Herbs for Use With Anxiety
Herbs for use with Anxiety
1. Tulsi
2. Motherwort
3. Valerian
4. Ashwaganda
5. Lemon Balm
6. Kava
7. California Poppy
8. Linden
9. Chamomile
10. Lavender
11. Vitex
12. Dong Quai
13. Rhodiola
14. St. Johnswort
15. Passionflower
16. Turmeric
Using supplement herbs to help calm feelings of anxiousness and stress can be very appealing to people for a variety of reasons. They are natural and whole and do not generally have the long list of side effects of pharmaceutical medicines. Additionally, they tend to not cause foggy headedness and can help a person to get to the root cause of what is bothering them through psychotherapy, or simply by providing a clearer space for personal reflection.
If you are wanting to explore using herbs for mental wellness, below is a list of some of my favorites. The list is not exhaustive and there are other “nervines” and sedative herbs you may want to try.
Typical adult “medicinal” dosing for herbs is 10-60 drops (a 1oz dropper is approx. 30 drops) of tincture/extract or 3-4 cups of herbal tea. If you are buying a prepared tincture, tea, or pill, refer to the package directions. Because you may need more or less the typical dose it can be helpful to work with a professional.
Some words of caution about taking herbs for anxiety – If the anxiety you are experiencing is severe and affecting your everyday life, seek professional help.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at #988 or 1-800-273-8255, or The Trevor Project hotline (LGTBQ youth) at 866-488-7386.
Finally, I always advise doing your own research and checking in with your doctor as some herbs can interact with some pharmaceuticals. Traditional doctors are often unfamiliar with herbal medicines and therefore consulting with a naturopathic doctor may be more beneficial.
My Favorite Herbs for Anxiety
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Ocimum santum
Tulsi is a valued Ayruvedic herb that is native to India, and has been naturalized as either an annual or a perennial, depending on zone. It may help protect and detoxify cells and organs, calm and relax the mind, address anxiety, depression, exhaustion and increase cognitive functioning. It may also be protective against environmental toxins, including radiation, and may reduce cholesterol.
Contraindicated: hypoglycemia, bleeding disorders, pregnancy or trying to conceive, certain medications, including for diabetes, benzodiazepines
Motherwort – Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort may calm the central nervous system, addressing anxious worry and “monkey mind” thinking that prevents sound sleep.
Contraindicated: pregnancy/breast feeding, when taking phama sedatives or heart meds.
Valerian – Valeriana off.
Valerian may be useful for emotional stress and anxiety, nervous irritation, pain and insomnia. It may be useful in ADHD. It is another stronger herb and so it is important to use it with care. I use Valerian when I want to relax and release nerve-related tension, as opposed to more muscular tension in which cases I prefer Kava. I locally wildcraft this herb or buy the dried root from one of the sources I have listed.
Contraindicated: with barbiturate use; be aware of how it affects you before driving or operating machinery.
Ashwaganda – Withonia somnifera
Ashwaganda is considered an adaptogenic herb in that it helps the body adapt and also is useful for many body systems and enhances the herbal activity in formulas. It has been used in India for thousands of years and is an important Ayurvedic herb as well. Ashwaganda helps balance and reinforce the nervous system and is particularly effective for cases of chronic stress and exhaustion.
Contraindicated: should not be used in pregnancy
Lemon Balm – Melissa off.
Lemon Balm may be useful in addressing stress, tension, depression and insomnia, especially in cases of “monkey mind” where it is difficult to settle. I cultivate this herb as it is quite easy to grow between zones 3 and 8. It may grow as an annual in the cooler zones, but otherwise as a perennial.
Contraindications: some cases of hypothyroidism and sometimes in pregnancy
Kava – Piper methysticum
Kava is a strong herb that should not be used continuously. It is native to the South Pacific Islands, where it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine. Kava may be effective in relieving anxiety, stress, insomnia and muscle tension.
Contraindications: long term continual use, pregnancy/lactation, with alcohol – be aware how it affects you before driving or operating equipment.
California Poppy – Eschscholzia californica
The State flower of California, this lovely bright orange poppy is a milder version of the opium poppy, and may be effective especially for travel anxiety as well as insomnia and also commonly used in pain relief formulas.
Contraindicated: pregnancy due to uterine stimulant effect
Linden (lime blossom) – Tilia spp.
Linden is native in the Northeastern United States, and also grows successfully where I live in Montana. Linden may shorten the duration of viral infections and also help with hypertension and in reducing negative stress responses.
Contraindicated: none known
Chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile has a long history, and was the herb that Peter Rabbit took in the Beatrix Potter book to calm him after he ate too much of Mr. McGregor’s lettuce. Along with it’s many other uses, according to herbalist David Hoffman, Chamomile is useful as a gentle sedative and safe for children.
Contraindicated: allergies to this plant class
Lavender – Lavendula off.
Lavender is known for helping to relieve some headache pain and may be useful for promoting a restful sleep. It is a gentle calming herb and combines well with other plants, acting as a nervous system tonic.
Contraindicated: none known
Vitex – Vitex angus-castus
Vitex may be helpful for balancing female hormones and has a tonic effect on reproductive organs, helping with feeling balance.
Contraindicated: pregnancy and with other hormone therapy or birth control pills.
Rhodiola – Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola to enhance mental and physical stamina is supported by studies dating as far back as 1725. As an “adaptogen” it also helps with being able to cope with physical, mental and emotional stress.
Contraindicated: This herb is generally regarded as safe (GRAS)
St. Johnswort – Hypericum perforatum
St. Johnswort has a history of being effective in relieving symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, seasonal effective disorder and chronic pain. It needs to be used regularly over a period of time before change is noticed.
Contraindicated: pregnancy, possibly photo sensitive, with MAO inhibitor medication
Passionflower – Passiflora incarnata
Passionflower is useful as a calming herb for restlessness and exhaustion. It also helps for sleeplessness due to nervousness, and nervous muscle spasm and cerebral irritation.
Contraindicated: pregnancy and with some pharmaceutical drugs.
Turmeric – Cucuma longa
Turmeric is a native of Southwest Asia and has been used for thousands (source) of years as a food and medicine.
Contraindicated: pregnancy and bile duct obstruction
*The information about herbs for anxiety is for educational purposes. You are encouraged to do your own research and consult appropriate professionals.
Herbal information is provided separate from psychotherapy services.
References
Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview - American Botanical Council (herbalgram.org)
The Herbal Apothecary (2015) by JJ Pursell
Herbal Medicine from the Hear of the Earth (1999) by Sharol Tilgner, ND
Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals vol. 4: Neurology, Psychiatry and Pain Management (2020) by Dr. Jill Stansbury, ND
Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality (2001) by Rosemary Gladstar
The New Holistic Herbal (1990) by David Hoffman