Social anxiety, sometimes known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by extreme self-consciousness in social situations. An individual that suffers from social anxiety may dread eating or talking in front of others and finds most or all social situations distressing. If you suffer from social anxiety, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medicines to help you cope better, or you may be referred for a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy which may help to anxious thoughts with positive ones. Some herbs may also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Always get medical advice before using herbs.
Examples
Several herbs may help to reduce anxiety, including passionflower and kava. According to the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, passionflower was used by the native North American as a sedative. Herbalists also recommend this herb as a treatment for a number of disorders, including insomnia, although it is primarily used as a treatment for drug addiction and anxiety. Kava, a type of pepper native to the islands of the South Pacific, is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for menopausal symptoms and insomnia and may also help to alleviate anxiety.
Administration
Passionflower and kava may be taken in tablets or capsules, or you may prefer to take these herbs as teas or tinctures. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 200 mg of kava two to four times daily to help to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety, while the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website suggests drinking 3 cups of passionflower tea daily. Get medical clearance before using either of these herbs in these amounts.
Scientific Evidence
Studies examining the effects of passionflower and kava on social anxiety specifically are lacking. However, and analysis of data from 24 studies evaluating the role of herbal therapies in the treatment of anxiety, published in the October 2010 issue of "Nutrition Journal" concludes that based on the data available, strong evidence exists to support the use of both kava and passionflower in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Safety Considerations
Kava may not be safe and should only be used under medical supervision. This is because it has been linked with several cases of liver failure. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine adds that it may also cause a condition known as dystonia, which is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms. In contrast, passionflower is listed on the FDA's "generally recognized as safe" list. However, RxList notes that it may cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Avoid both these herbs of you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Passionflower
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Kava
- "Nutrition Journal;" Nutritional and Herbal Supplements for Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders: Systematic Review; S.E. Lakhan and K.F. Vieira; October 2010
- RxList: Passionflower
