The Herbs For Natural Anxiety Relief

Traditional medicine is based on the use of plants for their medicinal properties and has been used for thousands of years. Certain herbs like passionflower, lemon balm, kava kava, valerian and Saint John's wort are commonly used for improving symptoms of anxiety due to their calming, relaxing effects. Some research found these herbs to be effective, however, larger studies are needed to fully prove their anti-anxiety effects. Therefore, if you suffer form anxiety and are considering taking herbal supplements, you should first talk to your health care provider.

Research

A review of 24 studies was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety, and the results were published in the October 2010 issue of "Nutrition Journal." The researchers found that the majority of the studies showed that herbs like passionflower and kava kava may be effectively used in treating anxiety without the risk of serious side effects. Based on other research studies, valerian combined with lemon balm or Saint John's wort may help in mild to moderate cases of anxiety, suggests University of Maryland Medical Center.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy is around 200 years old and is a system of medicine that uses nontoxic extracts of various herbs or other natural products to improve physical or emotional symptoms. Homeopathically prepared herbs such as Aconitum, Lycopodium and Gelsemium may also be useful in improving anxiety, as prescribed by a qualified homeopath, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Forms

Herbs are available in a variety of forms, including dried, liquid, powder or tablet. Homeopathic remedies are available in pellets, tablets of liquid forms. Dosage varies according to the type of herb and formulation as well as the severity of your symptoms.

Safety

Passionflower, lemon balm, Saint John's wort and valerian have an excellent safety profile and are considered well tolerated. The safety of kava kava is controversial, as some cases of liver toxicity have been reported after using this herb. Saint John's wort may interact with conventional drugs used for anxiety. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should use these herbs cautiously as their safety in these particular cases has not been fully evaluated. Homeopathic herbal remedies are considered safe and well tolerated at any age because the herbs are diluted during the preparation of these remedies.

Considerations

Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of herbs that may help your condition. A professional homeopath will find the herbal homeopathic remedy that best matches your symptoms. Keep in mind that herbs and homeopathic herbal remedies do not replace any anti-anxiety medication you are currently taking and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat anxiety.