There are many alternative medicines to treat insomnia and anxiety. Examples of botanical substances in this regard, for example, is: Kava-Kava, Melatonin, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng.

1. Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) (Richards, 2020):

Kava-Kava potentiates the actions of the GABA as neurotransmitter on the GABA_A receptor    and thus act like benzodiazepines. Kava-Kava also enhance the release of serotonin and dopamine. Thus Kava-Kava can be used as an sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic (Earle). 

2. Melatonin is responsible to regulate the sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin improves sleep quality, duration, onset and rapid eye movement via the sedative-hypnotic effects. According to clinical studies, sleep architecture may be altered by oral melatonin-supplements. Insomnia due to β-blockers, can be treated with melatonin. Melatonin can also be used as a pre- and/or post-operative substance to reduce anxiety (Katzung, 2018).

3. Ginkgo Biloba

This extract can be used for cerebral insufficiencies, such as anxiety and depression, thus acts as an anxiolytic. Ginkgo biloba causes an enhancement in the synaptosomal reuptake of dopamine and serotonin (Katzung, 2018).

4. Ginseng

Ginseng increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the cerebral cortex. Ginseng an anxiolytic activity also due to stimulation of the pituitary adrenocortical system and being an agonist at glucocorticoid receptors (Katzung, 2018).

Other natural substances not mentioned in the Katzung textbook:

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) which has a relaxing and sedating effect. This substance has an sedative-hypnotic effect and will thus also help with insomnia by inducing sleep. The mechanism of action for Valerian is the inhibition of GABA catabolism and thus the increase in GABA in the Central Nervous System (Cloete, 2020). A patient’s heart rate will also be lowered (Exploring your mind, 2018). Do not take Valerian with other sedatives or alcohol (Richards, 2020).

Linden Blossom (Linden), also has a anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic effect (Exploring your mind, 2018).

Tryptophan an element that can be found in, for example: bananas, oily fish, pineapples, chicken, egg yolks, etc. This element has anxiolytic effects. Tryptophan increase serotonin production and release which help to balance your mood (Exploring your mind, 2018).

Omega-3, found in for example fish, reduce your levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone (Exploring your mind, 2018). Thus having anxiolytic effects.

Hops also has sedative and sedativr-hypnotic effects (Exploring your mind, 2018).         

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

This is a type of herb called an adaptogen. A clinical trial showed less cortisol (stress hormone) in patients taking this herb. Thus this has an anxiolytic effect on a patient (Richards, 2020).

Lavender

Lavender can be used as a short term anxiolytic due to the fact that it contains linalool acetate and linalyl acetate (Richards, 2020).

Galphimia glauca

This plant reduces General Anxiety Disorder-symptoms and thus act as an anxiolytic (Richards, 2020).

Passionflower (Passiflora)

The species, P. incarnata, have shown to alleviate anxiety, restlessness and nervousness, thus it acts as an anxiolytic (Richards, 2020).

It is important for a patient to consult with a pharmacist or doctor on possible drug-interactions, before using these natural substances (Exploring your mind, 2018).

Reference list

Richards, L. 2020. 9 herbs for anxiety. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/herbs-for-anxiety Date of access: 4 March 2021.

Earle, C. How To Take Kava For Anxiety. https://redstormscientific.com/take-kava-for-anxiety/ Date of access: 4 March 2021.

Exploring your mind. 2018. 5 Natural Anxiolytics. https://exploringyourmind.com/5-natural-anxiolytics/ Date of access: 4 March 2021.

Katzung, B.G. 2018. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 14th ed. International: Mc Graw Hill Education.

Cloete, T. 2020. Chemiese verbindings in plante. Study unit 2.2[pdf]. Unpublished lecture notes on eFundi, FCHG222. Potchefstroom: NWU.