Jangled nerves, irritability, anxiety -- whatever you choose to call it -- that feeling of tension that puts you on edge and makes you intolerant of the people around you isn't doing great things for your image. It might even be putting your job or your relationship in jeopardy. If you would like to calm things down without resorting to the sledgehammer of a prescription drug, you might consider herbal options.
Considerations
While many herbs have not been subjected to thorough scientific analysis, and some have their own risks and side effects, several herbs have gained favor for treating irritability. However, before you begin treatment for an emotional or neurologic condition, consider the possibility that your irritability could be a symptom of an underlying problem. Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, relationship difficulties and substance abuse issues all share irritability as a common trait. No herbal therapy should be used as a substitute for comprehensive care.
Chamomile
According to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," chamomile has long been used as a calming herb for people under stress. She recommends using its essential oil in aromatherapy, as inhaling its volatile oils reportedly lowers stress hormone levels. Chamomile makes a pleasant-tasting tea that can be consumed as needed, but it is also available as a tincture or in capsules. Just make sure to use preparations made only from the flowers of German chamomile, or Chamomilla recutita. If you take coumadin, otherwise known as warfarin, chamomile may accentuate the drug's effects, making you bleed more readily.
Passionflower
Preparations made from the vines of the Passiflora genus have been used for centuries to settle rattled nerves and relieve muscle tension. Passionflower also helps with the sleeplessness that often accompanies nervous tension. The National Institutes of Health reports that passionflower may be useful for reducing anxiety, alleviating the symptoms of narcotic withdrawal and relieving a psychiatric disorder called "adjustment disorder with anxious mood," all of which can be associated with irritability. If you take a prescription drug from a class called "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," you should not take passionflower without the advice of your physician.
Kava Kava
Kava kava, or simply kava, has been used for its calming effects by South Pacific islanders for millennia. In fact, it was frequently used as a drink during meetings between parties who were trying to resolve conflicts. This attests to its ability to confer a sense of relaxation. A 2004 "Phytotherapy" study showed that a standardized extract of kava reduced symptoms of anxiety, tension and aggression without any evidence of toxicity or post-study withdrawal. However, several experts have raised concerns that kava can be toxic to your liver, particularly if you take other medications, consume large amounts of alcohol or already have liver disease.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, a citrus-scented member of the mint family, is a traditional remedy for stress, insomnia and muscle tension. In a 2007 study published in the "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology," investigators demonstrated that M. officinalis inhibited an enzyme that breaks down GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect in humans. This property may increase levels of GABA in the brain, thus conferring a significant calming effect. Valerian, another traditional herbal remedy for irritability and insomnia, exerted similar effects.
Other Herbs
Hops, gotu kola, St. John's wort, peppermint, California poppy and others have all enjoyed some popularity for dealing with anxiety, stress and irritability. Most popular herbs are available in a variety of forms, such as tinctures, aqueous extracts, teas, capsules and powders. Some forms may be more effective than others. If you are taking other supplements or prescription medications, or if you suffer from underlying medical conditions, consult your physician before taking additional herbal supplements.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing: Chamomile"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
- National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Passionflower
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Kava treatment in patients with anxiety; Geier F, Konstantinowicz T; 2004
- "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system; Awad R, et al.; 2007
