Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults in the U.S. each year, according to Harvard Health Publications. Fortunately, there are number of options available to help this nerve wracking condition. Prescription benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are generally effective at relieving anxiety but they can be habit forming. Herbal therapies are gaining recognition as viable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals.
Considerations
Kava, passion flower and valerian are among the herbs that are most frequently used to calm nerves. To what extent they are effective, is unclear however. The Mayo Clinic states that while these herbs appear to be safe, further research is needed to more thoroughly assess their usefulness and safety as indisputable therapies for anxiety.
Kava
The most widely used herbal treatment for anxiety is kava. Kava may help you feel relaxed without making you feel sleepy or drowsy. Kava has been approved for the treatment of nervous disorders, insomnia and depression in a number of European countries including Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Austria.
Passion Flower
Passion Flower has long been used for symptoms of restlessness, anxiety and agitation. Early evidence from animal studies and small human trials seems to support its effectiveness. Despite its history as an anti-anxiety herb, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn about passion flowers' usefulness as an anti-anxiety aid.
Valerian
Valerian is most often used to treat insomnia, but its sedating effects may also diminsh anxiety. The NIH states that, to date, only poorly designed studies of the benefits of valerian have been conducted so additional research is needed to verify its effectiveness as an anti-anxiety agent.
Warnings and Side Effects
The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about kava over concerns that it may lead to liver damage. Kava may also cause nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine or clay-colored stools.
Valerian may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects may intensify if you drink alcohol. In rare cases, allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; skin rash; swelling of the lips, tongue or face) have been reported.
There are no known adverse reactions linked to the use of passion flower.
Outlook
Talk to your doctor if you're thinking about taking an herbal supplement to help relieve anxiety. This will help to ensure that they won't interact with any medicines you might be taken. If your anxiety is disrupting your life, consider talking with a mental health therapist.
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