4 Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Over half of all Americans experience stress on a daily basis and almost 20% have clinically diagnosable anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, most popular anxiety medications produce a wide range of unpleasant side effects and combined with the negative stigma surrounding mental health disorders, this can cause many people to go without the relief they need.

Thankfully, though, there are effective alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions. They include therapy, behavioral conditioning, and herbal treatments. Read on to find out about four of the most popular alternative remedies for anxiety.

CBD Oil

Since its full legalization in 2018, hemp-based CBD has been growing in popularity as an alternative to conventional anxiety treatment. One 2019 study in Japan showed that teenagers with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) got just as much relief from CBD as Paroxetine, one of the most popular anti-anxiety pharmaceutical drugs. Although research into the effectiveness of CBD in American consumers has been limited, more studies are being published every year showing that it can be effective at treating anxiety.

CBD can be ingested orally as a tincture or an edible, sublingually as a tincture, or via smoke inhalation but most people who use it for anxiety choose supplements that contain CBD oil. One of the best things about taking supplements is that CBD can be combined with other beneficial natural herbs. Those interested in herbal anxiety supplements can learn more at oliversharvest.com.

Valerian Root

Valerian root has a long and storied history as an effective herbal remedy for anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, and stress that dates all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome. Today, it’s included in most effective herbal supplements that target stress. Modern researchers believe that it works by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in consumers’ brains, contributing to a sense of overall calm.

Many common prescription medications, including Xanax and Valium, function using the same mechanisms. Unlike these prescription drugs, Valerian root does not pose any substantial risk of dependency. While small amounts of Valerian root are considered generally safe for consumption, it should not be combined with alcohol or some prescription drugs so it’s a good idea to consult a physician before starting to take Valerian supplements.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has been shown to reduce some specific anxiety symptoms, including nervousness and excitability. This member of the mint family has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress, promote sleep, and ease indigestion. Most clinical studies of lemon balm have examined its use in combination with other stress-relieving herbs so it is not clear whether lemon balm used by itself is an effective treatment for anxiety.

Passion Flower

Passionflowers as a species are beautiful in their own right but one variety, Passiflora incarnata, may also be able to help with anxiety. Like Valerian root, passionflower contains GABA. Multiple animal studies have found that passionflower has anxiety-reducing effects similar to those of anti-anxiety medications, while other studies point to additional benefits such as improved sleep, reduction of menopause symptoms, anti-inflammatory effects, and more.

The Bottom Line

Anxiety is a common mood disorder that impacts millions of Americans’ lives, but herbal remedies can help most people reduce their symptoms without the need for prescription drugs. Herbal remedies aren’t just for those with diagnosed anxiety disorders, either. They’re also great for promoting calmness in people just dealing with ordinary, run-of-the-mill daily stress.