Can You Use Herbal Remedies to Manage Anxiety? 6 Natural Treatment Options

Explore this Article

IN THIS ARTICLE

1What is the strongest herb for anxiety?

2Which herbal remedies help reduce anxiety and stress?

3Which herbs will help with anxiety before bed?

4Is kava good for anxiety?

5What vitamins help with anxiety?

6Will herbal supplements fix my anxiety?

+Show 3 more...

-Show less...

Other Sections

Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

It can be difficult to deal with anxiety, but there are actually a ton of things you can do to improve your overall mental health. While herbal supplements may not solve your anxiety on their own, they can definitely be a healthy addition to a treatment regimen for some people! Keep in mind, you must consult your doctor before you start taking a herbal supplement, even if it’s generally considered safe. Some remedies can interact with other medical conditions or medications, so check-in first just to make sure that it’s safe.

Steps

Question 1 of 6:

What is the strongest herb for anxiety?

1. 
   Ashwagandha is a strong contender for the best all-around option. Ashwagandha is an Asian herb that appears to be fairly helpful at managing symptoms of anxiety. Take up to 300 mg twice a day to see if it puts a dent in any anxious symptoms you experience. It may take up to 4-6 weeks for your body to get used to the ashwagandha before you experience any positive effects.

   • Out of all the herbs that have been suggested to help with anxiety, ashwagandha is one of the most thoroughly proven options. The positive effects have been replicated multiple times in studies.
   • Side effects of ashwagandha appear to be basically nonexistent. There have been rare cases of people experiencing liver damage by taking products that were contaminated unlisted ingredients, though. Be sure to buy your ashwagandha from a reputable company where ashwagandha is the only listed ingredient.
   Advertisement

Question 2 of 6:

Which herbal remedies help reduce anxiety and stress?

1. 
   1
   Rhodiola is a solid choice if you want to feel more alert and calm. Also known as “arctic root,” rhodiola appears to effective at soothing anxious feelings while giving you an energy boost. Start off by taking 100 mg once a day in the morning to see if your anxiety cools off a bit. It may take a few weeks for the rhodiola to kick in.

   • There’s some minor evidence that rhodiola can help to prevent cancer and slow down the effects of aging as well. Athletes are fond of this one also because it looks like it may improve your hand-eye coordination.
   • Potential side effects include irritability and insomnia. If you experience any chest pain, see a doctor immediately. Some people are allergic to this herb.
2. 
   2
   Lavender may be a promising option for anxiety and stress. Lavender capsules may be an effective way to smooth out any stress and anxiety you’re experiencing. However, there is some evidence that the impact isn’t going to be especially dramatic. Try taking 160 mg of lavender a day to see if you notice a decline in your anxiety levels. If it works, great! If not, you can try something else.

   • Common side effects include constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Stop taking the lavender and contact your doctor if you experience severe drowsiness or you have any chest pain.
   • Only take lavender capsules—don’t ingest any lavender essential oil. You can definitely use lavender essential oil to reduce anxiety with aromatherapy, though!
   • Some people find that lavender makes them kind of sleepy. If you feel the urge to nap during the day when you’re taking lavender, try taking it at night.
3. 
   3
   Passion flower may be a good option but it’s not well-studied. Passion flower is an increasingly popular option for anxiety, and there’s some evidence that it will help curb your symptoms. Unlike other herbal supplements, passion flower is likely best used as an occasional premedication—not a daily supplement. Try taking a small dose whenever you know you’re going to be in a situation where your anxiety may be high. It doesn’t have the proven track record the way some other herbs do, but it may help!

   • Passion flower’s side effects aren’t considered especially strong in low doses. However, some people experience drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. If you don’t like the way passion flower makes you feel, stop taking it.
   Advertisement

Question 3 of 6:

Which herbs will help with anxiety before bed?

1. 
   1
   Valerian is a good choice because it helps you relax. Valerian appears to be a great option if you want to soothe anxiety, relax, and fall asleep more easily. If you want to take valerian supplements, you can take 400-600 mg a day, but many people prefer to mix actual valerian root into their tea, which is fine as well. Valerian appears to be most effective when you consume it every day for at least 2 weeks.

   • Valerian is generally considered safe. You may experience a headache, dizziness, or stomach discomfort, though. In some cases, valerian may actually keep you up at night.
2. 
   2
   Chamomile is a great way to destress and curb anxiety. Chamomile appears to have a soothing effect for most people. You can consume 500-1,500 mg a day, although many people get enough relief from a nightly cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is generally considered safe, and there aren’t any common side effects when you aren’t applying chamomile to your skin.

   • A lot of people find the scent of chamomile to be especially calming as well. If you just want a way to unwind, putting some chamomile oil into a diffuser with water is a great way to get the benefits.
   Advertisement

Question 4 of 6:

Is kava good for anxiety?

1. 
   It will curb anxiety, but it’s dangerous and not a good option. Kava does appear to be successful at treating anxiety, and many people swear by it as a miracle cure. Unfortunately, kava is extremely unhealthy for your liver, and even occasional drinkers may end up needing a liver transplant due to its toxicity. It can also be addictive for some people, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you take kava regularly and then stop.

   • There are so many herbal supplements out there that may be able to help. All things considered, there’s really no good reason to try kava—even if it may curb some symptoms of anxiety.

Question 5 of 6:

What vitamins help with anxiety?

1. 
   Vitamin B supplements may be potentially beneficial. There does appear to be some kind of relationship between vitamin B and mood regulation. If you’re anxious and you aren’t living a healthy lifestyle where you get enough of you daily vitamins, then you may benefit from a vitamin B supplement. However, it’s best to see a doctor to get a blood test before you start taking vitamins, since getting too much vitamin B may lead to some unpleasant side effects.

   • Most people get enough vitamin B from their food. You should aim to get 2-3 micrograms every day. If you aren’t eating a healthy diet, vitamin B might be right for you.
   • Taking too much vitamin B may lead to a headache, nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue.
   Advertisement

Question 6 of 6:

Will herbal supplements fix my anxiety?

1. 
   No, although they may help you manage some symptoms. Certain herbal supplements may seriously help, but they probably aren’t going to be the best long-term solution for your anxiety. If you want to treat your anxiety, see a medical health professional. For some people, medications may dramatically help. Improving your sleep, getting exercise and eating a healthy diet are all going to seriously improve anxiety as well.

   • Therapy really is a great way to learn how to cope with anxiety. It may feel hopeless or embarrassing to go see a therapist to talk about the way you feel, but you have nothing to feel bad about and help is out there!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  How can I instantly reduce anxiety?

  

  Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
  Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist

  Tracy Zollinger (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Founder of Island Acupuncture in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience, Tracy specializes in a holistic approach to reproductive health, fertility, and pre and post-natal care. Tracy creates comprehensive treatment plans using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and western labs. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is board certified in integrative reproductive medicine, with a focus on LGBTQIA specific needs.

  

  Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM

  Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist

  Expert Answer

  Many people find that they feel more relaxed if they drink tea made from the herb holy basil, also known as tulsi. However, it may decrease fertility, so don't drink it if you're trying to conceive.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

  YesNo

  Not Helpful 0Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Warnings

• Do not take any of these herbal supplements without talking to a doctor. This is especially important if you have high or low blood pressure, you’re pregnant, or you’re breastfeeding.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0
• Herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration the same way normal medications are. This is why it’s so important to only buy supplements from reputable companies with positive reviews, who list all of their ingredients on the label.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

Advertisement