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Kava

In 2009, Australian researchers tested standardized kava (Piper methysticum) extracts on 60 people with generalized anxiety disorder. After taking the herb daily for three weeks, the subjects’ anxiety decreased significantly compared with when the same subjects took placebos. The herb may be particularly good for people who suffer from both anxiety and depression. Researchers reported that the herb was safe and produced no serious side effects or liver toxicity, which was recently a concern with large doses of kava.

Dose: Choose a supplement or liquid tincture that contains 250 mg of kavalactones (the active constituent) per dose, and take five times daily.