In treating anxiety, the conventional method is to prescribe medication. Medications come with side-effects and many are habit-forming. In addition to having an aversion towards the non-natural, it is for the before-mentioned reasons that many choose to either not take medication or to supplement it with natural herbs.

Herbs have varying degrees of success and may not work on some people. Herbs also have the ability to interact with medication, if taken simultaneously, so people should consult their doctors before partaking in any natural remedies.

Another issue with herbs is that many of the claims surrounding them are not confirmed by the FDA. Some claims to effectiveness are due to a few research studies or even a few people’s personal experiences. Others are entirely false and are used as sale tactics.

It is also important to note that the effectiveness of many herbs have not been studied on people with anxiety disorders. And some of those that have been tested have only mild success. For example, l-theanine, found in green tea, has been shown to be ineffective in conditions of increased anxiety. However, it still has relaxing effects that can benefit a person with anxiety.

The best herbs for anxiety:

• Kava: This is a very fast and effective herb and research seems to show that it can reduce anxiety within a week of regular intake. However, multiple anecdotes and reports have shown that some who use kava have suffered liver damage. As a result, it has been banned in several countries, though its sale is still legal in the US.



• Ginseng: Ginseng is a popular anti-anxiety herb known for its relaxing and fatigue-fighting properties.



• Valerian: The valerian root is a long-used sedative and is probably one of the most reliable herbs out there for anxiety-relief. It is great in treating insomnia



• Catnip: A type of mint use to relieve nervousness and sleeplessness. Catnip can also reduce migraine pain.



• Chamomile: Chamomile is best known for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects and is a common remedy for menstrual cramps and irritable bowel syndrome. However, this herb is a great calming agent, used on babies and adults alike to treat mild irritability and anxiety.



• Green tea and theanine: Green tea may seem as an unlikely anxiety-reducer because it contains caffeine. However, it also contains the calming ingredient L-theanine which relaxes the green tea drinker and provides energy without the overstimulation of caffeine.



• Lemon balm: This lemon-scented herb has been proven to be as effective as some tranquilizer drugs in relieving anxiety symptoms, including headaches, depression, and confusion, without the side effects.



• Skullcap: Skullcap is a slightly bitter herb used to treat anxiety symptoms. It is also combined with valerian to help relieve insomnia.



• Motherwort: Motherwort, also known as Lion’s tail, is a weed that has a sedative effect. It also can lower blood pressure and should not be combined with prescription drugs of similar function.



• St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort is perhaps one of the most studied herbs available. Research has shown that it is very effective in treating mild to moderate depression, a common symptom for many with anxiety disorders.



• Lavender: Lavender essential oil has aromatherapeutic properties, and has been found to alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and depression.



• Passionflower: Two small studies found that passionflower may be as effective as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs in relieving symptoms. However, passionflower is known to cause nausea, drowsiness, and a rapid heartbeat.