For most people, contemporary medication is always a better option.

But others, though, may ask themselves if there are natural herbal remedies such as herbs for anxiety.

If you've been asking yourself that question, I can gladly tell you that there are herbs for anxiety.

Herbs are well known for being significantly less toxic and safer than synthetic treatments since there is minimal risk of experiencing side effects when using herbs than there is when using synthetic medicines.

We will learn about five herbal medicines that can help relieve anxiety in this article.

Lavender

Lavender gets its name from the Latin word "Lavare," which means "to wash," because its petals were used to perform water baths for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Recent scientific discoveries show that it is one of the most efficient natural herbs for anxiety treatment. Its Violet flowers and green leaves are edible and minty, but slightly bitter flavor. 

How to Use:

The lavender plant can be processed into a liquid form called "Lavender oil". Aromatherapy is the most effective way to use lavender oil.

Inhale the calming aroma for at least 10 minutes after adding 2 to 5 drops of the essential oil to a cup of hot water or an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser.

The scent of lavender oil acts as a sedative affecting the chamber of the brain that controls anxiety and depression. That is why it is one of the best herbs for anxiety.

Apply Lavender oil combined with a few drops of almond oil while massaging pulse spots on the body. Lavender tea is created by soaking 1 to 2 teabags with dried lavender leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and then drinking it.

Use only a few drops of liquid extract per day, as taking too much is not recommended. Check for proper dosage with your doctor. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a non-toxic herb that helps to relieve stress. However, recent research suggests that it may also be one of the finest herbs for anxiety. They provide the most benefits when consumed as teas or supplements.

According to a recent study, 90% of men and women who had doubts before drinking Ashwagandha tea felt less tense and anxious afterward.

How to Use:

You can take Ashwagandha in the form of a capsule, powder, or liquid supplement. Just like most herbs for anxiety treatments. Because there is no standard dosage for the plant, ensure to get counsel from a herbal consultant before using it.  

Lemon Balm

The plentiful nature of the lemon balm herb allows it to grow nearly anywhere. It is one of the easiest to find herbs for anxiety. You can produce supplements with the leaves of lemon balm plants.

Lemon balm is generally well-tolerated and safe for short-term usage, but overuse can lead to adverse side effects.

To investigate the effects of lemon balm, they conducted a 15-day trial and gave the liquid extract to those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety.

70% of the patients said they felt less anxious in situations when they had previously felt anxious.

How to Use: 

The lemon balm leaves can be steeped in water and then consumed. Oral capsules and tablets are available in dosages ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg. Ingestion of doses within this range is deemed safe.  

Hops

This name may sound familiar to you because it is a crucial component in brewing beer. Hops are still being researched as a potential of being one of the herbs for anxiety.

Hops supplements taken regularly can help with stress, anxiety, and depression. They may be more helpful herbs for anxiety treatment when coupled with Valerian.

Thirty-six young adults with mild depression received 400 milligrams of Melcalin hops, whereas the other twenty received 400 milligrams of placebo. All of this happened over four weeks.

When compared to the placebo group, those who took hops had lower levels of anxiety, despair, and stress.

How to Use:

Hops are consumed by steeping them in tea. Allow the flavor to pervade the cup of boiling water before sipping it like regular tea.  

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort has long been used to aid in the treatment and decrease of various mental diseases, particularly anxiety and depression.

When taken orally, it stimulates the brain's neurotransmitters, creating serotonin and dopamine; The body lacking these two substances can result in mood disorders. 

How to Use: 

Unlike most herbs used to treat anxiety, ST Jonn's wort is recommended that you obtain medical advice before its usage as it is normally purchased as an OTC (over-the-counter) medication  

Conclusion

Herbs for anxiety, like other herbal treatments, aren't regulated or reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always remember to read the label directions before using and only use the recommended dosage.

Over the last two decades, both industrialized and developing countries have increased their research efforts to scientifically analyze and validate herbal medications through clinical trials.

Traditional medicine is not only used in developing nations; public interest in natural remedies has grown dramatically in developed countries over the last two decades.

Finally, never hesitate to do your homework on the product you want to buy and the company from which you'll be buying it.

Resources 

Amidor, T. (2019). Herb of the Month: Lavender. Available from: https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/in-season/2012/06/herb-of-the-month-lavender

Guthrie, C. (2020). 5 Herbs for Anxiety. Available from: https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/5-herbs-for-anxiety/

Lockett, E. (2021). 8 Research-Backed Herbs to Try for Anxiety. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/herbs-for-anxiety

Prakash, P. (2017). 6 Natural Herbs for Anxiety to Calm You Down. Available from: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/6-natural-herbs-for-anxiety-to-calm-you-down-1674389

Richards, L. (2020). 9 herbs for anxiety. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/herbs-for-anxiety