Beware of herbal remedy risks, benefits

Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits. Here’s what we know — and don’t know:

• Kava: Kava appeared to be a promising treatment for anxiety, but reports of serious liver damage — even with short-term use — caused the Food and Drug Administration to issue warnings about the use of dietary supplements containing kava. While these initial reports of liver toxicity have been questioned, use extra caution and involve your doctor in the decision if you’re considering using products containing kava.

• Passion flower: A few small clinical trials suggest that passion flower might help with anxiety. In many commercial products, passion flower is combined with other herbs, making it difficult to distinguish the unique qualities of each herb. Passion flower is generally considered safe when taken as directed, but some studies found it can cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

• Valerian: In some studies, people who used valerian reported less anxiety and stress. In other studies, peo- ple reported no benefit.

• Lemon balm: Preliminary research shows lemon balm can reduce some symptoms of anxiety. Lemon balm is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for shortterm use, but can cause nausea and abdominal pain.

Herbal supplements aren’t monitored by the FDA the same way medications are. Despite enhanced quality control regulations in place since 2010, the quality of some supplements may still be an issue. Remember, natural doesn’t always mean safe.