---

Advertisement

Herbs are an essential part of traditional forms of medicine dating back millennia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, for instance, has pages upon pages of medicinal species of plants for the treatment of all sorts of illnesses. In India, their traditional Ayurvedic medicine also places great emphasis on the use of healing herbs and medicinal substances found in nature to treat a host of maladies.

These ancient forms of medicine tell us that plants remained a go-to treatment for a reason, that reason being that plants are often just as, if not more, potent than medications and other artificial medicines.

Herbs and supplements for anxiety

Feeling on edge? Use these medicinal plants to help relieve anxiety:

Ashwagandha

The Withania somnifera plant or ashwagandha is a small shrub endemic to India and the Middle East. It is also called the Indian ginseng in other countries. Emerging research suggests that it helps reduce stress, treats insomnia and eases fatigue in depressed adults. It is often sold and consumed in tablet form as an herbal supplement.

Chamomile

Chamomile is often consumed as an herbal tea, and for good reason. This fragrant herb has soothing properties found to reduce stress and ease anxiety. Some people also like to take their chamomile in the form of tablets and topical creams for a more instantaneous effect. That said, chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some people, so be careful in using it.

Valerian

The Valeriana officinalis plant, or valerian, has been used for centuries to treat sleep problems and mood disorders like depression. Despite limited studies regarding its reported health benefits, traditional healers and proponents of natural medicines maintain that valerian does help promote a more peaceful and restful sleep.

Lavender

The fragrant purple blooms of the lavender plant contain high amounts of natural chemicals called terpenes. These chemicals are behind the plant’s natural calming and soothing effects on the brain. For this reason, lavender essential oils are often extracted and used for aromatherapeutic purposes.

Galphimia

In traditional Latin American medicine, galphimia (Galphimia glauca) has long been used to treat asthma and allergies. It is also used as a homeopathic treatment for mental disorders like depression. Galphimia, in particular, is thought to ease anxiety and help those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to cope better.

Passionflower

In modern medicine, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is used as a supplement for GAD. The calming effects of the herb has also made it a go-to treatment for those suffering from insomnia, seizures and nervous exhaustion.

Kava kava

The kava kava (Piper methysticum) is tropical crop found in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. It these islands, the kava kava has been used to ease stress and enhance mood. Emerging research also suggest that the plant can be used to treat GAD.

Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is a chemical found in the cannabis plant or hemp. Besides its natural analgesic properties, cannabidiol has also been found to possess calming effects on the brain. In fact, these effects are so strong that healthcare professionals recommend the use of medicinal marijuana to treat sleep problems and mental disorders like GAD.

Other supplements

Certain plant compounds and nutrients can also enhance an herb’s soothing properties and brain-boosting effects. These substances include select amino acids, magnesium, omega-3 and high doses of vitamin C.

Healing herbs have been used throughout time to deliver relief from both physical and mental ailments. Use the herbs on this list as needed, whether as a supplement, a cup of herbal tea or a fragrant essential oil.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov