Last Updated on Monday, 07 December 2009 02:01

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress. This condition can grow progressively worse if not treated and can lead to health problems. Anxiety is also a common symptom of the menopause, causing usually calm and relaxed women to become fearful and on edge for no apparent reason.

Although there are pharmaceutical drugs, which are routinely used to treat anxiety, many patients are now seeking out a natural approach to treating anxiety. As a qualified Consultant Medical Herbalist, I see more patients than ever presenting with anxiety. The good news is that there are several medicinal plants, which can alleviate anxiety and thereby improve the quality of the patient’s life.

St John's Wort

In my clinical practice, I have found St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to be extremely useful. This medicinal plant has undergone numerous clinical trials. It is also an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression, which can sometimes affect patients with anxiety. Clinical trials have shown that St John’s Wort is as effective as the pharmaceutical drug, imipramine, in treating mild/moderate depression. In another trial it was found to be as effective as Prozac in treating mild depression. A word of caution though … many over the counter herbal remedies do not have the necessary amount of the active chemical constituent to achieve a therapeutic effect. High quality St John’s Wort can be prescribed by a Medical Herbalist. It's also worth noting that St John's Wort can affect other medications so talk to your doctor or medical herbalist.

Motherwort

Another medicinal herb, which I have successfully used for anxiety is Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). This plant is calming without causing drowsiness and is particularly useful for patients, who are suffering palpitations (a rapid, irregular heartbeat every now and again).

Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is often sold over the counter for anxiety and also insomnia. This is a plant extract that I never prescribe for patients as it can often cause the opposite effect of what is required … hyperactivity. Now this does not happen in all cases but I prefer to prescribe herbs, which I know will not make my patients bounce of the walls, when they have come to me to treat their anxiety or insomnia.

Bacopa

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) not only helps relieve nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety, it also benefits cognitive function (including improved information processing, verbal learning rate and memory consolidation) in healthy individuals. This was shown in a clinical trial. It helps relieve the stress of study or work and assists in the maintenance or improvement of general well-being.

Ashwaganda

The medicinal plant, Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) is a marvellous herb in my clinical experience for calming patients and relieving feelings of anxiety without making them drowsy.

Herbal Medicine usually takes about 7-10 days to kick in and for patients to notice a difference in the way that they feel. However, it is very important to have standardised levels of key phytochemicals (the important active chemical constituents) to ensure optimal strength and quality. I like to make up a blend of these herbs in a liquid tincture so that patients benefit from the effect of several of these safe and effective herbs. For those patients, who prefer taking the herbs in tablet form, tablets can just as easily be given. Diet and lifestyle are discussed and sometimes modifications are suggested to help in the management of anxiety and to promote well-being and health maintenance.

Deborah Grant BSc(Hons) Herb.Med.MNIMH Consultant Medical Herbalist  

For more information visit: London Herbal Medicine

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