HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY
For those of you who do not wish to take prescription medications or want to switch to herbal alternatives, the following is a list of known herbs that have helped for anxiety. I have no person experience with any of these, so I cannot recommend one over the other.
GENERAL IDEAS AND COMMENTS
Medical doctors in U.S. generally unaware of alternatives to synthetic drugs (in Germany herbal treatment included in medical training).
In U.S. herbs are recognized as "supplements," not "drugs".
In U.S. cannot claim herbs treat or prevent diseases or symptoms, but can claim herbs support or improve body functions based on research.
In Europe (especially Germany) herbs are regulated for quality and are considered medicines, based on demonstrated safety and reasonable proof of efficacy.
Do not take herbal treatments while using prescription drugs.
Use standardized preparations from reputable sources to insure quality and consistency.
Herbal supplements usually available from health food stores.
Generally herbs are mild and must be prepared as extracts (concentrations of active ingredients achieved by mixing crude flowers, leaves, or roots with alcohol or other solvents).
Tea forms of most herbs are weak and therefore more suitable for children, elderly and those with high sensitivities.
KAVA
It is from the pepper tree family and grown in Fiji, Samoa, and other South Pacific Islands. Its active ingredient is “kavalactones”. Typical dosage is 100-250 mg with 70% kavalactones. Studies find kava to be effectivew with severe anxiety, agoraphobia, GAD, social phobia, and specific phobia. Studies found kava to be as effective as Serax (benzodiazepine). Read more about this on Dr. Hyla Cass's website .
ST. JOHN’S WORT (HYPERICUM)
It was recommended by Hippocrates 2400 years ago for “nervous unrest”. In Germany hypericum accounts for more than 50% of antidepressant sales with Prozac accounting for only 2%. It has been approved in Germany as medicine for anxiety and sleep disorders. Its effects are similar to Valium but has no side effects or addictive potential. It acts on key neurotransmittors. It lowers the stress hormone "cortisol". It enhances GABA (gamma-aminobutyloc acid). As of 1997 there has been 27 double-blind studies that confirm safety and effectiveness. The typical dosage is 300 mg extract standardized to 0.3%, 3x/day. Its effectiveness is gradual over 4-6 weeks.
VALERIAN
Its been called “Nature's Valium". It’s a large perennial plant native to India, China, Europe, and North America with sedative substances found in root stock then dried and extracted. It seems to work like benzodiazepines by enhancing activity of GABA. Typical dosage is 50-100 mg extract 2-3x/day.
CHAMOMILE
It has been used for thousands of years as a calming agent and for soothing “nervous stomach”. It is the most widely used herb in Western world for relaxation. It is valuable when stress and anxiety cause indigestion (proven to have calming effect on smooth muscle tissue). It is taken as extract containing 1.2% apigenin (active ingredient) and 0.5% essential oils.
OTHER HERBS FOR ANXIETY TREATMENT
Passion Flower: mild herb taken as a tincture (one drop in warm water) as needed up to 4x/day for anxiety.
California Poppy: used as sleep aid and for easing mild anxiety as well as nervous tension. Dosage consists of 30 drops of tincture mixed with juice. Tea form safe for children.
HOPS: a perennial vine that grows extensively in Germany, England, North and South America, containing an essential oil with sedative properties. Used as an extract standardized to 5.2% of the alpha bitter or 2% of the essential oil, taken at bedtime (often in combination with valerian) for improving sleep. Approved in Germany for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.
Ginseng, eleuthero, ashwaganda: "adaptogenic" herbs for strengthening the nervous system and protecting against stress.
AROMATHERAPY
Scents act directly on the brain, like drugs.
5 million cells in nasal cavity send impulses to olfactory area of brain and from there to hypothalamus and limbic system-the seat of emotions.
Pleasant scents induce slower, deeper breathing.
Aromatherapy involves use of plant extracts called essential oils.
Lavender popular as relaxant.
Other herbal scents for soothing anxiety: chamomile. neroli. bergamot, sweet marjoram. ylang-ylang, geranium. patchouli, rose.
For best results, make a 10% dilution of 10 drops of essential oil in 1 oz carrier oil (e.g. sweet almond. olive. safflower, sesame).
Use as massage oil. room scent, hot herbal bath (can add Q2 cup unprocessed cider vinegar to bath to maintain skin's acid mantle).
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homeopathy is system of healing based on principle of "like cures like".
Relatively weak dilutions are used to stimulate a healing response (similar to use of allergens to promote resistance to allergens).
Homeopathy is safe and effective but controversial for treating transient anxiety and chronic stress.
Lancet medical journal (September 20. 1997) reported 89 placebo- controlled studies showing as a whole that homeopathic remedies were almost 2 1/2 times more effective than placebos.
Examples of homeopathic remedies for symptoms of stress and anxietv:
Ignatia (worry, tear, emotional strain).
Gelsemium (stage fright, apprehension, trembling, diarrhea).
Aconite (anxiety, throbbing headache, faintness, dizziness).
Pulsatilla (insomnia, anxiety, fearfulness).
Arsenicum album (worn, exhaustion. fatigue).
Offea cruda (jittery nerves, racing thoughts, mental strain)
Homeopathic remedies available in many health food stores ("Sleep Base" and "Anti-Anxiety" from Lelning Laboratories of France are popular in Europe and now available in U.S.)
REFERENCES
Bloomfield. Harold. Healing Anxietv with Herbs. New York: HarperCollins. 1998.
Weil. Andrew. Spontaneous Healing. New York: Knopf, 1995.
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