Herbs for Anxiety – Add a dose of tranquility to your life

You can feel calmer and more in control by using herbs for anxiety as part of your stress management anxiety reduction plan.

Anti anxiety herbs can help soothe panic attack symptoms, but please remember that herbal remedies for anxiety are always most effective when used along with stress reduction techniques.

Anxiety is a normal reaction of the body to stress. For some of us, however, our anxiety is more intense than normal. There are several methods of treating this, but if you want a method that is natural, consider taking herbs for anxiety.

Please note that I am not a doctor, nor an herbalist, nor any sort of physician. This information is provided from research and some from personal experience. I provide this information in the hope that you use it in the spirit of common sense. I hope it provides some help and relief for you.

St. Johns Wort has a long history of use. In Europe, physicians frequently prescribe it to treat anxiety and depression. In Germany, it is available by prescription only and prescribed more often than Prozac.

Tinctures can be taken three times a day at a dosage of 1-4mL. You can also make a calming infusion by pouring one cup of boiling water over a couple teaspoons of the dried herb and drinking three times daily. Some people prefer to take pills or tablets at a dosage of 300mg three times per day. For optimum results, make sure whatever form you choose is standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.

Chamomile is one of the more well-known herbs for anxiety. It has been used since the time of the Egyptians. In addition to treating anxiety, it can also help relieve the symptoms that come with it such as upset stomach and insomnia.

In capsules, the dosage is 400-1,600 mg in divided doses. A 15mL dose of tincture can be given three times per day. The most common use is tea. Pour one cup of boiling water over a half ounce of flowers and steep for up to 20 minutes.

Valerian is a popular sedative in Europe and other areas of the world. Both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long prescribed its use. Most people know it for its insomnia-treating powers, but its sedative effects are helpful in treating anxiety as well.

Because of its sedating effects, valerian is best used at bedtime. Depending on preference, you can take either a 300-500mg extract in capsule or tablet form, or 15mL of tincture.

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is also one of the effective herbs for anxiety. Stories of its use have been found in ancient Roman writings. It has also been used in Arabic cultures.

It is most commonly given as a tea as it has a nice flavor. To prepare the tea, pour one cup of boiling water over two tablespoons of the chopped herb. It can be drank as needed for anxiety. It is also available in powder form. Take 10-40 grains as needed.

The first documented reference of ginseng's use as a health enhancer dates back to the first century. The most common form is an extract standardized to contain 4-7% ginsenosides. Most people take 100-200mg per day. If using an herbal tincture, 2-3mL can be taken. Tea is sometimes used if dried root is available. It's generally recommended to take ginseng for three weeks followed by a one week rest.

In the Pacific Islands, kava kava is a celebrated herb. It even plays an important role in ceremonies. Unlike prescription tranquilizers, this herb is not addictive. The most common dosage is three 100mg pills, standardized to 70% kavalactones. In tinctures, 1-3mL daily is common while extracts are usually 140-210mg daily.

These are just a few of the herbs for anxiety available. With their help, you can put anxiety behind you and get back to your life.

Back to the Archive

Leave Herbs for Anxiety and return to Aura-Answers Homepage

What are you looking for?