Anxiety Remedies
Natural Remedi
es for Anxiety:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a serious condition that involves extreme worry about common life issues, such as health, safety, family, and finances. It is often characterized by sleeplessness, muscle tension, headaches, and irritability. GAD may also be accompanied by depression.
Prescription drugs may provide effective treatments, but their unwelcome side effects cause many to seek alternative measures. A variety of natural remedies have been used over the centuries in the treatment of anxiety.
Theanine (from green tea)
Traditionally, green tea has been said to bring relaxation. Theanine is an amino acid found most commonly in tea plants. It is also the active ingredient in green tea that gives a sense of peace and calm.
Theanine acts as a neurotransmitter and increases the production of dopamine, which is a brain chemical that works as a mood-booster. Japanese researchers have proven that it increases alpha-wave production in humans. The generation of alpha waves is considered to be an accurate way to measure relaxation.
Although caffeine tends to increase anxiety, theanine has been shown to act as an antagonist, reducing caffeine’s jittery effect. A study published in Nutrition Reviews demonstrates how theanine tends to enhance attention skills and increase cognition. It also seems to have a protective effect on nerve cells, which improves brain health and function.
There are no known adverse effects of theanine, and it may actually reduce the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that also functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is essential for proper brain function, and is a precursor of glutamic acid. Its main function is to decrease neuron activity and stop nerve cells from firing excessively.
GABA works in much of the same way as prescription anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and other tranquilizers. It often provides a calming effect for those who struggle with temper, irritability, and anxiety.
Pharmacopsychiatry published a recent study that demonstrated the effects of GABA on those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Anxiety symptoms were reduced most effectively with a dose of approximately 450 mg per day.
The FDA classifies both glutamic acid and GABA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe for human consumption). Tests for toxicity in plants and animals have shown no adverse effects.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that is often used for its calming effects as a tea or tincture. An ancient herbal remedy that is used commonly around the world, chamomile is useful for a variety of health issues. It is often used in a tea form as an effective treatment for anxiety-induced insomnia.
Chamomile has traditionally been used as a calming agent for people with GAD. It has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory for the treatment of wounds, skin irritations, bruises, and other injuries.
Animal studies have shown that breathing in chamomile’s essential oil vapors reduces the body’s production of stress hormones. This also helps increase the effectiveness of anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam. The leaves and stems of chamomile do not contain much of the therapeutic essential oils. For this reason, products containing only the flower should be used.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of chamomile on those who were diagnosed with GAD. Participants in the study received either chamomile in capsule form or placebo. An anxiety rating test determined dosages and measured the herb’s effectiveness. The study confirmed that chamomile may benefit those with mild to moderate GAD.
Those with allergies or sensitivities to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or similar herbs may have an allergic reaction to Roman chamomile. These allergenic compounds are not contained in German chamomile.
Chamomile contains natural blood thinners that are similar to the prescription drug warfarin. Those who take blood-thinning drugs should avoid this herb.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a Pacific Island shrub that has traditionally been used as a ritualistic drink. For several centuries, the Island’s people have added the ground roots to cold water to create a thick beverage. This drink has been known to produce effects that are similar to alcohol.
The creation of this drink is also used as a social occasion. Friends and families gather together to pound the roots in preparation for celebrations, trips, or funerals. It is used to ask for forgiveness, settle disputes, or ask a father for a marriage blessing. This plant symbolizes respect, love, and camaraderie.
Kava kava is used not only for rituals and social occasions, but also for its relaxation properties. It has been known to lighten the mood, enhance feelings of well-being, and bring about a sense of calmness. Its traditional effectiveness has also been demonstrated in several studies.
The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS) was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Researchers found that a water-based extract of kava kava demonstrated significant anti-anxiety effects. It was also found to be effective in cases where anxiety was accompanied by depression.
According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, kava kava’s association with liver damage has resulted in a ban by both UK and German governments. Since then, many experts in the field have stated that the ban is no longer justified.
Research has demonstrated that kava kava-induced liver toxicity is rare. In a study performed by the University of Exeter in the UK, over 7,000 subjects were given 120-150 mg of kava extract each day without exhibiting a single case of hepatoxicity.
Animal studies have shown that certain methods of extraction may be toxic, which may explain the adverse reactions. When kava kava sales were at their peak, prices rose and the plant was in short supply. The use of different parts of the plant, as well as certain hybrids, led to toxic raw materials that were used in place of the kava kava root.
Many natural treatments, including kava kava, theanine, GABA, and chamomile have proven to provide relief to those who suffer from GAD without the use of prescription medication. These supplements lack the common side effects found in prescription drugs, and may bring relief to those who suffer from excessive anxiety.
Summary of Natural Remedies for Anxiety
| Natural Remedy | Traditional Use | Study Results | Health Risks |
| Kava Kava | Mood Enhancer | Significant Anti-Anxiety Effects | Possible Liver Toxicity |
| Theanine | Relaxation | Boosts Mood and Relaxes | No Side Effects |
| GABA | Neurotransmitter | Relieves Symptoms of GAD | No Side Effects |
| Chamomile | Calming Agent | Relieves Mild GAD | Blood-Thinner, Possible Allergen |
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York: Penguin, 2002. Print.
Life Extension Foundation. Disease Prevention and Treatment: Expanded Fourth Edition. Florida: Life Extention Media, 2003. Print.