It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, particularly when going through a stressful period or in the runup to an important event. Anxiety can even be helpful in boosting your performance. But, if are constantly in a high state of anxiety and you find it is interfering with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Your doctor may precribe anti-anxiety drugs such as paroxteine or citalopram or you may be offered psychotherapy to help you understand and cope better with your anxiety symptoms. The herb known as kava is also sometimes used to treat anxiety. Speak to your doctor or health care provider before using it.
Characteristics
Kava is a member of the pepper family and is native to the islands of the South Pacific. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it was traditionally used as a numbing agent and as a treatment for fatigue. Today, however, it is primarily used to treat insomnia, anxiety and symptoms of the menopause.
Use
The rhizomes and roots of the kava plant are used to make a variety of herbal preparations including teas and tinctures. Kava is also available in capsule and tablet form. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommend taking 100 to 200 mg of kava between two and four times daily for mild to moderate anxiety. UMMC also notes that you should not take this herb for more than a few days. Talk to your doctor about the correct dose and treatment schedule for you.
Efficacy
A review of clinical trial data published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" in January 2003 found that, compared with placebo treatments, kava seems to be an effective treatment for anxiety symptoms. MedlinePlus notes that the kava may even be as effective as prescription anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Side Effects
Kava has been linked to a number of cases of liver failure and may also cause abnormal muscle spasms, NCCAM notes. Long-term use of kava may also cause the skin to become yellow and scaled. A number of countries have banned the use of this herb, however, it is still available in the United States.
Contraindications
Do not use this herb if you have liver disease or if you are suffering from depression as it may make your condition worse. Also avoid kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Kava interacts with a number of drugs including alprazolam, levodopa and sedatives; it should not be used alongside them. Consult your doctor before using kava to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
