Herbal Cures: Anxiety

Although anxiety may be associated with modern living, it was also a common condition centuries ago. English settlers in North America--unfamiliar with stress as it is defined today-- knew anxiety by a variety of names, including "nerves," "hysteria," and "the vapors." Its sufferers were "worrywarts" and "nervous Nellies."

It takes many forms, from mild worrying, stage fright, and distress to severe panic attacks. Anxiety can occur at any time, but it is more likely in difficult situations, such as changing jobs. Usually, anxiety is temporary. Severe or chronic cases, sometimes associated with, say, a divorce or working for a difficult boss, can lead to depression and fatigue.

Anxiety can cause a host of symptoms, including a pounding heart, muscle tension, higher blood pressure, sweaty palms, trembling, palpitations, diarrhea, confusion, shortness of breath, nail biting, male erectile dysfunction, and insomnia. Chronic anxiety may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or hyperthyroidism, both of which require a doctor's supervision. Also consult a doctor if you suffer from hyperventilation, post-trauma anxiety, chronic insomnia, or extended depression. Severe attacks or a constant feeling of anxiety are forms of a more serious condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), adjustment disorder with anxious mood, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Home treatments should not be used alone in these more serious cases.

Herbal Remedies

Valerian To make a relaxing and sedative tea, pour boiling water over 1/2 to 1 teaspoon fresh roots, steep, then strain. Drink two to three times a day and once before bedtime. Capsules, extracts, and tinctures are also available. Although valerian is not related to Valium, a popular prescription tranquilizer, it is a legendary folk treatment and a proven sedative. Because they can make you drowsy, do not drive or operate heavy machinery after drinking valerian or passion flower tea.

Passionflower Take 4 to 8 grams a day in capsule form or make a mildly sedative tea. Pour boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons minced herb, steep, then strain. Drink two to three times a day and once before bedtime. Extracts are also available. Vervain For a mildly sedative and analgesic tea, pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon minced herb (the whole plant), steep, then strain. May induce sweating. Capsules, tablets, extracts, and tinctures are also available.

Kava This Pacific Islands relative of black pepper is sold in capsule form in American health food stores, usually under the name of kava kava. The pulverized rootstock is traditionally mixed with water and imbibed by islanders as a social and ceremonial drink. It has a mild sedative effect. Excessive use of kava can result in muscle weakness, sensitivity to light, double vision, and possibly liver damage.

Epsom salt bath Pour 2 cups Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) into a warm-water bath. Bathe for no more than 30 minutes. The salt cleanses and tones the skin and may lower blood pressure. A regular warm-water bath also tends to soothe the body and mind.

Tip: Mother Was Right

A cup of herbal tea has long been used to calm nerves and aid sleep. Some scientists now suggest that just enjoying the tea may be enough to induce a sense of peace.