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Herbal Preparations
There are herbal remedies to calm the anxiety associated
with agoraphobia that are supported in research, but not as
many as herbal companies might claim. Two herbs whose
anxiety-reducing properties have been supported by research
studies are Kava Kava and Valerian.
Kava Kava
First used by islanders in the South Pacific and then
extensively in Europe, studies support Kava Kava’s
effectiveness for reducing anxiety and treating insomnia.
The effects of Kava Kava come from interaction with the
limbic system which regulates emotion. An average
therapeutic dosage is 300 milligrams of standardized extract
containing 70 percent kavalactones (the active ingredient)
per day, divided up among two or three doses.
Kava Kava should not be used if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding, or if you have Parkinson’s or liver disease.
It can also interact with alcohol or other anxiety
medications to cause major drowsiness. Kava Kava should not
be taken in large doses over long periods of time.
Significant doses taken over periods of four to eight weeks
can cause discoloration of the skin or nails, and dry, scaly
skin.
Note: A ban on the use of Kava Kava in both medicinal and
food products was recently upheld in the
UK.
This came about after a review of the latest scientific
research weighing its benefits against the risk of liver
toxicity.
Kava Kava was originally banned in the UK in 2002, as a
result of data supplied to the Medicines and Healthcare
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) by the Committee on Safety of
Medicines’ Expert Working Group and the Medicines
Commission, both of which determined that in rare cases,
Kava Kava could cause liver damage when used in unlicensed
medicine.
Meanwhile the ban on Kava has been lifted in other European
countries such as Germany (in 2005), and Wales (in 2002). In
France, Ireland, and Portugal, sale of Kava Kava has slowed
due to health concerns. In the U.S., Canada, Australia, and
New Zealand, Kava Kava is still being sold with various
advisements and warnings on the label while risk assessments
are being conducted.
Valerian
Valerian comes from parts of
Europe
and
Asia
and its name means “well-being.” Numerous studies including
placebo control groups suggest that Valerian enhances the
quality of sleep for insomniacs. A few controlled studies
have demonstrated the effects of Valerian in reducing
anxiety.
The sleep-inducing properties of Valerian are better proven
than its anxiety-reducing properties. A recommended
therapeutic dose for insomnia is between 400 and 900
milligrams. However, the quality of Valerian products varies
widely and it is best to choose one that contains valerenic
acid.
Cases of Valerian causing harmful side effects are few and
far between. Like Kava Kava, you shouldn’t take Valerian if
you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have liver problems.
Possible side effects, though infrequent, are upset stomach,
headaches, and liver damage. In high doses, Valerian has
been known to cause confusion, hypersensitivity, insomnia,
and even hallucinations.
Now Here is a list of some common herbs that have been
touted to reduce anxiety for which there is little or no
scientific evidence:
Chamomile
Ginkgo biloba
Lemon balm
Hops
Ginseng
St. John’s
Wort
Never rely solely on the use of herbs to cure agoraphobia or
other anxiety disorder. Herbs alone are not adequate
treatment.
Also, most herbal preparations are not regulated by the food
and drug administration. This means that manufacturers of
herbal products are under no legal obligation to actually
include the ingredients printed on the bottle in the
product.
Consult your pharmacist for help in choosing a reputable
herbal product. A pharmacist is likely to be able to help
you know which herbal companies are reputable and which are
not.
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