Addressing anxiety with aromatic herbs

Anxiety can wreak havoc when we're least expecting it.

At work, in our relationships, when we're just out doing our grocery shop - and the results can be very distressing. As many of us know all too well, being under such high amounts of stress, having to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, our tolerance for those "little things" that usually wouldn't bother us is at an all-time low.

We just might not have that baseline of emotional stability or groundedness that usually whispers in our ear "I’ve got your back" and helps us to move past all the minor stressors and challenges in our day. Or perhaps we're just feeling totally burned out and overwhelmed!

With this in mind, I've put together some of my top herbal go-tos which have helped me enormously throughout various bouts of anxiety and depression throughout my life so far. I've tried to include those which can be sourced easily and reasonably cheaply to soothe your nervous system and digestive tract, both of which are highly implicated in the nervous system's response to anxiety. The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for our “fight or flight” reactions is linked with anxiety. The parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated by things like mindful, deep breathing and by our herb allies, too.

Many of these herbs can be taken as a gentle infusion (herbal tea), which in and of itself makes a lovely morning or evening ritual and is very grounding. Others can be diffused as essential oils or added to pillow sprays. I hope you enjoy them, and please do contact me if you would like to know about some good-quality, organic and reasonably-priced suppliers.

First up, we have…

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita

It has a wonderful way of settling the digestive system as well as calming the nerves. slightly bitter and astringent, it works on helping soothe any gut irritation which is often associated with anxiety.

Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata

is another favourite of mine. A gentle nervine, it goes well in a bedtime blend with chamomile. Hoffman states "...it aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover". I'll drink to that!

Oats, Including Oat straw tea, Avena sativa

These beauties are nourishing as well as grounding and calming, especially in times of exhaustion and burn out, as they "feed" the body as well and are considered extremely restorative. A small bowl of very (non-dairy) milky porridge an hour or so before bed can work wonders.

Valerian, Valeriana officinalis

This plant is a sedative. Use some of the root in a tea blend to help with insomnia. I find it has a strong, earthy rooty smell, and it is possible to develop a tolerance so use it sparingly. A brilliant anti-spasmodic, too.

Lavender, Lavandula officinalis

I normally diffuse the essential oil in my room or or use a Lavender hydrosol (aromatic water) as a pillow spray since in a tea, it can be very bitter. It's sedative and anti-inflammatory so if you do take the flowers as a tea, it will soothe you ready for sleep and help with an irritated or churny tummy.

Melissa, Melissa officinalis

I think this herb is the best all-rounder for anxiety full stop. Its light and lemony scent is so good for pepping you up before work or study, but equally it's fine to take at bedtime - it won't make you sleepy, but it is very calming and head-clearing. This might blend nicely with passionflower and chamomile in an infusion.

Hops, Humulus lupulus

Famous for flavouring beer, hops have a lovely almost fruity smell, and a light and quenching taste. They are sedative and I find they blend well with oat straw in a tea. Hang a nice bunch above the bed or diffuse the essential oil half an hour or so before bedtime.

If you're interested in learning which herbs and oils would be best for addressing your specific needs, get in touch for a free 10 minute consultation. We'll discuss what's troubling you and I can prepare a bespoke ointment, inhaler or another suitable product just for you.