For some people, anxiety is a part of daily life. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18% of adults in the United States suffer from some form of anxiety. If you’re one of those people, you might be looking for natural ways to ease your symptoms. Herbs have been used to treat anxiety for centuries, and there are a number of different options to choose from.
Some of the most popular herbs for anxiety include:
Lavender: Lavender is perhaps best known for its calming and relaxing properties. It can be taken in capsule form or as an essential oil.
Chamomile: Chamomile is another herb with calming effects. It’s often used as a tea before bedtime to help promote sleep.
Valerian root: Valerian root is an herbal sedative that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and insomnia. It’s available in capsules or as a tea.
Kava kava: Kava kava is a tropical plant native to Polynesia and Hawaii that has long been used for its sedative and muscle-relaxing effects. It’s available in capsules or as an extract or tea.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
A native to India, ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety. The name ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit words meaning “smell of horse,” which refers to the herb’s strong odor. Ashwagandha is most commonly taken in supplement form, but it can also be brewed into a tea or tincture.
Although there is no scientific evidence to support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, some people believe that it helps to calm the mind and reduce stress levels. A small study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha may help reduce stress and improve quality of life in people with anxiety disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
If you’re considering taking ashwagandha for anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider first to ensure it’s safe for you. Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications and should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions such as schizophrenia or autoimmune diseases.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a dried flower that can be found pre-packaged at most health food stores. When brewed as a tea, chamomile is thought to be a relaxant, can be helpful in restoring insomnia, and may also be effective in treating anxiety and depression. Chamomile tea infusion has a sweet-fruity taste and is naturally caffeine-free.
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a plant used to flavor beer. It is also known for its sedative effects, which can be helpful in treating anxiety. Hops is a member of the Cannabaceae family, which includes cannabis. Hops contains several compounds that have sedative effects, including hum ul ones and lupulones. In addition, hops also contains xanthohumol, a compound with antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. A 2011 study found that hops extract was as effective as the medication buspirone in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, the study was small and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with large heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. The name kava comes from the Polynesian word “awa,” which means bitter. Kava is native to the South Pacific islands of Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu, where it has been used for centuries in ceremonial drinks.
The kava plant contains compounds that can produce psychoactive effects when consumed. These compounds include kava lactones and other chemicals that interact with receptors in the brain to produce a sense of relaxation and well-being. Kavalactones are thought to be responsible for the sedative and anesthetic effects of kava.
Kava is available in many forms, including powders, capsules, extracts, teas, and tinctures. It can also be purchased as a dried herb to be brewed into a tea or added to food.
Some people use kava as a dietary supplement for anxiety or stress relief. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Additionally, kava should not be taken with alcohol or other drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Taking kava with these substances may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Kava has been linked to several reports of liver damage, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Some of these cases were fatal. It’s unclear if kava lactones are directly responsible for these adverse effects or if they contribute to liver damage by interacting with other medications or substances (such as alcohol). Therefore, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any form of kava if you have liver disease or another medical condition.”
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender oil is thought to have calming effects when applied topically or inhaled, making it useful for treating anxiety and insomnia. A 2012 study found that lavender oil was effective in reducing anxiety levels in postpartum women. In another study, lavender oil was shown to improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.
While there is some research to support the use of lavender for anxiety and sleep disorders, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
The lemon balm plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Lemon balm is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, and headaches. It is also said to improve cognitive function and memory.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that lemon balm extract can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in rats . Another study showed that taking a standardized extract of lemon balm can reduce stress levels and improve mood in healthy adults .
If you’re looking for an herbal remedy to help reduce anxiety, consider trying lemon balm. You can find this herb in tincture, capsule, or tea form at most health food stores.
St
John’s Wort, Chamomile, Valerian, Passionflower
St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. It is most commonly used for anxiety and depression. Chamomile is another herb that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and other conditions. Valerian is another herb that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety. Passionflower is an herb that has also been shown to be helpful in treating anxiety.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredients in valerian are thought to be valere nic acid and other volatile oils. These substances work by reducing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which results in a calming effect.
Valerian is available as a dried herb, tincture, or capsule. It can also be found in some over-the-counter sleep aids and anxiety medications. When using valerian for anxiety, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Some people may experience side effects such as headaches, upset stomach, or dizziness at high doses. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking valerian and consult your healthcare provider.