Herbal Drugs for Anxiety

Anxiety caused by excessive stress can be a serious health problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety and anxiety disorders. When anxiety becomes debilitating, people should contact their doctor or other health care provider to see what can be done about the symptoms. But for people who are suffering from mild or moderate anxiety, herbal drugs may help. MedlinePlus, a joint project between the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, reports that the following herbal drugs may help ease anxiety: chamomile, kava, passion flower and valerian.

Chamomile

• Best known as a tea, chamomile may provide calm to people suffering from stress and anxiety. MedlinePlus reports that it is traditionally used for its sedative properties, but more research must be done before it can be relied on as an anti-anxiety herbal drug.

Kava

• Kava can typically be found in beverage form. MedlinePlus reports that some preliminary studies suggested it is comparable to potent benzodiazepines. One study showed it has similarities to the prescription anti-anxiety drug Buspar. MedlinePlus gives kava an "A," its highest recommendation for the intended use.

Passion Flower

• According to MedlinePlus, early studies of the use of passion flower also suggested similarities between the flower and benzodiazepines, but notes that more research must be done before its effects on anxiety are conclusive. Passion flower can be taken in teas, tinctures, infusions or by capsule.

Valerian

• MedlinePlus reports that the properties of valerian are not fully known. Valerian may act as a sedative, an anti-anxiety agent and can be helpful for insomnia. It has been widely seen as useful for these types of problems, but MedlinePlus notes that more research has to be conducted.