Here are 5 herbs to help with anxiety
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety and your emotional health is in need of some TLC, there are lots of excellent herbs that can help.
Feelings of uncertainty, worry and overwhelm can bring on anxiety that can affect your quality of life and day-to-day activities.
Discover 5 herbs to help with anxiety and the best ways to take herbal medicine to improve your health.
Herbs for anxiety
#1 Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is known for its calming, hypnotic and anxiolytic actions, and is used by herbalists to treat anxiety, sleep issues, nervous tension and stress. It is also used to address seizures and hysteria. Passionflower has shown to increase levels of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the brain to promote relaxation and feelings of wellbeing. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that naturally relaxes the brain.
#2 Lemon balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been used for centuries to address anxiety, stress, insomnia and to improve digestion. With its mild sedative and carminative actions, Lemon balm can help calm the mind, boost mood and combat the negative effects of stress. It’s also good for bloating, gas and indigestion.
#3 Oats green
Oats green (Avena sativa) is a nervous system tonic herb that is highly effective for calming your nerves, anxiety, exhaustion, stress, insomnia and mild depression. Oats green helps to restore a stressed out nervous system, increase vitality and focus a frazzled mind. The Avena sativa plant is incredibly nourishing and high in minerals and other nutrients to support bones, muscles and nerves.
#4 Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is another nervine tonic that can support the body in times of emotional stress. It’s an excellent herb for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability and edginess. Skullcap is known to release endorphins (feel-good hormones) to lift mood and promote relaxation.
#5 Withania (also known as Ashwagandha)
Withania somnifera is an adaptogen herb which means it helps improve the body’s resistance to stress by increasing energy levels, supporting the adrenal glands and improving focus. Withania exerts a calming effect to balance the nervous system so it works well for those who suffer with anxiety and overwhelm. It has shown to balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels; cortisol is one of the hormones that becomes elevated when you’re stressed. Learn more about the health benefits of taking Withania.
How to take herbs
These herbs can be taken as a tea using the dried herbs, as a liquid tincture, tablets or capsules. You can find herbal teas in your local health store or from a reputable herbal medicine supplier online. Switch out coffee and caffeinated tea for an anti-anxiety herbal tea blend; drink 2 – 4 cups per days.
For a therapeutic dose (if your anxiety is moderate to severe), it is recommended that you take anxiety herbs as either a liquid tincture, tablet or capsule as the medicinal properties of herbs are much more concentrated in these forms. The dose required is dependent on your individual needs. Consult with a qualified herbalist who will select the most appropriate herbs and dose after taking a full case history from you.
Herbs can be used for multiple purposes and are often combined within a herbal formula to address different ailments a person may be experiencing. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety as well as fatigue and digestive problems, a herbalist can mix a formula specific to you to address all of these ailments.
Lift your anxiety naturally
Anxiety is a common condition that can impede your daily life. Manage your anxiety naturally using herbs such as Passionflower, Withania or Lemon balm which can be taken as a tea, liquid tincture or capsules. To learn more about how you can use herbs to improve your health, take a look at CNM’s Herbs for Everyday Living short course.
