Herbs
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, take herbs only under the supervision of a health care provider.
* Valerian(Valeriana officinalis, 150 mg 2 - 3 times per day) is an herbal treatment for insomnia, and is sometimes used to treat anxiety as well, although evidence is mixed. Some studies show that valerian does help reduce anxiety, but one study found that valerian was no better at reducing social anxiety than placebo. Valerian is often combined with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or with St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for treating mild-to-moderate anxiety. Valerian may interact with other drugs that have a sedative effect, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Do not take valerian if you are pregnant or nursing. Valerian can also affect the liver, so do not take it if you have liver problems. St. John's wort can affect other drugs you may be taking, including antidepressants, birth control, or other medications. You should avoid St. John's wort while pregnant or nursing. Talk to your doctor before using St. John's wort with any other medications.
* Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) -- In a few studies, passionflower was as effective as some of the benzodiazepines in relieving anxiety. However, more studies are needed to know for sure whether passionflower is effective.
* Kava kava (Piper methysticum, 100 - 200 mg 2 - 4 times a day) is sometimes suggested for mild-to-moderate anxiety, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning concerning kava's effect on the liver. In rare cases, severe liver damage has been reported. Talk to your doctor before taking kava, and don't take it for more than a few days.
* Other herbs sometimes suggested for anxiety include ginger (Zingiber officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Avoid licorice if you have heart failure, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, or high blood pressure. Do not take licorice if you take a diuretic (water pills), anticoagulant (blood thinner), or anti-depressant such as Prozac.
Essential oils of lemon balm, bergamot, and jasmine are calming, and you can use them as aromatherapy. Place several drops in a warm bath or atomizer, or on a cotton ball.
Homeopathy
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of anxiety based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
* Aconitum -- for anxiety accompanied by irregular or forceful heartbeat, shortness of breath, or fear of death.
* Arsenicum album -- for excessive anxiety that has no clear cause and is accompanied by restlessness, especially after midnight. It also may be used for perfectionists, including children, who worry about everything.
* Phosphorus -- for an impending sense of doom and anxiety when alone. It also may be used for impressionable adults and children who are easily influenced by the anxiety of others.
* Lycopodium -- for performance and other types of anxiety in those who are insecure, yet hide their low self-esteem with arrogance and bravado. It also may treat children with anxiety accompanied by bedwetting.
* Gelsemium -- for performance anxiety resulting in diarrhea, headache, dizziness, weakness, shakiness and trembling, or trouble speaking.
* Argentum nitricum -- for performance anxiety (such as before tests in school-age children) with rapid heart rate, feeling of faintness, diarrhea, or flatulence.
Acupuncture
Some evidence shows that acupuncture can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, especially when combined with behavioral desensitization (including psychotherapy). One study showed that benefits continued as long as one year after treatment. Acupuncturists treat people with anxiety based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. With anxiety, a qi deficiency is often detected in the kidney or spleen meridians. In addition to performing needling techniques, acupuncturists may also employ lifestyle and breathing techniques as well as herbal and dietary therapy.
Massage
Therapeutic massage can help reduce anxiety and alleviate stress.
