Panic Disorder Treatment Herbal Supplements for Panic Disorder By Katharina Star, PhD Katharina Star, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 10, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Elena Klimenko, MD Medically reviewed by Elena Klimenko, MD Facebook LinkedIn Elena Klimenko, MD, is a board-certified doctor in internal medicine and licensed in medical acupuncture and homeopathy. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Thanit Weerawan / Getty Images The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of medical and mental health conditions has grown in popularity. Many people with panic disorder will seek out a form of CAM treatment as an integrative way to help manage their symptoms. Some of the most common choices of CAM for panic disorder sufferers include acupuncture, aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, mindfulness meditation, and hypnotherapy. The use of herbal supplements has also become more widespread among those with panic disorder. Before starting on any supplements, it is important to recognize that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve any claims that supplements can help ease panic and anxiety. The FDA also does not regulate these substances as drugs but classifies them as dietary supplements. Additional caution should be taken if you are prescribed any medications for panic disorder or other mental health or medical conditions. Even though supplements are available over-the-counter, there is potential for them to interfere with your prescribed medications or cause other adverse effects. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Herbal Supplements for Panic Disorder and Anxiety The following describes some of the most common types of herbal supplements used to treat panic disorder and anxiety symptoms. Kava Kava Kava kava originates in the South Pacific and has now become a popular supplement sold throughout the United States and Europe. This supplement is derived from a plant and can be consumed in capsule or liquid form. Kava kava may be recommended for panic and anxiety as it is thought to have a relaxing and tranquilizing effect. There is some evidence that this supplement may help ease anxiety-related symptoms, such as insomnia, muscle tension, headaches, and nervousness. One 2018 study found that kava kava appeared to be effective for treating anxiety symptoms in the short-term, but suggested it was not a good replacement for other treatments for prolonged anxiety relief. Kava kava should be taken with caution only under the approval of a physician, as it may have adverse side effects. Valerian Valerian is thought to have a sedating effect that may be able to provide feelings of calm and relaxation. It may also be able to help with sleep disturbances and mild anxiety. Valerian is thought to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by impacting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, neurotransmitters in the brain that are partly responsible for regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep. Caution should be taken when taking valerian as it can have harmful interactions with commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder, including benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). St. John’s Wort St. John’s wort has grown in popularity to treat the symptoms of depression. It is also being used to help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. There is some evidence suggesting that St. John’s wort can help balance specific neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in the brain, that may be imbalanced for people with mood and anxiety disorders. Despite initial findings, more research will need to be conducted to confirm these results. It is also important to be aware that combining St. John's wort with other medications, particularly antidepressants, can produce unwanted side effects. Always talk to your doctor before you decide to take St. John's wort and tell them about any other supplements or medications that you are currently taking. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 12 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bystritsky A, Hovav S, Sherbourne C, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in a large sample of anxiety patients. Psychosomatics. 2012;53(3):266-72. doi:10.1016/j.psym.2011.11.009 Niv N, Shatkin JP, Hamilton AB, Unützer J, Klap R, Young AS. The use of herbal medications and dietary supplements by people with mental illness. Community Ment Health J. 2010;46(6):563-9. doi:10.1007/s10597-009-9235-2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What you need to know about dietary supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mixing medications and dietary supplements can endanger your health. Aporosa SA. De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice.” Drug Science, Policy and Law. 2019. doi:10.1177/2050324519876131 Lie JD, Tu KN, Shen DD, Wong BM. Pharmacological treatment of insomnia. P T. 2015;40(11):759-71. Smith K, Leiras C. The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 Nov;33:107-117. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.003 Nunes A, Sousa M. Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?. Acta Med Port. 2011;24 Suppl 4:961-6. Shi Y, Dong JW, Zhao JH, Tang LN, Zhang JJ. Herbal insomnia medications that target GABAergic systems: a review of the psychopharmacological evidence. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12(3):289-302. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131227001243 Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Anxiety. Cui YH, Zheng Y. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John's wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:1715-23. doi:10.2147/NDT.S106752 National Capital Poison Center. St. John's Wort beware of drug interactions. Additional Reading EJ Bourne. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, Seventh Edition. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications; 2020. Groden SR, Woodward AT, Chatters LM, Taylor RJ. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among older adults: differences between baby boomers and pre-boomers. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017;25(12):1393-1401. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2017.08.001 Seaward B. Managing Stress, Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2011. 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