Most people experience feelings of anxiety at some time or another, particularly when faced with a challenge or an important event such as a job interview. However, if you are feeling anxious most of the time and it is interfering with your ability to lead a productive and enjoyable life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs or suggest you undergo psychotherapy to learn coping and relaxation skills. Valerian is an herb with calming properties that may also help to relieve anxiety. However, clinical evidence to show that it is effective is limited.
Properties and Administration
Valerian is a traditional remedy for sleeping problems but may also help to alleviate anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The root of the valerian plant is used to make a variety of herbal preparations including teas, tinctures and capsules. Extracts and oil prepared from valerian are are also used to flavor foods and drinks. UMMC suggests taking 150 mg of valerian two or three times daily, but this is only a guideline; ask your doctor how much you should take.
Efficacy
The results of a a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study published in the November 2002 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" show that chemicals found in valerian, known as valepotriates, helped to reduce anxiety symptoms. However, the study's lead author, R. Andreatini, adds that only a small number of subjects were included in the study and therefore these findings are not conclusive. In addition, an analysis of data form clinical trials involving valerian, published in the October 2006 edition of "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," notes that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that valerian is more efficacious than placebo or anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam.
Safety
Valerian is considered "possibly safe" when taken in medicinal amounts, MedlinePlus notes. However, it may cause side effects including headache, excitability and fatigue. It may cause drowsiness, so do not take it before driving or operating heavy machinery. This herb may heighten the effects of other drugs including medicines that have a sedative effect and may also interact with drugs that are modified by the liver. Do not use valerian if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may be unsafe for the fetus.
Other Herbal Options
If you wish to take an herbal approach to alleviating anxiety, you may also find passionflower and kava helpful. UMMC notes that passionflower may be as effective as anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines, while kava may be an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate anxiety. Both may cause side effects and interact with other drugs. Kava, for example, has been linked with serious liver problems. As such, you should only use these and other herbs under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
