are related to anxiety and worry. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is considered calming and spiritually renewing, and is used to treat nervous conditions. The active ingredients include triterpenoids, such as asiatic acid, asiaticoside and brahminoside. A study by P. Wijeweera published in the November 2006 issue of Phytomedicine found that gotu kola extracts and extracts of pure asiaticoside were both effective against induced anxiety in test animals. The researchers also found that the extracts relieved anxiety without impairing motor activity. This study supports the traditional uses of gotu kola for nervousness and anxiety. If skin allergy, nausea, dizziness or extreme drowsiness occur, discontinue use.