No evidence exists that the herbal remedy St. John's wort is an effective treatment for anxiety, says a U.S. researcher.
On the contrary, there may be safety concerns with St. John's wort and other herbal remedies, such as kava extract and valerian, taken for anxiety, warns Dr. Kimberly Zoberi of Saint Louis University in Missouri, United Press International reported.
The article appears in the Journal of Family Practice.
"Patients should be extremely cautious about garnering medical advice from the Internet," Zoberi said in a news release, UPI reported. "There is no evidence that (herbal) medications are effective. If a patient wishes to avoid drug therapy, her doctor can suggest alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy."