Treat anxiety with natural herbs
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While conventional therapies such as medication and psychotherapy can be effective, some individuals may prefer to explore more natural options for relief.
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| How to treat anxiety with natural herbs |
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat anxiety and other mental health problems, offering an alternative form of treatment with fewer side effects than medication.
Herbal remedies work by targeting specific areas of the body where symptoms of anxiety are present - from calming nerves to reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Many herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits. Here's what we know — and what we don't:
Kava herb. Kava appears to be a promising treatment for anxiety, but even with short-term use it has been reported to cause severe liver damage, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to issue warnings about the use of dietary supplements containing kava. While these initial reports of liver toxicity are questionable, exercise extra caution and involve your doctor in the decision if you're considering using products containing kava.
Passion flower. Some clinical trials suggest that passionflower may help relieve anxiety. In many commercial products, passionflower is combined with other herbs, making it difficult to distinguish the unique qualities of each herb. In general, passionflower is safe when taken as directed, but some studies have found that it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
Valerian officinalis. In some studies, people who took valerian were shown to have lower levels of anxiety and stress. In other studies, no benefits have been shown for people. Valerian officinalis is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, but because there is a lack of experience with its long-term safety, it shouldn't be taken for more than a few weeks at a time, unless approved by your doctor. It may cause some side effects, such as headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.
chamomile. Limited data shows that short-term use of chamomile is generally considered safe, and it may be effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety. But chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood-thinning medications. Use of chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in some people allergic to the family of plants that includes chamomile. This family includes ragweed, velvet flowers, chamomile, and chrysanthemum.
lavender. Some evidence suggests that stress can be reduced by taking lavender orally or through aromatherapy using lavender. However, this evidence is preliminary and limited. Oral lavender may cause constipation and headache. It may also increase appetite, increase the sedative effect of other medications and supplements, and cause lower blood pressure.
Lemon balm. Preliminary research shows that lemon balm can relieve some symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and irritability. In general, lemon balm is well tolerated and considered safe with short-term use, but it can cause nausea and abdominal pain.