Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Gelsemium, particularly Gelsemium sempervirens, has a long-standing history of use in homeopathic and traditional herbal medicine for addressing symptoms of fear, anxiety, and anticipatory nervousness. In the homeopathic tradition, Gelsemium is commonly indicated for individuals experiencing trembling, weakness, and excessive fear, especially in situations involving anticipation or performance (e.g., stage fright, exam anxiety). These uses are based primarily on homeopathic provings and clinical observations rather than robust scientific studies. Historically, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gelsemium extracts were used in herbal medicine for their sedative and anxiolytic properties, but concerns about toxicity (the plant contains toxic alkaloids such as gelsemine) have limited its use in conventional medicine. There is limited preclinical scientific evidence suggesting Gelsemium extracts might have anxiolytic effects in animal models, but these findings have not translated into rigorous, high-quality human clinical trials. As such, the recommendation of Gelsemium for fear or anxiety is supported more by tradition than by scientific validation. For homeopathic preparations, which are ultra-diluted, there is no credible evidence of efficacy beyond placebo. Therefore, while Gelsemium is traditionally used to support those experiencing excessive fear, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low.

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