11 Herbs to Help Ease Anxiety & Panic
Medicinal herbs can help ease anxiety. I have experienced the effects first-hand and have personally, at one time or another, used all of these herbs safely and effectively. Try them and see which is right for you. I suggest taking them as a tea using the root, leaves or flowers, but capsules are effective too (be sure to buy from a reputable company).
1. Ashwagandha
For the person burning the candle at both ends. Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen which means that it helps your body cope with and moderate stress better. It's an adrenal tonic and has an anti-inflammatory effect that is similar to aspirin without the stomach irritation. It's a nightshade so if you are sensitive to nightshades plants (eggplant, peppers, etc.) this may not be the plant for you.
2. Catnip
While this herb is commonly known as a stimulant for cats, Catnip is well known for its sedative featured in humans. It is a wonderful children's herb. It helps with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can alleviate stomach cramps, irritation, and tension headaches. As a tea it offers a pleasant mint flavor.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile tea has been shown to calm the nerves. It is relaxing and also help ease and soothe a nervous, upset stomach and tense muscles.
4. Milky Oats
If anxiety is expressed as excessive weeping and associated with grieving, Milky Oats can help support the individual and build them back up.
5. Fennel
For a "nervous stomach" try eating Fennel, it calms the stomach and supports digestion. You can also make a soothing tea using the seeds. Add in some fresh grated ginger to give a boost.
6. Kava
Kava is a powerful herbal remedy for anxiety in acute situation. It has fast acting effects and can help ease someone in an immediate state of anxiety. It's has been used as an alternative to valium. Use as a tincture in drop doses.
7. Lavender
Lavender reduces irritability and anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm and restful sleep. It also smells wonderful! While lavender can be infused in tea, it's also really nice as an essential oil or added to a sachet so that it can be inhaled.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a gentle, sedative, calming effect. It's used to relieve stress and anxiety, promote sleep, ease indigestion and uplift the spirit. It's also a great general health tonic.Lemon Balm has a beautiful, sweet lemony scent and is delicious as a fresh leaf tea. Try growing some in your garden or window pot! The dried leaves also work well but fresh is truly a delight!
9. Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve headaches related to anxiety and stress. If you're sensitive to aspirin, do not use itas it contains salicylic acid (herb fact: the salicylic acid found in meadowsweet was isolated and became what we now know as aspirin).
10. Passionflower
Passionflower is a nervine and is indicated for people who have "monkey mind". They can't stop thinking and their brain is constantly going in all directions. It can help to relieve nervousness, anxiety and panic and help to restore an overall sense of well being. It can also help induce and improve the quality of sleep.
11. Valerian Root
Valerian Root is an incredibly effective for anxiety. It's a sedative that's primarily as a sleep aid, but also soothes muscles, mental and physical tension so that you can relax. Valerian should not be used for children, pregnant women, or if you're taking prescription anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs or consuming alcohol.
