Anxiety is among the most common reasons why people begin seeking help, considering change, or reaching for various "calming" preparations. They often consider natural remedies and dietary supplements and ask whether these can be a safe alternative to medications.
At EUNOMA Clinic, we focus on comprehensive mental health support. We combine psychotherapy, psychological and addiction counseling, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle medicine principles. We view natural remedies as a possible supplement, not as an independent solution for difficult anxiety experiences.
Anxiety is not weakness or "oversensitivity." It is a state that can manifest in the mind, body, and sleep. Anxiety is a human emotion that has a defensive and adaptive function. However, when it exceeds a tolerable limit, we speak of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders affect approximately 25% of the population in the developed world.
Anxiety disorders include, for example:
Symptoms of anxiety disorder may include, for example:
However, anxiety disorders often also manifest physically, for example as chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, hot flashes, shortness of breath, vomiting, vague pains, and other symptoms.
In the long term, it has been shown that the crucial role in anxiety disorders is played by:
At EUNOMA Clinic, we focus precisely on that part of care that is based on psychotherapy, counseling, and lifestyle adjustments. We discuss natural remedies and dietary supplements with clients as possible support if they safely fit into their overall plan - not as the main tool for working with anxiety difficulties.
Research on herbal preparations related to anxiety experiences is diverse - for some herbs we have more data, for others rather preliminary findings. Below we provide an overview of those we encounter most frequently in practice.
Standardized lavender extract in capsule form is one of the best-researched preparations in connection with mild to moderate anxiety. Clinical studies suggest that it may contribute to alleviating anxiety symptoms and tension in some people.
Lemon balm is traditionally associated with calming, sleep support, and reduction of nervousness. Systematic reviews show that it may temporarily affect milder anxiety states, but studies tend to be smaller and diverse (different doses, product forms). The effect is rather mild and very individual.
Passionflower appears in the literature as a possible supportive option for anxiety experiences; some studies suggest its use even in the context of gradual benzodiazepine discontinuation as a supplement. We currently have a limited number of studies, often with a smaller number of participants. In practice, it makes sense to view it as part of a broader plan, not as an independent solution.
It belongs among adaptogens; available studies show that it may support stress management, milder anxiety, and affect cortisol levels. Meta-analyses suggest potential benefit, while also pointing to limited evidence quality and the need for long-term safety data. It may be suitable for some people, but certainly not as an "automatic" supplement to other sedative preparations or psychotropic medications.
Valerian is traditionally associated more with falling asleep and the subjective feeling of calming than with influencing anxiety difficulties themselves. Evidence for anxiety experiences is ambiguous and limited; if it helps, it tends to be more in the area of sleep.
A common myth goes: "When it's natural, it's okay." In practice, however, it holds true that even herbs and dietary supplements:
Therefore, with clients we always consider the individual situation - overall health status, anxiety experiences, medications used, and the specific type of preparation. Natural support can make sense only when we have a clearer picture of what is happening in a person's life.
Among medications used for anxiety disorders belong:
Benzodiazepines belong among medications that can temporarily alleviate severe anxiety symptoms or panic states. They have their place in medicine, but at the same time:
This is precisely why it is crucial that decisions about initiation, dosing, and discontinuation belong in the hands of a psychiatrist. At EUNOMA Clinic, we open these topics with clients, map their experiences, and as needed recommend establishing or coordinating care in the area of psychiatry.
Our work focuses on the part where psychotherapy, counseling, and lifestyle play a key role - thus on the change process that can take place alongside any treatment led by a psychiatrist.
At EUNOMA Clinic, we offer comprehensive mental health support that includes:
Our role is not to replace psychiatric care, but to be a safe space where anxiety difficulties, stressful situations, and impact on daily life can be openly discussed, understood, and ways to work with them in psychotherapy and lifestyle can be sought.
Professional contact may be useful if:
Our goal is not to decide for you, but together to seek a safe and sustainable path that makes sense for you.
I have been working in the field of addiction counselling for more than 10 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Addictology from the First Faculty of Medicine and a degree in General Medicine from the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University. In my research, I focus on preventive medicine and epidemiology.
In my work with clients, I combine evidence-based knowledge with a holistic approach to mental health. My medical background enables me to understand the broader clinical context and to better support each client’s individual needs.
