Anxiety is a condition that affects most people at some time in life, although excessive or ongoing anxiety can interfere with your daily life and may require medical intervention. While some alternative and complementary therapies may provide relief, there is no evidence or suggestion that saw palmetto can reduce or increase feelings of anxiety.
Saw Palmetto
The saw palmetto herb comes from the Serenoa repens, also called Sabal serrulata, plant. Saw palmetto is a common herbal treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy, which is the medical term for an enlarged prostate gland. According to MayoClinic.com, saw palmetto may provide results similar to dinasteride, a type of prescription medication. Herbalists may also use saw palmetto as a treatment for male pattern baldness, prostate cancer, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and underactive bladder, although there is no firm scientific evidence supporting these claims. Saw palmetto is not a recognized alternative therapy for treating anxiety.
Anxiety
Anxiety can cause a number of symptoms, such as irritability, sweating, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, stomach upset, muscle tension and headache. Anxiety may occur in response to your life situation, underlying medical conditions, hereditary factors or certain medications. Anxiety that lasts for more than six months or continues for no apparent reason may be due to generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that may require counseling or drug therapy. In addition to prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines, buspirone or antidepressants, exercise, nutrition and some herbs may play a role in alleviating feelings of anxiety.
Herbal Treatments
Herbs that may reduce anxiety include valerian, passionflower, kava kava, ginger and chamomile, although none of these are standard or proven treatments for this disorder and some may cause side effects. Kava kava may lead to liver damage, while valerian may interact with prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, barbiturates and antihistamines.
Precautions
Seek medical help for anxiety, especially if it interferes with your sleep or your regular routine. Tell your doctor if you are currently using saw palmetto for an enlarged prostrate as this herb may interact with your prescription medications. This herb may impair your blood's ability to clot and can increase your risk of bleeding during surgery. Saw palmetto acts like a hormone and may be unsafe for women to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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