It is a good idea to reach for medicinal herbs to calm your anxiety because it can very draining emotionally and physically. Feeling anxious and nervous is overwhelming, and at times even paralyzing. Some people become so anxious that they have trouble sleeping at night and concentrating during the day. For people who experience anxiety, the nervousness is a serious problem. Fortunately, there are many holistic remedies, including medicinal herbs, to calm your anxiety.
1. Hops
Most people associate hops with beer; however, hops are just one of several medicinal herbs to calm your anxiety. Hops are pale green, cone-like fruits that have a very strong sedating effect. If anxiety is keeping you up at night, drinking tea made with hops can really help your insomnia. All you have to do is steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water for 5 to 7 minutes. Drink it half an hour before you go to bed for a restful night’s sleep.
2. Kava
Kava is a bitter herb that grows in Pacific islands, where it was traditionally used to relieve nervous tension. Now, herbalists use kava as an alternative to anti anxiety medications because clinical trials have shown it to be as powerful as some prescriptions. To use kava to calm your anxiety, you need to simmer 1 teaspoon of the herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Because kava is so powerful, you only need to drink one cup a day.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is one of the most fragrant medicinal herbs that calm anxiety. It has a minty, lemon scent, and it is an effective treatment. In fact, European authorities have approved lemon balm to be used for anxiety and poor sleep. To make lemon balm tea for your anxiety, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water.
4. Passion Flower
Passion flower was used in the mid-1800s by doctors in North America to treat insomnia and anxiety, and it is still used today. If you would like to try using passion flower, you need to steep 1 teaspoon of passion flower in 2 cups of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Be aware, passion flower can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.
5. Skullcap
Skullcap is another herb used for anxiety. It is a member of the mint family, and it has been used to ease anxiety as a folk medicine in North America for many years. It is a mild relaxant that also eases muscle tension and promotes sleep. To make skullcap tea, steep 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of hot water.
6. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy for depression, but it is also effective for nervous anxiety. Interestingly, one study that used St. John’s Wort demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in anxiety related to PMS. To use St. John’s Wort, steep 1 teaspoon of the herb in 1 cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Valerian
Valerian is a widely used sedative in Europe. It decreases anxiety and helps promote sleep. It is particularly useful for lulling an anxious person to sleep. Because valerian does have strong sedative properties it is best to take it before you go to bed. Steep 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of boiling water for a nice relaxing tea.
Anxiety is something almost everyone experiences at some point. When you do get anxious, it can be quite miserable. However, you are not stuck being anxious, you just need to use one of these herbal remedies. Which herbal remedy do you think you will use?
Johnson, Rebecca L., Steven Foster, Tieraona Low Dog, and David Kiefer. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2012. Print.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best herbs to reduce anxiety?
- Some of the best herbs for anxiety include chamomile, lavender, valerian root, lemon balm, passionflower, ashwagandha, and kava.
- How does chamomile help with anxiety?
- Chamomile contains antioxidants that may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Is lavender effective for calming nerves?
- Yes, lavender is known for its calming scent and can be used in essential oils or teas to ease anxiety.
- Can ashwagandha reduce stress naturally?
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help balance stress hormones and support a calmer mood.
- Are there any side effects from using valerian root?
- Valerian root is generally safe but may cause dizziness or headaches in some people, so start with a low dose.
- How do I use lemon balm for anxiety relief?
- Lemon balm can be consumed as a tea or taken as a supplement to help soothe nervousness and improve sleep.
- Is kava safe to take regularly for anxiety?
- Kava can reduce anxiety but should be used with caution due to potential liver issues; consult a doctor before regular use.
- Can passionflower improve sleep and reduce anxiety?
- Yes, passionflower is often used to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms naturally.
- Are medicinal herbs a good alternative to medication?
- Herbs can complement traditional treatments, but always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes.
- How long does it take to feel the effects of these herbs?
- Effects vary, but many herbs may take a few days to weeks of consistent use to notice significant anxiety relief.