Anxiety: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Anxiety is a complex emotional state characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and apprehension that can interfere with daily life.

It is often triggered by stress, genetics, or traumatic events, and can have severe negative impacts on physical and mental health, including cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, and weakened immune systems. To alleviate anxiety, herbal remedies such as passionflower, chamomile, and lavender can be used in teas, tinctures, or supplements.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking prescription medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of anxiety, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of anxiety?

The main causes of anxiety are multifaceted and can be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research suggests that genetics play a significant role, with individuals who have a family history of anxiety disorders being more likely to develop the condition (Kessler et al., 2005). Additionally, environmental factors such as childhood trauma, social media usage, and exposure to stressors can also contribute to the development of anxiety (Hofmann et al., 2010). Psychological factors such as cognitive distortions, low self-esteem, and perfectionism can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms (Beck et al., 1977).

Furthermore, imbalances in brain chemistry, particularly in the serotonin and GABA systems, have been linked to anxiety disorders (Bremner et al., 2000).

• Financial Stress: Financial stress is a common cause of anxiety due to the uncertainty of financial stability, fear of debt, and concern about meeting basic needs such as housing and food.
• Work-Related Issues: Work-related issues such as job insecurity, conflict with colleagues, and excessive workload can contribute to anxiety due to feelings of overwhelm and powerlessness.
• Relationship Problems: Relationship problems with family, friends, or romantic partners can cause anxiety due to feelings of isolation, rejection, and uncertainty about the future of the relationship.
• Health Concerns: Health concerns such as chronic illnesses, pain, or fear of illness can cause anxiety due to the uncertainty of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
• Trauma: Traumatic experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or accidents can cause anxiety due to the lingering fear and hypervigilance that remains after the traumatic event.
• Social Media: Social media can cause anxiety due to the curated and often unrealistic portrayal of others' lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and fear of missing out.
• Fear of Failure: Fear of failure in academic, professional, or personal pursuits can cause anxiety due to the pressure to succeed and fear of disappointment and criticism.
• Major Life Changes: Major life changes such as moving, divorce, or the death of a loved one can cause anxiety due to the uncertainty and adjustment required in adapting to new circumstances.
• Substance Use: Substance use or withdrawal can cause anxiety due to the physical and psychological dependence on the substance, leading to feelings of withdrawal, irritability, and restlessness.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea can cause anxiety due to the disruption in sleep patterns, leading to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for anxiety?

The main medicinal herbs used for anxiety are Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Melissa officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Hypericum perforatum, Camellia sinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis.

Valeriana officinalis has been shown to possess anxiolytic properties due to its high valerenic acid content which enhances GABA activity and reduces anxiety. Passiflora incarnata is a sedative herb that decreases anxiety by increasing GABA levels and reducing stress response. Lavandula angustifolia's linalool and linalyl acetate exhibit anxiolytic effects through GABA modulation and reducing cortisol levels.

Additionally, these herbs have been used in combination with Ginkgo biloba to enhance cognitive function, Avena sativa to promote relaxation, Melissa officinalis to soothe stress, Zingiber officinale to reduce inflammation, Hypericum perforatum to stabilize mood, Camellia sinensis to provide antioxidant effects, and Scutellaria baicalensis to reduce anxiety by modulating the HPA axis.

• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with anxiety by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting a calming effect on the nervous system and reducing anxiety symptoms.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata helps with anxiety by interacting with GABA receptors, decreasing anxiety and promoting relaxation, and also by possessing a sedative effect on the central nervous system.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with anxiety by possessing a calming effect on the nervous system due to its ability to slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure, and also by acting as a mild sedative.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a direct effect on anxiety, however, its ability to improve blood flow to the brain may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety by increasing oxygenation and nutrient delivery to brain tissue.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with anxiety by acting as an anxiolytic and sedative, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation, and also by possessing a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis helps with anxiety by possessing a sedative effect on the nervous system and acting as an anxiolytic, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with anxiety by possessing anti-inflammatory properties and acting as an anxiolytic, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with anxiety by possessing a sedative effect on the nervous system and acting as an anxiolytic, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• Camellia sinensis: Camellia sinensis helps with anxiety by containing L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces symptoms of anxiety by acting on the GABA receptors in the brain.
• Scutellaria baicalensis: Scutellaria baicalensis helps with anxiety by acting as an anxiolytic and sedative, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation, and also by possessing a calming effect on the nervous system.

What are the main herbal preparations used for anxiety?

The main herbal preparations used for anxiety are Tincture, Capsule, Decoction, Suppository, Salve, Elixir, Cream, Gummies, Lozenge, Tea.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract used for immediate relief, often combining herbs like Ashwagandha and Passionflower. Capsules and Decoctions are more sustained releases, using herbs like Kava and Lavender, which are absorbed slowly over time. Suppositories and Salves provide localized relief, often using herbs like Valerian and Chamomile, while Elixir, Cream, and Gummies offer a combination of flavors and absorption rates.

Lozenge and Tea, like Lemon Balm and Peppermint, are often used for immediate relief, providing rapid absorption through the mouth and digestive system, respectively.

• Tincture: A tincture of Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, helps with anxiety by providing a rapid increase in the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is involved in regulating the activity of neurons in the brain and reducing anxiety.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the herb Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, help with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the action of its volatile oils, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
• Decoction: A decoction of the root of the plant Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, helps with anxiety by increasing the production of GABA, which counteracts the effects of stress hormones and promotes relaxation.
• Suppository: Suppositories containing the herb Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, help with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the release of its volatile oils into the bloodstream, which then interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
• Salve: A salve made from the herb Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, helps with anxiety by providing topical relief and promoting relaxation through the release of its volatile oils, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
• Elixir: An elixir of the herb Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, helps with anxiety by reducing stress and promoting relaxation through the action of its withanolides, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce an anxiolytic effect.
• Cream: A cream made from the herb Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, helps with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the action of its volatile oils, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
• Gummies: Gummies containing the herb Ginkgo biloba help with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the action of its flavonoids and terpenoids, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce an anxiolytic effect.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the herb Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, helps with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the action of its valerenic acids, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
• Tea: A tea made from the herb Camellia sinensis, or green tea, helps with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through the action of its L-theanine, which interacts with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.