Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health. Información en Español. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Health Info Health Info Home. Topics A-Z What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? Herbs at a Glance Know the Science Safety Information. Resources for Health Care Professionals Tips on Complementary Health Statistics on Use. Research Home. Research Results by Date NCCIH Research Blog.

Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH. Resources for Researchers Clinical Trials NIH Pain Research Center. Application Resources Program Directors Clinical Research Toolbox Types of Grants and Contracts. Diversity and Health Disparities Small Business Research Grant Program SBIR General Award Mechanisms.

Training Home. Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process More Training Resources. Events Videos. NCCIH Clinical Digest. Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure.

Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? By: Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch. Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them.

However, they're easy to treat and manage. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus. Common symptoms are rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and occasional protruding veins outside the anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.

You can have either type by itself, or both at the same time. Internal hemorrhoids. These form inside the anal canal and usually are painless. However, they may cause intermittent bleeding with bowel movements, and sometimes discharge mucus.

Internal hemorrhoids also can protrude outside the anus and look like small, grapelike masses. External hemorrhoids. These form just outside the anal opening and can cause swelling, protrusions, and discomfort.

Sometimes hemorrhoids develop for no reason, but often they are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. You can reduce your risk by following these three easy steps:.

Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers. But being "natural" doesn't necessarily mean they're safe for you to take. Just like conventional medicines, herbal medicines will have an effect on the body, and can be potentially harmful if not used correctly.

They should therefore be used with the same care and respect as conventional medicines. If you're consulting your doctor or pharmacist about health matters, or are about to undergo surgery, always tell them about any herbal medicines you're taking.

If you're taking, or plan to take, any herbal medicines, be aware of the following:. Certain groups of people should be particularly wary of taking herbal medicines. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before trying a herbal medicine if you fall into one of these groups.

It's important to tell your doctor if you take any herbal medicines before undergoing surgery. Your doctor may therefore advise you to stop taking any herbal medicines during the weeks leading up to your operation.

If you want to try a herbal medicine, look out for a traditional herbal registration THR marking on the product packaging. This means the medicine complies with quality standards relating to safety and manufacturing, and it provides information about how and when to use it.

You can find THR-registered products in your local health shop, pharmacy or supermarket. The risks of obtaining fake, substandard, unlicensed or contaminated medicines are increased by buying medicines online or by mail order.

Unlicensed herbal medicines manufactured outside the UK may not be subject to regulation.

An ingredient in many different cures, peppermint has been found to be especially effective in helping treat irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms. Studies show that along with fiber, it helps reduce spasms , as well as diarrhea and abdominal pain associated with IBS.

Peppermint activates an anti-pain channel in the colon, which reduces inflammatory pain in the digestive tract. This most likely accounts for its effectiveness in treating IBS. Beyond digestion and stomach troubles, a peppermint oil capsule or tea may also help with headaches, colds, and other body discomforts.

Fenugreek seeds are often used in cooking in the Mediterranean and Asia, but this spice, which is similar to cloves, has several medicinal uses. When made into a tea, fenugreek can help with milk production for breastfeeding. For people experiencing diarrhea, fenugreek is a great water-soluble fiber to help firm up stools.

As a supplement, fenugreek has also been found to lower blood sugar , making it a popular aid for people with diabetes. Fenugreek is often ground and used in curries, dry rubs, and in teas.

You can add it to your yogurt for a small savory taste, or sprinkle it over your salads. Feeling muscle pains? More migraine attacks? More likely to slip into a numbed emotional state than usual? It might be a magnesium deficiency.

But studies show that almost half of the U. Spinach, almonds, avocados, and even dark chocolate are all rich in magnesium. When it comes to mood, magnesium may also help.

Magnesium works with the parasympathetic nervous system, which keeps you calm and relaxed, suggesting that having a magnesium-rich diet might aid in stress relief.

And if you have an allergic reaction or worsening symptoms from any home remedy, speak to a doctor right away. Keep in mind that home remedies may not always be safe and effective for you.

What research notes as beneficial may not always work for you. Many of the remedies we listed above are ones we grew up with, ones that families have passed down and brought us up on since we were children, and we look forward to falling back on them when we need the comfort.

Rosa Escandón is a New York-based writer and comedian. She is a contributor to Forbes and a former writer at the Tusk and Laughspin.

Visit her website. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. One natural treatment for alleviating fibromyalgia pain is rubbing essential oils on your skin. Here's a thorough look at your best options for this….

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that people of any age can get through direct contact with an infected person or object.

While home remedies…. To avoid the side effects and possible toxicity of medications, you might turn to natural painkillers instead. Check out these five surprising options. There are many ways you can treat your sensitive teeth at home before having to visit a dentist.

Learn about 8 home remedies for reducing tooth…. Vitamin IV therapy infuses vitamins directly into the bloodstream. It can also offer the body some extra hydration. Dry needling is a type of alternative medicine that uses tiny needles to stimulate nerve endings to promote muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Homeopathy involves diluted substances to prompt your body's natural healing process. Wintergreen oil or oil of wintergreen has a lot in common with the active ingredient in aspirin. Crystals are a popular alternative medicine tool, but can they really help you heal?

The law of attraction is meant to manifest your desires, but can it be an unhealthy way to ignore the negative? A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Turmeric Chili Ginger Shiitake Eucalyptus Lavender Mint Fenugreek Magnesium Takeaway Many home remedies exist that may help treat a variety of things, such as colds, inflammation, and pain.

Turmeric for pain and inflammation. Researchers have also found that these beliefs, or biases, affect the decisions people make about their health. Nature has been good to us. Nature gave us aspirin and morphine, and other medicines derived from plants.

The use of plants as medicines has a long history in the treatment of disease, and plants have played an important role in improving our health. Some dietary and herbal supplements have failed to show a benefit when scientists have studied them. For example, several major studies of the herb Echinacea did not find evidence of benefit against the common cold.

Some can even have serious safety concerns. For example, kava, a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific, and often used as a dietary supplement for anxiety, may be associated with severe liver damage. Ephedra, an evergreen shrub-like plant native to central Asia and Mongolia that has been used for centuries for colds, fever, and other conditions, is associated with heart problems and risk of death.

In , the U. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids for safety reasons. But everything is made of chemicals—the apple on your kitchen countertop, the ceramic mug in your cupboard, and even the air that you breathe.

In fact, you are made up of chemicals, too. Some chemicals are harmful. Toxic chemicals are substances that may be harmful to the environment or hazardous to your health if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

Chlorine and isopropyl alcohol are examples of some of the toxic chemicals commonly used in certain industries. But there are many toxic chemicals that occur in nature as well—mercury, snake venom, arsenic, and ricin from castor beans.

These compounds fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress , which are common markers of disease Lemon also increases the amount of saliva the body produces, which can help keep the mucous membranes moist. Bottom line: Lemon water contains vitamin C and compounds that can soothe a sore throat and assist with healing.

Ginger is a spice with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve throat pain. Some laboratory studies have found that ginger extract can kill some bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory illnesses.

It can also reduce inflammation in people with tuberculosis, which is a lung disease 16 , 17 , Ginger tea is available from most markets and online retailers.

People can also make their own from fresh ginger. Bottom line: Ginger root tea may help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve sore throat pain. Coconut oil is a versatile food with several health benefits.

Animal studies suggest that it may help fight infection and reduce inflammation in areas exposed to it 19 , Read about some other ways to use coconut oil here. Limit coconut oil consumption to about 2 tbsp 30 milliliters [ml] per day, as it can have a laxative effect at higher dosages.

When using coconut oil for the first time, start with 1 tsp 5 ml at a time to minimize potential side effects. Bottom line: Coconut oil is very soothing on the throat and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Take up to 2 tbsp 30 ml per day alone or in warm beverages. Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice with a high antioxidant content. It can also provide antibacterial benefits Cinnamon tea is available for purchase in most grocery stores, in both herbal and regular varieties, and online.

People can also add cinnamon to herbal or black tea. Another option is to make cinnamon almond milk, which may be especially soothing for a sore throat. Bottom line: Cinnamon may help fight throat pain and infection due to a cold or flu.

Try drinking cinnamon tea, or adding cinnamon to a warm beverage, to ease throat discomfort. Although swallowing may be uncomfortable, drinking plenty of water or other fluids will ultimately make the throat feel better. Drink tea, herbal infusions, water, or other beverages at whatever temperature feels most comfortable.

Bottom line: Staying hydrated, by drinking enough fluid through the day, will allow the throat to remain moist so that it can heal. Chicken soup is a well-known natural cold and sore throat remedy. It is also a comfort food that allows people to get more fluids when they are sick.

Try adding garlic to the soup. Garlic contains bioactive compounds that can also provide benefits during times of illness A person can buy canned chicken soup ahead of time and store it until needed, or they can prepare a homemade chicken soup.

Bottom line: Chicken soup is a comfort food that may help soothe a sore throat. Adding garlic may provide additional benefits. Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is very soothing to the throat.

The mint may also slightly numb the throat, thereby relieving pain Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, and its naturally sweet taste often requires no additional sweetener. To make peppermint tea at home, steep fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for 3—5 minutes, then strain off the leaves.

Bottom line: Peppermint tea is a tasty, refreshing beverage that may help reduce inflammation and throat discomfort. Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that people have used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Some research suggests that chamomile tea promotes restful sleep, which is important for healing Other studies have found that chamomile may help fight infection and reduce pain Chamomile tea has a pleasant, mild aroma and flavor.

Like other herbal teas, chamomile contains no caffeine. Bottom line: Chamomile tea may promote restorative sleep, help fight infection, and soothe sore throat pain.

Teas, infusions, and other drinks are soothing and provide hydration, but sometimes sucking on a throat lozenge can also be comforting. There are herbal throat lozenges available for purchase online and in some natural grocery stores.

People can also make homemade throat lozenges with some of the herbs listed in this article. Slippery elm is a popular herb for lozenges. It contains mucilage that coats and soothes the throat, similar to marshmallow root. Bottom line: Purchase herbal throat lozenges or make a batch ahead of time to stay prepared for a sore throat.

Bottom line: Several medications — including NSAIDs, throat sprays, and lozenges — can provide relief from a sore throat.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Request Appointment. Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective? Products and services. Is there an effective herbal treatment for anxiety? Answer From Brent A. With Brent A. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry.

Show references Natural medicines in the clinical management of anxiety. Natural Medicines. Accessed Feb. Passion flower. German chamomile. Lemon balm. FDA issues consumer advisory for dietary supplements containing kava. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Bystritsky A. Complementary and alternative treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders: Herbs and medications.

Mixing medications and dietary supplements can endanger your health. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements: What you need to know.

Using dietary supplements wisely. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Bauer BA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Anxiety disorders Cognitive behavioral therapy Anxiety and diet Depression and anxiety: Can I have both? Fatigue Generalized anxiety disorder Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness Mental health Mental illness in children: Know the signs Mindfulness exercises Muscle pain Psychotherapy Shortness of breath Sleep disorders Stress symptoms Sweating and body odor Tachycardia Test anxiety: Can it be treated?

Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

FAQ Home Herbal treatment for anxiety Is it effective. Show the heart some love! Give Today. Help us advance cardiovascular medicine. Find a doctor. If acupuncture is not performed correctly or dirty needles are used, there can be serious side effects.

Research has pointed to an improvement in anxiety symptoms after consuming or smelling lavender—especially before surgery and before and after chemotherapy. However, lavender may not always be the best option for you.

Consuming lavender in tea or extract form could cause side effects like headache and constipation. It might also increase drowsiness when used with other sedative medications. Using essential oils as part of aromatherapy may be a natural way to get anxiety relief. Aromatherapy entails filling a space with the smell of a particular oil, which is typically plant-based, and inhaling it.

One review found that essential oils overall helped reduce anxiety. However, citrus essential oil was significantly helpful for anxiety-reducing effects. Found in seafood, shellfish, and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are needed to build brain cells and help with other basic functions.

The fatty acids might also have a positive impact on anxiety. Although studies have had mixed findings, some research reveals that omega-3 supplementation may help significantly reduce and prevent anxiety symptoms.

This is especially true for people who've been diagnosed with a specific disorder. For decades, it's been understood that there's an association between vitamin B12 levels and anxiety symptoms.

Research has suggested it's not uncommon for people with anxiety to have low levels of vitamin B The belief is supplementation of vitamin B12 may help reduce or prevent anxiety symptoms. Vitamin B6 might ease anxiety as well. High-dose supplementation of the vitamin has been shown to reduce self-reported anxiety.

More robust research is needed to say for certain, but some studies have also shown that daily intake of vitamin B6 helps reduce a range of premenstrual syndrome PMS symptoms , particularly PMS-related anxiety.

B vitamins are generally safe to use but have the potential to interfere with some medications. Check with a healthcare professional to be certain before use. Meditation is one of many relaxation techniques focused on intentional breathing and the mind-body connection. It's often recommended as an add-on to clinical anxiety treatment plans.

By producing a deep state of relaxation, studies have suggested that meditation may help reduce anxiety symptoms in people with diagnosed anxiety disorders. There's practically zero risk involved in trying out a meditation session, as long as you're in a safe environment to close your eyes and zone out.

One study found that one month of "positive affect journaling"—writing down positive feelings or emotions—resulted in less anxiety in people who had various medical conditions and experienced heightened anxiety symptoms. Additional research on how different types of journaling could help anxiety is likely needed before experts broadly recommend it.

Melatonin, which occurs naturally in the body to help with sleep, is also available as a supplement with possible benefits for anxiety. Research has shown melatonin to support anxiety symptom reduction for individuals undergoing surgical procedures. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for anxiety unrelated to surgical procedures.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea but that is also available in supplement form. One review of already-published research concluded that taking mg of L-theanine supplements a day reduced anxiety levels in people going through stressful situations.

However, it is unclear how the effectiveness of L-theanine would change when it is consumed as part of tea. Magnesium —a mineral found in foods like whole grains, leafy greens, and milk—plays a role in brain function, resulting in a potential effect on anxiety. One research review found initial evidence suggesting that magnesium supplementation could potentially reduce mild anxiety symptoms, generalized anxiety, and anxiety-related PMS symptoms.

However, more studies are needed on the impact magnesium could have on anxiety symptoms more broadly. Additionally, more research is necessary to know what form of magnesium is best for anxiety management.

Magnesium lactate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate are all examples of magnesium supplements. Lemon balm , an herb in the mint family, has long been considered to have calming properties. While current research is limited, there is some evidence showing its positive impact on anxiety and mood.

For example, two separate studies found that consuming drinks infused with lemon balm had a positive anti-anxiety effect on people recovering from heart surgery and severe burns. Experiencing anxiety symptoms that affect much of your routine, functioning, and interactions with others is a reason to contact a healthcare provider.

They can help determine the root cause of your anxiety and provide guidance for treatment options like seeing a mental health professional. It's also a good idea to see a healthcare provider if your anxiety treatment is no longer effective or results in side effects that are hard to tolerate.

Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping a medication. Natural remedies such as consuming chamomile, lavender, omega-3 fatty acids, L-theanine, and magnesium, as well as practices such as acupuncture, meditation, regular movement, and journaling may help relieve anxiety symptoms.

However, talk with a healthcare provider to determine which natural anxiety relief options are appropriate for you. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Anxiety at a glance. National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders. Any anxiety disorder. American Academy of Family Physicians.

Generalized anxiety disorder. American Psychological Association. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity guidelines for Americans: 2nd edition. Yoga for health: What the science says. Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam J. Long-term Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla L.

treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Acupuncture: in depth. Yang X, Yang N, Huang F, Ren S, Li Z. Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Ann Gen Psychiatry. Wotman B, Levinger J, Leung L, Kallush A, Mauer E, Kacker A. The efficacy of lavender aromatherapy in reducing preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients undergoing procedures in general otolaryngology. Investig Otolaryngol.

Ozkaraman A, Dügüm Ö, Özen Yılmaz H, Usta Yesilbalkan Ö. Aromatherapy: The effect of lavender on anxiety and sleep quality in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Clin J Oncol Nurs. doi: Donelli D, Antonelli M, Bellinazzi C, Gensini GF, Firenzuoli F. Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Tan L, Liao F fei, Long L zi, et al. Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis.

Front Public Health. Omega-3 fats - Good for your heart. American Psychiatric Association. How nutrition impacts mental health. Larrieu T, Layé S. Food for mood: relevance of nutritional omega-3 fatty acids for depression and anxiety.

Front Physiol. Su K, Tseng P, Lin P, et al. Association of use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with changes in severity of anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

JAMA Netw Open. Todorov A, Chumpalova-Tumbeva P, Stoimenova-Popova M, et al. Correlation between depression and anxiety and the level of vitamin B12 in patients with depression and anxiety and healthy controls.

J Biomed Res. Field DT, Cracknell RO, Eastwood JR, et al. High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression. Hum Psychopharmacol.