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| In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 58 patients whose anxiety was not caused by psychiatric disorders, kava extract significantly reduced depression and anxiety. Recent German studies demonstrate that kava is a "safe, nonaddictive antianxiety medicine that is as effective as prescription drugs such as Valium." |
| Long-term use of large quantities of kava causes a distinctive pigmented, dry, scaly skin lesion, which quickly disappears when the herb is discontinued. Adverse effects of kava usage in an Australian aboriginal community resulted from extremely high doses, more than 310 grams (1.2 pounds) per week, and some researchers speculate that large quantities of alcohol may have contributed to kava's toxicity. |
| The recommended dosage, 1 to 3 grams per day of the powdered dry root in capsules or 1 to 1-1/2 tsp. of kava tincture per day, has caused no adverse side effects in trials lasting up to eight weeks of continuous use. |
| Passionflower or Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) |
| The dried leaves of this climbing vine have a sedative, relaxing, antispasmodic influence that makes it an herb of choice for insomnia, nerve pain such as neuralgia or shingles, asthma or muscle spasms and seizures. Passionflower relaxes without causing drowsiness. It is often combined with valerian, hops, chamomile and other relaxing herbs in teas, tinctures, capsules and tablets. |
| Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) |
| One of the safest and most effective sedative herbs, skullcap relaxes the nerves without causing drowsiness or interfering with physical coordination. It is used to treat nerve-related disorders such as epilepsy, neuralgia, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, stress and anxiety. |
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