Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by feelings of exaggerated fear, nervousness and panic. Many disorders fall under this heading, including phobias, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There are many herbal drugs available for relieving anxiety, most of which can be found in drugstores and health food shops for less than $20.
Kava
Kava is an herb often used for its relaxing effects, which are similar to alcohol and other depressants. It is a traditional favorite among Pacific islanders and is sold over-the-counter in many drug stores and herbal shoppes as a remedy for insomnia and nervousness.
Kava contains at least 15 different active alkaloids, known as kavalactones, which are thought to produce effects by affecting the neurotransmitter GABA. Effects of kava include sedation, muscle relaxation, feelings of calmness, increased sociability and numbing of the mouth and gums.
Kava's effects set in within 30 minutes of ingestion and may be felt for up to eight hours. Because it causes euphoric effects in some people, kava may have the potential to cause abuse and dependence.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant that has been used for its calming effects since ancient Greek and Roman times. According to the National Institutes of Health, valerenic acid--the active alkaloid in valerian--is thought to promote the release of GABA from nerve endings in the brain, resulting in feelings of sedation and calmness.
Most of the studies involving valerian have centered on its ability to treat insomnia, but it may also be used as an herbal remedy for anxiety symptoms or for its muscle-relaxing properties in patients with menstrual cramps and muscle spasm.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata, more commonly known as passionflower, is a shrub-like plant that grows naturally in many parts of the world. It is known throughout the world for its fruit ("passion fruit") and is often grown for its attractive ornamental flowers.
Medicinally, passionflower has a number of uses, including the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and opiate addiction. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, passionflower produces effects similar to the benzodiazepine drug oxazepam and may be equally effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Passionflower contains harmine and harmaline--substances that bring about feelings of calmness and improved mood. It has also been used to treat epilepsy, neuralgia and benzodiazepine withdrawal with varying rates of success.
Lavender
Lavender is a plant from the mint family that produces fragrant purple flowers. It is used in the production of honey, as a decoration for wedding cakes and is often added to potpourri for its attractive color and fragrance.
The essential oil of lavender is frequently used in aromatherapy for its calming effects. The flowers can also be brewed into a tea and drunk for their soft floral taste and relaxing properties. To make a relaxing tea from lavender, add a half cup of dried lavender flowers, lemon balm leaves and chamomile to 1 1/2 cups of hot water, steep for 10 minutes and drink.
Warning
Some herbs can change the way medications affect the body. To avoid dangerous interactions, talk to your doctor before trying an herbal remedy for anxiety.
