From the Guidelines
Lavender and passionflower supplements can be considered for anxiety disorder management, as they have shown efficacy and safety in reducing anxiety symptoms, according to the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Natural Supplements for Anxiety Disorder
Several natural supplements may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Lavender supplementation has shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment of anxiety, including preoperatively, with no clinical evidence to suggest lavender may potentiate anesthetic effects 1.
- Passionflower is primarily known for its anxiolytic effects and has been studied in the perioperative setting, demonstrating a reduction in anxiety with a good safety profile 1.
- Melatonin can reduce anxiety compared with placebo in adults and may be as effective as midazolam, with available evidence demonstrating melatonin is safe in the perioperative period 1. These supplements generally take 2-4 weeks of consistent use to show benefits. It is essential to start with one supplement at a time at the lower recommended dose and consult with a healthcare provider before beginning, especially if you're taking medications or have existing health conditions. While these supplements can help manage mild to moderate anxiety, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and professional support when needed. Other supplements like L-tryptophan, L-arginine, and phenylalanine may have potential benefits, but their effects on anxiety are less clear or have specific considerations, such as the risk of serotonin syndrome with L-tryptophan 1. Supplements like kratom, marijuana, and licorice root are not recommended due to their potential adverse effects, such as opioid- and stimulant-like properties, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and mineralocorticoid effects 1.
From the Research
Natural Supplements for Anxiety Disorder
Some natural supplements have been studied for their potential to help with anxiety disorders. These include:
- Kava: Studies have shown that kava may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, particularly in patients with mild to moderate anxiety 2, 3, 4.
- Passionflower: Passionflower has been found to be possibly safe and possibly effective in treating anxiety disorders, with some studies suggesting it may be as effective as conventional treatments 3, 4, 5.
- Lavender: Lavender has been shown to have a positive effect on anxiety symptoms, with some studies suggesting it may be comparable to conventional first-line treatments 3.
- Lemon balm: Lemon balm has been found to be possibly safe and possibly effective in treating anxiety disorders, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy 3.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvement at a dose of 2g/d 6.
- Inositol: Inositol has been found to have modest effects in patients with panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder 2.
- L-lysine and L-arginine: Combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine have been found to be effective in treating anxiety symptoms and disorders 4.
- Magnesium: Magnesium-containing supplements may hold promise for treating anxiety, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy 4.
Safety and Efficacy
It is essential to note that while these supplements may be effective, they can also have side effects and interact with other medications. For example:
- Kava may have potential for harm with long-term use or in patients with severe anxiety 2.
- Passionflower may have a lower rate of drowsiness as a side effect compared to benzodiazepines, but more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy 5.
- Omega-3 fatty acids did not increase adverse events, but the certainty of evidence is low 6.
- St. John's wort has insufficient evidence for use as an effective anxiolytic treatment and may interact with other medications 2, 4.