Are herbs good for treating anxiety

There are many ways herbs can be used as medicine, but did you know that treating anxiety is one of them? We asked PhD candidate Tracelee Shew, who is also a Senior Learning Facilitator and Clinic Lead for Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine at Torrens University, to shed light on how herbs can help to treat anxiety disorders.

What is anxiety?

Mental health refers to a person’s overall mental wellbeing, encompassing their ability to cope with life’s stressors, make sound decisions, and build relationships within their community. A key part of maintaining good mental health is recognising the challenges that may arise – such as anxiety disorders, stress and compromised wellbeing – and understanding how to address them.

Anxiety disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, with significant cognitive and autonomic nervous system related physical symptoms. An individual’s anxiety response varies and can include excessive worry or fear, and the symptoms may be persistent or excessive.

There are many forms of anxiety disorders, including:

• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

The effects of anxiety can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to focus, make decisions, or function in social settings.

Can anxiety be treated with herbs?

Herbs and herbal medicine have been studied for their potential to influence an individual’s response to stress and alleviate anxiety symptoms. One of these herbs is Ashwagandha, with some research suggesting that it has an ability to reduce the body’s cortisol levels, and in turn this helps the person to cope with stress and anxiety. While passionflower has reportedly shown positive results in studies for reducing symptoms of anxiety.

Other herbs found to have possible benefits for anxiety symptoms include chamomile, saffron, lemon balm and lavender. Chamomile has also been studied for its potential to support symptoms of GAD.

These herbs are available in various forms, including as a capsule, powder or tablet, or as a relaxing tea.

Consulting a naturopath or herbalist for anxiety

It is important to consult a naturopath or herbalist before using herbs to treat anxiety. Self-medicating can have risks, such as potential reactions from the herb interacting with medications. Also, some herbs might not be suitable for individuals due to their medical conditions.

Your naturopath or herbalist can explain the dosage to you and make sure you are not doubling up. If people are taking one nutrient in a product and then start using another product as well, there may be double of something in that mix which they're not aware of, and it could have side effects. Herbs can work effectively for many symptoms associated with anxiety. A naturopath or herbalist can help someone navigate their own personal condition; they will create a treatment plan based specifically on that person and what is required for their individual care.

There are a number of professional associations, including the NHAA, where you can search the lists of members on their websites to find a practitioner in your area.

As well, the Practice Wellbeing Centres at Torrens University Australia campuses in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne offer personalised consultations under the supervision of leading naturopaths.

PhD research on treating anxiety with herbs

The study currently underway at the Practice Wellbeing Centres is evaluating herbal medicine as a treatment for anxiety, analysing the practices of the student practitioners and the perceptions of their patients. Anyone who has a consultation in person at one of these student-led clinics or via telehealth is invited to complete a five-minute survey. Participants receive a free consultation for completing it.

The survey questions explore how people feel about natural products and herbs before they take them. And then, after they've taken the herbal medicine, how do they feel? The survey for the students looks at what herbs are being chosen for patients with anxiety disorders, and the effects for their patients.

Herbal medicines have been used around the globe for thousands of years. In her PhD, Tracelee is studying ways to use herbs safely and effectively to treat anxiety disorders, which are so much part of life in Australia today and will be in the future.

The 2024 Herbal Medicine Week

Every year, the NHAA runs a week of events nationally to raise the public’s awareness of herbal medicine.

Herbal Medicine Week promotes the use of safe, effective herbal medicine treatments and gives us the opportunity to educate the community about natural health options and highlights the sustainability of those options. In the events offered during the week we encourage everyone to speak to a naturopath or herbalist.

The week is about highlighting the power of herbal medicines to treat anxiety and many other conditions, and lets us inform people about safe ways to use these herbs and the importance of consulting a health professional.