Anxiety is a condition in which stress triggers fear. The condition can be mild for some people, but severe anxiety can be debilitating. Anxiety is treated using psychotherapy. Some doctors prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help treat the condition. However, some herbs contribute to reducing levels of anxiety in patients.
Valerian
Valerian root is found in teas and even pill form at vitamin shops. According to Colorado State's Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, the herb is used to reduce anxiety since it provides effects similar to the pharmaceutical drug Valium. Traditionally, the herb is used to treat insomnia. However, it can also be used as a form of natural anti-anxiety treatment. Some patients combine it with other herbal treatments such as St. John's Wort and lemon balm. When taking Valerian root, patients should avoid driving or drinking alcohol, since drowsiness is a side effect of the herbal treatment. Valerian root also affects the liver, so patients with liver conditions should avoid taking the herb.
Passionflower
The passionflower is considered a calming herb, so it is used in the treatment of mild to intermediate anxiety. According to University of Maryland, studies have been conducted with the herb, but they did not include a placebo group. Without the placebo group, the studies were shown to be inconclusive. The herb has a similar effect to that of benzodiazepine, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat all types of anxiety and stress-related conditions. The passionflower is native to North America, so it is available in vitamin shops throughout the country. Several species of passionflower are also available in herbal supplements.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is also used to treat anxiety. Kava kava is used to treat mild to more moderate forms of the condition. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put a warning on kava kava, suggesting that people with liver conditions avoid taking the herb. Kava kava is dried and chopped into powder form. It can be added to teas or other drinks to take during meal times. Some vitamin shops distribute the herbal treatment in pill form. Although some patients see a difference in anxiety after taking kava kava, a study conducted by International Clinical Psychopharmacology showed that the herb was no better than the placebo at treating general anxiety disorder. However, the researchers did find that it was better at treating mild anxiety.
