Herbs to Ease Anxiety

Nature’s remedies for a calmer mind and spirit

Anxiety is something most of us know too well and is ever increasing in today's society. 

The tight chest, restless nights, or and the racing that your mind can do - despite you wrestling for it to settle. 

While modern life tends to magnify these feelings, herbal traditions have long offered natural ways to bring balance back into our bodies and minds.

The beauty of working with herbs is that they don’t just mask symptoms — many nourish the nervous system, support hormonal balance, and encourage the body to remember its natural rhythm of calm.

Here are five herbs I return to again and again when the world feels heavy or my mind has a mind of its own:

Milky Oats - Nourishing for the Nervous System

Milky oats (the fresh, unripe tops of the oat plant) are considered one of the most restorative remedies for frazzled nerves. Herbalists often call them a “trophorestorative” — meaning they slowly rebuild strength and resilience in the nervous system over time.

• How to Use: Steep in hot water for a soothing tea, or soak ground oats into a warm bath to calm both skin and spirit.
  

• Why it Helps: Unlike quick fixes, milky oats nourish from within, helping create steadier moods and emotional resilience.

Chamomile - Calming & Gentle

Chamomile has been used for centuries to quiet the body and mind. Its tiny daisy-like blossoms contain natural compounds that ease muscle tension and support restful sleep.

• How to Use: Sip chamomile tea in the evening, or use an essential oil roll-on to ease anxiety during the day.

  
  

• Why it Helps: Chamomile works directly on the nervous system, making it one of the gentlest and most reliable herbs for stress relief.

Passionflower – Quieting a Restless Mind

Passionflower is a unique climbing vine with special purple and white blossoms, traditionally used by Indigenous communities throughout America. It’s particularly loved for calming recurring thoughts — the kind that like to spiral in loops when you’re trying to fall asleep.

• How to Use: Take as a tincture before bed, or steep as tea in the evening.

  
  

• Why it Helps: Passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain, helping slow racing thoughts and prepare the body for deep rest.

Ashwagandha – Balancing Stress Hormones

An ancient Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha is best known as an adaptogen — a plant that helps the body adapt to stress. It works on a deeper level than many calming herbs by helping regulate cortisol, the hormone linked to stress.

• How to Use: Mix powdered ashwagandha into warm milk or tea, or take as a capsule daily.

  
  

• Why it Helps: Regular use supports better energy during the day and calmer sleep at night.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Emotional Resilience

In India, tulsi is revered as “the incomparable one,” often grown in courtyards as a sacred plant. Beyond its spiritual importance, tulsi is beloved for its ability to uplift the mood and ease emotional heaviness.

• How to Use: Steep fresh or dried leaves into tea. Tulsi blends beautifully with ginger or mint.

  
  

• Why it Helps: Tulsi works gently on the stress response while lifting the spirit, making it a true ally for emotional balance.

Bringing Herbs Into Daily Life

While each herb has its unique gifts, the real magic comes from weaving them into your daily life:

• A warm tulsi tea in the morning instead of coffee.

  
  

• Chamomile tea or essential oil before bed.

  
  

• A nourishing oat bath when the day feels overwhelming.

  
  

• Ashwagandha in your nightly latte to restore balance over time.

Herbal support works best when paired with simple but powerful lifestyle choices — quality sleep, daily movement, and moments of stillness. These practices, together with herbs, create a foundation for a calmer, more resilient life.

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A Necessary Note

Herbs are not a replacement for professional care. If anxiety is disrupting your daily life, please reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. These plants can be beautiful companions on your journey, but they work best as part of a holistic approach.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your routine, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Sources

Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press. 

➤ Explains how ashwagandha and tulsi support the body’s stress response and resilience.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press. 

➤ Details the actions of chamomile, passionflower, and milky oats in calming the nervous system.

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier. 

➤ Outlines clinical applications and safety considerations for herbal treatments related to stress and anxiety.

American Botanical Council. (n.d.). HerbalGram Online. Retrieved 2025

➤ Provides research summaries and traditional uses of key medicinal herbs.