Anxiety

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 15:32

Although there are pharmaceutical drugs, which are routinely used to treat anxiety, many patients are now seeking out a natural approach to treating anxiety. There are several medicinal plants, which can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms and thereby improve quality of life.

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St John’s Wort can 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 qualified Medical Herbalist. Be aware that St Jon's Wort can interact with other medicines so talk to your doctor or medical herbalist.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Another medicinal herb, which is often successfully used for anxiety is Motherwort. 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 (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian is often sold over the counter for anxiety and also insomnia. This is a plant extract to be wary of as it can often cause the opposite effect of what is required … hyperactivity.

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

Bacopa  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. The medicinal plant, Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) is a marvellous herb for calming patients and relieving feelings of anxiety without making them drowsy. Many patients take this herb before exams to combat their anxiety/nerves.

Herbal Medicine usually takes about 7-10 days to begin working 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.

A Medical Herbalist can 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

London Herbal Medicine Anxiety Specialist