Anxiety and insomnia are both a part of life; occasional bouts of each do not need treatment. If anxiety is keeping you up at night, or getting you down during the day, it's time to do something about it. Doctors prefer to prescribe medications, such as Xanax for anxiety or Ambien for sleep, but some herbs may be just as successful in treating anxiety at a reduced cost. You must check with your physician when beginning to take herbs to treat anxiety and insomnia because herbs can react with other medications you may be taking or conditions you may have.
Kava Kava
Studies have shown that kava kava (or sometimes just called "kava") taken daily can ease anxiety. Doses are usually 150 to 300mg per day taken as needed, up to three times per day. Kava has been linked to liver damage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning in 2002, so take it only after informing your physician.
Valerian
Valerian is commonly taken as a dietary supplement to induce sleep. Studies cited by the National Institutes of Health report benefits similar to pharmaceutical preparations, such as Xanax, without some of the side effects. For insomnia, take 300mg within two hours of sleep. You may increase the dose to 900mg slowly until you can sleep.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a substance in the brain that helps the body to sleep. People take it in synthetic form to treat insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns, such as the ones caused by jet lag. The traditional dose an be up to 75mg taken nightly and few side effects have been noted. An article at the Mayo Clinic website suggests that the quick-release supplements may be more effective for insomnia than standard pills.
Passionflower
Passionflower can help with milder forms of insomnia caused by anxiety. It is available in tea, extract and tincture form. Steep about 1 tsp. passionflower tea in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink about an hour before bed. If anxiety bothers you during the day, drink a total of 4 cups of passionflower tea throughout the day for relief.
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