Most people experience anxiety from time to time, especially during times of increased stress. However, anxiety can often interfere with daily life, causing excessive and even debilitating bouts of worry or panic attacks. A wide variety of herbs are used as anxiety-relievers, or anxiolytics. Although natural remedies are no substitute for a physician's treatment, they may be worth exploring. Do not take herbs for any purpose without your doctor's approval.
Lemonbalm
A member of the mint family of herbs, lemonbalm has been used since the Middle Ages for its calming effects, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The leaves of the lemonbalm plant earn their name due to their lemon-like citrus aroma, and make popular additions to tea preparations for anxiety. Whether you take it in supplement form or use it as a fragrant addition to an herbal tea, lemonbalm can reduce key symptoms of anxiety, including insomnia due to excessive worrying. Ask your doctor if it is OK to take lemonbalm.
Valerian
Powdered valerian root -- characterized by a distinctive pungent aroma -- is another natural medicine used to treat anxiety. The University of Hawaii reports that valerian preparations can be particularly useful for both anxiety and panic attacks. Valerian is generally sold as a supplement capsule, although certain teas contain the herb as a calming additive. Don't use valerian without a doctor's approval.
Lavender
Like lemonbalm, lavender is another mint-related herb; one with a pleasant aroma that many people find to be soothing in itself. The essential oil of lavender is often combined with other herbs such as linden for anxiety-relieving preparations, and can also help relieve headaches and gastrointestinal pain.
Kava
Native to Pacific Islands, kava is an herb with potent anxiety-relieving anxiolytic properties. A 2006 scientific study reported in the medical journal "Phytomedicine" reveals that kava is the only herbal medicine demonstrated with sufficient evidence to be used as an herbal remedy for anxiety. Kava is sold in supplement form, and is often consumed traditionally as a tea. Use caution with kava, since the herb can produce sensations similar to alcohol intoxication such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor control.
Other Herbs for Anxiety
Other herbs used to alleviate anxiety include hawthorn, California poppy, chamomile and passionflower, to name a few.
Note on Anxiety Disorders
Persistent or severe anxiety symptoms -- including panic attacks, prolonged periods of insomnia or a racing heartbeat -- may indicate the presence of an underlying psychological anxiety disorder requiring medical attention. In this case, herbal remedies are simply not enough to handle severe symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you may suffer from an anxiety disorder.
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