Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Anxiety
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Chamomile | Refer to label instructions |  [2 stars] Chamomile is an old folk remedy for anxiety, particularlyanxiety thatcauses insomnia. Animal studies support this idea, due possibly to the herb’s calming compounds.
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Fish Oil | 3 grams per day | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, fish oil was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving anxiety levelsfor substance abusers.
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Inositol | 4 to 6 grams three times per day | [2 stars] Inositol has been used to help people with anxiety who have panic attacks.
|
Lavender | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, a proprietary lavender oil preparation (silexan) provided significant symptom relief to people with generalized anxiety disorder. |
Multivitamin | Follow label instructions | [2 stars] A double-blind trial found that supplementing with a multivitamin-mineral supplement significantly reduced anxiety and perceived stress. |
Passion Flower and Valerian | 100 to 200 mg valerian and 45 to 90 mg passion flower three times a day | [2 stars] A combination of passion flower and valerian has been shown to reduce symptoms in people suffering from anxiety. |
Rhodiola | 170 mg of a standardized extract twice per day | [2 stars] Taking rhodiola has been shown to significantly improve anxiety symptoms.
|
St. John’s Wort | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] St. John’s wort has been reported in one double-blind study to reduce anxiety. |
American Scullcap | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] American scullcap is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
|
Bacopa | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Bacopa, a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects. |
Hops | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Hops is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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Linden | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Linden is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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L-Tryptophan | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research suggests a connection between anxiety and serotonin deficiency and that its precursur L-tryptophan may help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder and neurosis. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Many years ago, magnesium was reported to be relaxing for people with mild anxiety. Some doctors recommend soaking in a hot bathtub containing magnesium sulfate crystals (Epsom salts).
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Motherwort | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Motherwort is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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Oats | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Oats are part a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine)herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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Pennyroyal | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Pennyroyal is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to anxiety medications. One study found that niacinamide helped people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines—a common problem. |
Vitamin B-Complex | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Double-blind research suggests that supplementing with vitamin B-complex multivitamin may reduce feelings of anxiety, perceived stress, and tiredness. |
Wood Betony | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Wood betony is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.