Experiencing fear and anxiety is a normal part of life. When this anxiety is persistent or debilitating, however, it may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder. You may experience chest pain, nightmares or an impending sense of doom. There are safe herbs available that can help reduce anxiety attacks in a natural, chemical-free way. Nonetheless, there is no substantive scientific data proving the efficacy of herbal remedies for anxiety. Always consult a physician before using them.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a safe herb with a longstanding use for the treatment of anxiety. It may be as effective for easing anxiety as prescription medications without the harmful side effects according to Laurel Vukovic in the book "Basic Health Publications User's Guide to St. John's Wort." Extracts of this herb have an antidepressant effect that inhibits the acquisition of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. This reduces anxiety as well as sadness associated with the condition. Vukovic says dosing varies and suggests contacting an herbalist to determine an appropriate amount.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is the herbal alternative to valium, which has a sedative effect useful for treating anxiety according to Hyla Cass and Terrence McNally in the book "Kava." Unlike its chemical counterpart, kava kava is not habit-foming and bears no serious side effects. Nonetheless, it is a rather potent herb that will make you extremely sleepy. Cass and McNally recommend using it during a time when you don't need to be alert.
Meadow Sweet
Aspirin is named after the meadow sweet plant according to Marcello Spinella in the book "Concise Handbook of Psychoactive Herbs." It has a high level of salicylates that helps relieve headaches related to anxiety and stress.
Feverfew
Spinella also says that feverfew has a reputation as an effective herbal treatment for anxiety. The aromatic flowering herb looks similar to a daisy. Spinella recommends chewing the leaves or using an extract of the herb.
References
- MedlinePlus: Anxiety
- "Basic Health Publications User's Guide to St. John's Worth"; Laurel Vukovic; 2002
- "Kava"; Hyla Cass and Terrence McNally; 1998
- "Concise Handbook of Psychoactive Herbs"; Marcello Spinella; 2005
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