Herbal/alternative medication
On this page we look at herbal/alternative medication that can be used for anxiety.
We recommend you read this page in conjunction with the following
Valerian
Traditional herbal registration (THR) approved. For the temporary relief of sleep disturbances and mild anxiety. Only for short-term use due to lack of long-term safety trials; can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness and sleepiness. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
St John's wort
Used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety (THR approved). Interactions with contraceptives and antidepressants
Passion flower (Passiflora)
Used for temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress, such as mild anxiety. Licenced in the UK (see the THR list).
Lavender
THR approved. for the temporary relief of the symptoms of mild anxiety such as stress and nervousness
Ashwagandha
Available in the UK for anxiety but there are no safe levels established or set limits for its usage as a food supplement. Risk assessments conducted through literature reviews have shown association with effects on thyroid hormone levels and reports of thyroid toxicity, hypoglycaemic effects, and potential liver toxicity (refer to Food Standards Agency UK for more information).
Lemon balm
THR approved. For the temporary relief of symptoms of mild anxiety, to aid sleep and for mild digestive complaints, such as bloating and flatulence. Some small research studies show that lemon balm can lessen certain symptoms of anxiety, such as worry and excitability.
Chamomile
Limited data shows that short-term use of chamomile is likely to be safe and effective in lessening symptoms of anxiety. Chamomile may raise the risk of bleeding when used with blood-thinning medicines, especially if taken at high doses. Use of chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to the any members of chamomile family. Other members of this family are ragweed, marigolds, daisies and chrysanthemums. Safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding- not known
Our thanks to Mariam Janjua for providing the text used to explain each of the herbal/alternative medications above.
