Herbs for Stress and Anxiety

With all the things that are expected of us, tasks that need doing, lists that need crossing off and pressures from others to hurry and get things taken care of it is no wonder that the majority of us have health related problems due to STRESS. There are many ways to reduce stress but one way is to incorporate some medicinal herbs into our lives to help reduce the effects of stress on our bodies and mind. Clinical studies have shown that the effects of some herbs are comparable if not better than regular prescription medications such as xanax.

This is not a comprehensive list or 'everything you need to know', but rather a quick guide for distinguishing which herb maybe suitable for the type of stress or anxiety that you want to reduce. I encourage that if you find an herb that sounds right for you, to do a little more research into it before consuming it.

Please note that I am NOT an herbalist or medical practictioner and am only suggesting herbs based on my own personal experience and knowledge. Feel free to leave any questions, comments or suggestions in the comments section below!

Kava Kava Root - For social anxiety: I put a tincture of kava kava in my tea at work every day so that I don't feel so hesitant to speak my mind or ask questions when I need to. It has a very potent and earthy taste, and if a lot is consumed it will slightly numb your tongue or make it tingle! There are warnings about kava kava and the liver so it is suggested that you use 30-90 drops 3-4 times per day maximum and to not prolong the use of kava kava. I have heard that the study on kava kava and the liver was biased due to the part of the plant or type of plant used, but I encourage you to do your own research on this and always take the road of caution!

Valerian Root - For nervousness, headaches, hyperactivity, insomnia, associated depression.  I have never used Valerian root myself, but it sounds like I need to try it! This can also be taken as a tea, tincture, or pill form. Often this helps with anxiety that is associated with depression and tension.

Skullcap - For racing thoughts (mania). A tea made from skullcap (photo right) is delightfully sweet and buttery, and I cannot honestly drink enough of it! This is an especially great anti-anxiety tea for generalized anxiety and racing thoughts associated with mania. I am particularly manic and this makes me a bit drowsy if taken near bed time - which is OK because racing thoughts are a nuisance and counterproductive. I prefer organized thoughts myself :)


Passionflower - For insomnia, generalized anxiety, asthma. I have tried this as a tea, tincture, and smoking (photo top). It is a very grassy, earthy tasting green colored tea, a bitter tincture and a harsh smoke. Despite this, it greatly reduces my anxiety much like a traditional benzodiazepene, or like drinking a few glasses of wine. It is also used to treat asthma or breathing problems, particularly at night - so I have also taken this when I have colds and a hard time sleeping. I recommend this herb to many of my friends.

Ashwagandha - For general anxiety, trouble thinking, sexual anxiety. I have not tried this herb but it is supposed to relax the mind and clear out thoughts, and is relatively mild from what I've been told. If you have anxiety before sex, I would recommend the herb Damiana - it is more effective with anxiety and nervousness especially related to sex.

Lemon Balm - For restlessness, menstural pain, hyperactivity, melancholy. Again, I have not tried Lemon Balm specifically for anxiety but it does relieve symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness and hyperactivity. It calms muscular spasms and can relieve menstural cramping and other types of spastic pain.

Lavender and Chamomile - Used in aromatherapy. Ahh, the smells of chamomile and lavender are joyous aren't they? Make this as a tea and just the smell alone will be enough to calm you down. The two mixed together tastes wonderfully sweet as well!



St John's Wort - linked with depression (anxious depression). This particular herb is often used in treating or adjunct therapy for depression and can help relieve the symptom of anxiety associated with depression. Please consult a doctor before taking St. John's Wort.

Again please feel free to leave questions or comments below. I will give updates as I continue on my herbalism journey!