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Herbal Remedies for Anxiety
KAVA (Piper methysticum) is as effective as benzodiazepines in treating moderate anxiety as scientific studies confirm. A low daytime dose calms without sedating. This makes it easy to use for specific anxiety-producing situations, such as a plane flight or a job interview. In higher doses, kava is a natural sleep enhancer. Taken in typical doses, kava possesses no known side effects or toxic consequences, except for occasional skin rash in sensitive individuals, or mild stomach upset. Unlike the benzodiazepines, it does not suppress REM (rapid-eye-movement) or dream-stage sleep, which is essential to emotional, mental and physical well-being.
VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) Another favorite for the treatment of anxiety, valerian acts on the same receptors in the brain (the GABA receptors) as Valium-type drugs, with similar tranquilizing effects, but without side effects. Be forewarned, though: Its smell has been likened to that of old socks, so hold your nose!
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) Besides enhancing the mood-elevating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, St. John's wort also has a calming effect, likely due to its action on the GABA-, or benzodiazepine-receptor sites in the brain. Research shows St. John's wort to be often as effective as prescription antidepressants, but without their side effects. St. John's wort doesn't appear to cause addiction, withdrawal effects or problems when combined with alcohol. Also, there aren't any food restrictions for St. John's wort as there are for certain antidepressants. Some research suggests that grapefruit juice counteracts the effects of St. John's wort, and therefore, should be avoided by those taking the herb.
SIBERIAN GINSENG (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Known as an adaptogen, this plant helps the body to cope with stress and anxiety. At dosages of 200 mg (standardized) two to three times daily, Siberian ginseng supports the adrenal glands, essential parts of the body's stress-fighting system that often become depleted.
Dosage: Kava is available in various forms: tablets, capsules and tinctures. The taste is quite strong and causes a brief numbing of the mouth and tongue, so most people prefer tablets or capsules. The recommended daily dosage is 135 to 250 mg of standardized extract containing 30% kavaiactones (40 to 75 mg total kavaiactones), taken two to three times daily. For sleep, the dose is two to three times that amount. Warning: Do not take kava with alcohol or other sedating drugs because of the additive effects.
Dosage: Using a standardised extract (0.8% valeric acid), take 50 to 100 mg two to three times daily for relaxation. For bedtime sedation, take 150 to 300 mg 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime.
Warning: There are negative interactions between St. John's wort and the protease-inhibitors taken by HIV/AIDS patients, and with cyclosporin, an immunosuppressant drug taken by transplant patients. St. John's wort activates certain liver enzymes, causing these drugs to be metabolized too rapidly, thereby reducing their effectiveness.
Dosage: St. John's wort comes in capsules, tablets or tinctures. Take 300 mg three times daily, or 450 mg twice daily of a standardized extract of 0.3% hypericin, for a total of 900 mg daily. New research shows that the active ingredient may not be the standardized marker substance, hypericin, but another compound, hyperforin.
Dosage: Take 200 mg of standardized Siberian ginseng two to three times daily.
