Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses – and many sufferers want “natural” treatment options in addition to or as an alternative to conventional psychotropic drugs. For some herbal active ingredients – in particular standardized lavender oil, kava (Piper methysticum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – a clinical database of randomized studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses is now available. This shows that there are demonstrable anxiolytic effects, albeit with varying effect strengths, quality levels and safety profiles. The article summarizes the current evidence and outlines the clinical situations in which phytotherapeutic options can be usefully integrated – without replacing guideline-based therapies.
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