Herbs for Anxiety.

The many herbal options for patients with anxiety are discussed, focusing initially on <italic>Piper methysticum</italic> (kava) as one of the most well-researched options in this setting. The unstudied, but clinically as effective (and much more palatable), <italic>Pedicularis</italic> spp. (lousewort) are also discussed. Other nervine herbs including <italic>Lavandula angustifolia</italic> (true lavender), <italic>L. latifolia</italic> (spike or Portuguese lavender), <italic>Lavandula</italic> x <italic>intermedia</italic> (lavandin, Dutch lavender), <italic>L. stoechas</italic> (Spanish lavender), <italic>Matricaria chamomilla</italic> (chamomile), and <italic>Passiflora incarnata</italic> (passionflower) are reviewed (and a table of other nervines is provided). Three formulas, including mixtures of nervines, Ze 185, Euphytose, and Yì Qì Yǎng Xīn (Replenish Qi and Nourish the Heart), are discussed. Miscellaneous anxiolytics such as <italic>Crocus sativus</italic> (saffron), L-theanine from <italic>Camellia sinensis</italic> (green tea), and the three calming adaptogens <italic>Rhodiola rosea</italic> (roseroot), <italic>Centella asiatica</italic> (gotu kola), and <italic>Withania somnifera</italic> (ashwagandha) are then detailed. Herbal anxiolytics offer great promise to relieve anxiety safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]