Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and unease. People that suffer from anxiety may also have difficulty concentrating, find it hard to relax and may feel irritable or restless. Anxiety is sometimes treated with antianxiety drugs, antidepressants or counseling. Some herbs may also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Ask your doctor whether herbal medicine is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that several herbs may help to alleviate anxiety, including kava and valerian. Kava, sometimes known as intoxicating long pepper, is native to the Pacific rim and is used an alternative remedy for stress-related conditions such as insomnia and anxiety. It contains compounds known as kavalactones, which according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are likely responsible for this herb's relaxing effects. Valerian has been used as a medicinal remedy for thousands of years and is primarily used as an insomnia treatment.
Efficacy
An analysis of 11 clinical trials that included a total of 645 participants, published in the 2003 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concludes that kava extract appears to be an effective treatment option for anxiety. The results of an animal study published in the January 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine" showed that valerian has antianxiety effects. However, an analysis of data, published in the October 2006 issue of "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found that there was insufficient evidence to support the use of valerian as a treatment for anxiety.
Administration
Valerian and kava may be taken as teas, liquid tinctures or in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 150 mg of valerian two or three times daily for generalized anxiety disorder. Alternatively you may prefer to take 100 to 200 mg of kava two to four times daily to alleviate mild to moderate anxiety. These doses are only intended as a guideline. Read the label carefully or ask your doctor or pharmacist what dosage is suitable for you.
Considerations
Using valerian for four to six weeks is likely safe, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Using it for longer periods may not be safe. Valerian may cause side effects including drowsiness, headache, nausea and dizziness. Kava may not be safe, as even short-term use has been linked with liver damage. Avoid both of these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Don't take kava if you have liver disease, depression or Parkinson's disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Kava
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Valerian
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;" Kava Extract for Treating Anxiety; M.H. Pittler and E. Ernst; 2003
- "Phytomedicine;" Extracts of Valeriana Officinalis L. s.l. Show Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects but Neither Sedative Nor Myorelaxant Properties; M. Hattesohl et al; January 2008
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;" Valerian for anxiety Disorders; L.S. Miyasaka et al; October 2006
