What Are the Best Herbs for Stress and Anxiety Relief?

Stress and anxiety are a part of life for so many of us these days, and it’s no wonder we’re always on the lookout for ways to feel calmer and more balanced. While modern medicine has its place, I’ve always been drawn to natural remedies, when it comes to coping with stress and anxiety.

As a herbalist, there are four herbs I turn to time and time again when it comes to easing stress and anxiety: lemon balm, ashwagandha, valerian, and skullcap. Each of these has something special to offer, and they can make a real difference when life feels overwhelming.

Let’s dive into how these herbal allies can bring a sense of calm and ease to your mind and body.

Lemon balm - (Melissa officinalis)

This is a gentle yet effective herb for easing mild anxiety and promoting relaxation. Its calming properties stem from its ability to support the nervous system, helping to reduce feelings of restlessness or irritability.

Lemon balm is versatile and works beautifully as a tea or tincture. Enjoy a cup in the evening to unwind or add it to your daily routine for ongoing support.

Ashwagandha - (Withania somnifera)

This is a well-known adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. This also has hypotensive properties, thus could be appropriate for those who are highly stressed with hypertension. It's particularly effective for chronic stress, as it supports adrenal health and helps regulate cortisol levels.

Ashwagandha is best taken as a tincture or in capsule form. It works cumulatively, so consistent use over weeks yields the best results.

Valerian - (Valeriana officinalis)

This is known for its sedative properties, making it an excellent choice for stress and anxiety that disrupt sleep. While it’s primarily known as a sleep aid, it also has calming effects on the nervous system during the day. It can ease muscle tension, reduce palpitations, and can be used for any kind of muscular spasm induced by stress such as in IBS.

Valerian is best used as a tincture or in capsule form. Due to its strong taste, many people prefer capsules.

Skullcap - (Scutellaria Lateriflora)

Skullcap is a lesser-known but incredibly effective herb for anxiety and nervous tension. It works as a nervine, calming the mind and body. It is mainly used for stress, anxiety, fear, depression, burnout, insomnia, restlessness, and depression. It can be used for anxiety in PMS. This is also used as anodyne in headaches and neuralgia.

Often used as a tincture, skullcap pairs well with other calming herbs like melissa or valerian for a synergistic effect.

Note: Dont confuse this for Scutellaria baicalensis - Chinese Skullcap - which is used mostly for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic actions.

Safety and Precautions

While these herbs are natural, they are also powerful and should be used mindfully:

• Always consult with a qualified herbalist if you’re taking medications, are pregnant, or have underlying health conditions.

• Start with a low dose to see how your body responds.

• Opt for high-quality products from reputable sources for the best results.