Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to alter mood, from relieving depression to helping with sleep. Some popular agents used for depression and sleep may have success in treating anxiety attacks as well. Anxiety is useful in many high-stress situations, and it occurs when brain chemicals are released to prepare the body for that stress. However, anxiety attacks often occur suddenly, or frequently, or without a known stressor. Natural remedies in addition to therapy, medication or lifestyle changes may help reset your body chemicals.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that has been used for sleep and mental health purposes since the second century. It is available in marketed products or it can be made into tea with the roots, which likely contain the active glutamine and GABA-enhancing ingredients. Valerian seems to decrease anxiety slightly in healthy people but has greater effects in people who sleep poorly as well.
Lavender
Lavender as an essential oil has long been part of aromatherapy recipes, as this herbal remedy has cleansing and soothing properties. Lavender applied as a diluted extract or oil or ingested as a tea from the leaves may reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, an herb for which popularity and marketed products increased in the late 20th century, is commonly known as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. However, St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat many mental health disorders, and the herb may reduce anxiety by having an effect on serotonin and norepinephrine, the same brain chemicals that are altered in depressive disorders. One rare but known side effect of St. John's wort is increased mania or anxiety when taken with some antidepressant medications.
References
- Guide to Popular Natural Products (ed 2): St. John's Wort, Valerian. Facts and Comparisons, Bethesda, MD, 2001
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance: Lavender.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance: St. John's Wort.
