A soothing herbal tea is a stress buster for many people--a way to unwind after a long day. Depending on which herb you choose, the brew may actually have calming benefits that exceed what the average warm beverage offers. In fact, many herbs are used as alternative remedies for anxiety and related conditions; they are thought to work in the brain, having similar effects as conventional medications. Before experimenting with such remedies, however, people should consult their doctors.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, a centuries-old plant with yellow flowers, has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient Greece, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Formerly used as a sedative and healing balm, the center reports that today people use St. John's wort for depression, as a sleep aid and to treat anxiety. The flowering tops of the plant are brewed for teas, though capsules and tablets are also available in health food stores or pharmacies. Side effects include drug interactions with medications such as antidepressants, anticoagulants, birth control pills and heart medications. People who use prescription medicines should discuss the safety of St. John's Wort with their doctors.
Kava
Kava, also called kava kava, is a plant native to the island of the South Pacific, an ancient ceremonial beverage and member of the pepper family, according to NCCAM. A number of clinical studies prove the herb is effective at treating symptoms associated with anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. When compared to some prescription anti-anxiety medications, kava is shown to cause similar changes in the brain. However, serious side effects are reported in Europe. The UMMC notes that it is unclear if the herb alone is to blame or whether a combination of drugs and herbs are the cause. In light of these side effects, researchers have decreased their studies on kava.
Chamomile
Chamomile, an herbal tea for anxiety and sleeplessness, is among the most commonly sipped brews, due to its sweet flavor and flowery aroma. When compared with a placebo, chamomile extract had modest benefits for some people with generalized anxiety disorder. The NCCAM says the difference was both clinically meaningful and statistically significant. Some people experience allergic reactions to chamomile.
References
- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ST. John's Wort
- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Kava
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Kava Kava
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms
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