Homeopathy uses mixtures of herbal, mineral, and other natural products to relieve anxiety symptoms. These very dilute homeopathic concoctions would sometimes be toxic in high doses.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States, affecting over 19% of adults in the United States each year.
While many people experience relief from talking therapy, others find that therapy alone is not enough. Anti-anxiety medications may work for some people, but can also trigger unpleasant side effects. While there is little scientific evidence to support it, some people find homeopathy helpful.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate homeopathic treatments, so the ingredients in these treatments may be less consistent and, in some cases, dangerous. People can speak with a doctor before trying homeopathic approaches, particularly if they are taking medications or supplements.
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If a person has an illness, a practitioner may recommend that they take very low doses of a substance that would cause the same symptoms as their illness in high doses.
Homeopaths believe that lower doses of the same ingredient might reverse symptoms. There is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that these homeopathic remedies work.
The National Center for Homeopathy recommends these treatments for anxiety:
- Aconite: Some people believe this can help treat acute anxiety attacks.
- Arsenicum album: This herbal remedy may help with chronic anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Argentum nitricum: Practitioners may suggest this for individuals who have anxiety about small spaces, heights, bridges, and personal health.
- Calcarea carbonica: This has many applications, but may help people who are anxious about their health and their ability to cope.
- Ignatia: This may help depression or anxiety following a sudden trauma or shock.
- Gelsemium: This may help people who are anxious about things going wrong, including performance anxiety.
- Lycopodium: This may help those who have anxiety due to responsibilities, which may become a fear of failure.
- Natrum muriaticum: This may help chronic stress and mild depression.
- Phosphorous: This remedy may help people who become excitable, suggestible, and easily annoyed when anxious.
- Silica: Some people think silica can help those who have a lack of self-confidence and fear of public speaking.
- Stramonium: Advocates believe this may help people whose anxiety is causing night terrors.
There is a lack of evidence that homeopathic remedies work. The authors of a
In a 2021 pilot trial, researchers tested individualized homeopathic medicines (IH) along with psychological counseling (PC) against a placebo plus PC to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The results showed slightly better anxiety reduction with IH than placebo, based on responses to a questionnaire. The researchers suggested there was potential for a larger trial to further investigate homeopathy as a treatment for GAD.
Some other natural treatments with more robust research supporting their use include:
Lavender
Lavender is a popular ingredient in many natural products because of its pleasant aroma.
Some research suggests that lavender aromatherapy may improve a wide range of anxiety symptoms, including symptoms of generalized anxiety and phobias.
A 2023 meta-analysis found that 10 of 11 studies found significantly decreased anxiety levels in people who inhaled the scent of lavender oil. In three trials, researchers measured physiological signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse, which all improved following lavender oil inhalation.
Valerian root
Valerian root, which is available in capsule form, may help relieve anxiety in some people. It is a popular home remedy for insomnia.
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Participants received VRE or a placebo for 4 weeks, and their brain activity was measured using electroencephalography. Both groups showed improved anxiety levels, but the VRE group had increased brain connectivity in regions related to anxiety reduction.
More research is necessary to understand how VRE affects brain function and anxiety.
Magnesium
According to a 2020 article, magnesium deficiency may cause anxiety. This suggests that magnesium supplementation may reverse anxiety in people who do not get enough of this vital nutrient.
A 2017 review of 18 studies into treating anxiety with magnesium found mixed results. Some studies reported improvements in anxiety when people took magnesium supplements, but more high quality studies are necessary to confirm these benefits.
Magnesium may help manage the body’s stress response system, help prevent muscle tension, and improve sleep quality.
Passionflower
Passionflower has a long history of use as a sedative and may help relieve anxiety. The authors of a 2020 review found good evidence for its effectiveness in helping treat anxiety and nervousness. It was less effective at treating mild anxiety than severe.
The fact that a remedy is “natural” does not mean that it is safe. The
- interactions with other drugs
- ingredients that the label does not list
- contamination of ingredients
- formulations that vary from bottle to bottle
- safety issues that researchers have not studied or documented
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate the claims that homeopathic supplement manufacturers make. This means there is no certainty that the products work even when the manufacturers claim they do.
A person using homeopathic treatment for anxiety may also be at risk of allergic reactions or negative side effects.
Having anxiety does not necessarily mean a person needs to take medication. In fact, therapy, meditation, diet changes, exercise, and other lifestyle changes can be highly effective.
People can speak to a doctor or specialist, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, for help choosing the right treatment.
Help is available
Several organizations in the U.S. offer support for people experiencing anxiety. They include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (DAA) helpline: 1-240-485-1001
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Anxiety is highly treatable with the right combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication.
While some natural remedies can make good complementary treatments for people with anxiety, there is little scientific evidence that homeopathy is safe or effective.