Everyone suffers from occasional feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal human response to a stressful situation. You may feel tense, stressed out or have trouble sleeping. If these feelings don't pass after a short period of time, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorder include panic attacks, persistent worrying and obsessive thoughts. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain herbs can help to reduce anxiety, but you should always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, you should consult your physician or a licensed mental health professional.
Passionflower
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, passionflower has been traditionally used in the Americas and Europe to ease feelings of anxiety and tension. Scientists think that passionflower works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. You can use passionflower to treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. You can make a relaxing tea by using 1 teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water. You can also take 10-30 drops of passionflower extract 3 times per day.
Lavender
Because of its sedative effects, lavender essential oil is commonly used by aromatherapists to treat anxiety and promote relaxation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender oil is toxic if taken by mouth, so be sure to use it for topical or inhalation purposes only. You can burn the oil in an aromatherapy burner or use up to 10 drops in a warm bath to ease tension and anxiety. The herb can also be used to make a stress-relieving tea. You can use 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Drink 1 to 3 cups per day.
Valerian
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of of Dietary Supplements, valerian has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Valerian is commonly used to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation and sleep. It is generally combined with other herbs in many over-the-counter herbal sleep remedies.There is no scientific agreement as to how valerian actually works, but some scientists believe that, as with herbs like passionflower, it works to increase GABA levels in the brain. You can make an anxiety-relieving tea by using one teaspoon of the herb per cup of hot water. You can also take valerian in capsule form. Take 200 milligrams three to four times per day.
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