Anxiety is characterized by apprehension, tension or uneasiness stemming from an external stress trigger, according to James Robbers and Varro Tyler in the book "Tyler's Herbs of Choice." Although anxiety is a normal response in many situations, those suffering from persistent or chronic anxiety will most often experience insomnia as result. There are several herbs that can help treat these conditions, although sufficient scientific data that support their effectiveness is lacking.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is a common herb used to treat insomnia and mild anxiety, according to William Wu in his book "25 Tips to Beat Anxiety and Depression." What makes valerian root effective is still unknown but it may have to do with its affect on GABA, an amino acid. Wu recommends 2 to 3 g of valerian root to treat both insomnia and anxiety, twice a day. Robbers and Tyler warn that the relaxing effects of valerian root will make driving or operating heavy machinery dangerous so take it prior to going to bed.
Passion Flower
According to Robbers and Tyler, passion flower is the most well known and commonly used herb in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. It contains flavonoids, especially vitexin, as well as coumarin and umbelliferone. Nonetheless, passion flower is the herb that lacks the most scientific data to prove its efficacy. When compared to the standard drug oxazepam, an anti-anxiety drug, passion flower is just as effective within a four-week time period, according to Steven Bratman in the book "Collins Alternative Health Guide." Usual daily dosing is 4 to 8 g taken as a tea, Robbers and Tyler say.
Hops
According to the 1990 article "Get On Your Nerves" by Christopher Hobbs and Sally Cullen published in the "Vegetarian Times," hops eases anxiety that leads to insomnia, headache, a racing heart and indigestion. Hobbs and Cullen say that hops is most effective as a dried herb than an extract. Hops has a long-standing tradition in herbal medicine, specifically for anxiety and insomnia dating back 1,000 years, according to James Duke in his book "The Green Pharmacy." The sedative ingredient methyl-butenol affects the central nervous system by calming you and eventually encouraging sleep and relaxation, Duke says. The website Drugs recommends 1.5 to 2 g of dried hops.
References
- "Tyler's Herb of Choice;" James Robbers and Varro Tyler; 1999
- "25 Tips to Beat Anxiety and Depression;" William Wu; 2005
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide;" Steven Bratman; 2007
- "Vegetarian Times;" Get On Your Nerves; Christopher Hobbs and Sally Cullen; July 1990
- Drugs: Hops
- "The Green Pharmacy;" James Duke; 1997
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