The herbs that are scientifically proven to ease anxiety

Scientists have revealed the herbs that are scientifically proven to ease anxiety and those that lack robust evidence of their effectiveness.Experts carried out a review of the medical literature and report that the best supplement for treating the mental condition is kava – a plant found on the South Pacific island.However, the remedy – which commonly comes in the form of pills, teas, and concentrated extracts – is controversial as it has been linked to liver damage.Sales in the UK were banned by the Government in 2003.It is legal in the US as a dietary aid although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concerns regarding its safety.The team from University of Melbourne also found that chamomile, passionflower, valerian, Indian ginseng, and pennywort reduce stress and anxiety levels in animal and human studies.They reported that there was no solid proof that maiden hair, hops, lemon balm, and scullcap are effective to treat the condition.Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.It is the main symptom of several conditions, including panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder.The researchers from the university's department of psychiatry looked at studies that investigated the effects of supplements on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).This is one of the body's primary neurotransmitters that acts to calm the central nervous system.Writing in the journal Phytotherapy Research the team said: 'Although current pharmaceutical treatments are often efficacious, they may cause undesirable side effects including cognitive decrements and withdrawal symptoms.'Plant-based "phytomedicines" may provide novel treatment options, to act as an adjunctive or alternative to existing anxiolytic medications.' What is kava and why was it banned in the UK? Kava, also called kava kava, has been used in medicines on the South Pacific islands for centuries.Consumed as a drink there, it is said to elevate mood, well being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation.Its active ingredients are called kavalactones.A Cochrane review in 2003 concluded it was likely to be more effective than placebo at treating short-term anxiety – but it noted long-term safety studies of the herb are required.However, there is serious concern that kava may cause liver damage after more than 20 cases were reported in Europe.Four resulted in a liver transplant and one was fatal.In all of these instances, kava was used along with alcohol or other potentially liver-damaging drugs.As a result, some countries have taken kava off the market.While still legal in the US, the FDA issued a consumer advisory in March 2002 regarding the 'rare' but potential risk of liver failure associated with kava-containing products.According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers have not been able to confirm that kava is toxic to the liver.On its website it states: 'It is not clear whether