Anxiety is extreme stress, sometimes panic. It can cause
symptoms such as shortness of breath along with feelings of
doom. You can experience anxiety when your body reacts to
signals it thinks are threats. Your heart rate goes up and you
start to sweat.

Other causes of anxiety can be classified as phobias, such as
fear of flying or fear of heights. Herbs can be an easy way to
help ease anxiety naturally. If you are taking anti-depressant
drugs, however, do not try to substitute herbal remedies. Talk
to your doctor before taking herbal remedies.

When treating anxiety, start with the mildest remedy in the
mildest dosage and go from there. Many of the herbs used to
treat anxiety are safely compatible.

Oats

Oat seeds are calming and soothing and are helpful for those
suffering from daily stress or who feels frayed. Tea is the
common method of taking oats. Steep 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds
in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. You can drink a cup of
tea every two hours as needed. Tincture is also available and
you can take up to 3 teaspoons every two hours. Oats are also
available as capsules.

Chamomile

Used often as tea, chamomile has a very soothing and calming
effect on you. It helps relax the muscles and also helps ease a
tense stomach. Drink one cup of tea every two hours or up to 3
teaspoons of tincture every two hours. Chamomile is readily
available as tea at most supermarkets, but it's a good idea to
keep some on hand.

Linden

Linden gently relaxes and eases muscle tension, and is also
used as a remedy for high blood pressure. Linden also makes a
good all-around remedy for helping keep the cardiovascular
system functioning well. It is most often used in tea, and you
should drink one cup of tea every two hours as needed. Tincture
is also available as well as capsules.

Vervain

Vervain is an herb that soothes and calms the nervous system as
well as helps with depression. Often found as a tea, drink one
cup of tea every two hours. It is also available as a tincture
and in capsules.

Motherwort

This old-time remedy is useful for the cardiovascular system in
general. It can help calm nerves and aids in soothing anxiety
that can cause a rapid heart rate. Drink one cup of Motherwort
tea every two hours. It is also available as a tincture and as
capsules. Consult your doctor before taking Motherwort if you
are currently taking any cardiac drugs.

Lavender

Lavender is relaxing and uplifting. It is fragrant and offers
relief for anxiety and depression. Lavender essential oil is
used diluted in bath water or can be inhaled. To use in a bath,
add 10 to 12 drops to a full tub. You can also dilute it with
oil to use as massage oil. It should not be taken internally.

St. John's Wort

Commonly used to treat depression, St. John's Wort is an
overall health booster that helps the nervous system. As a
tonic, take up to 3 teaspoons every two hours. It is also
available in capsule form.

Skullcap

Used for anxiety and hormonal mood swings, skullcap is relaxing
to the nervous system. It can be taken as a tea, a tincture or
in capsule form. To make tea, steep one or two teaspoons of
dried herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink one cup
of hot tea every two hours as needed.

Kava-Kava

This is an anti-anxiety herb that originated in the South
Pacific islands. It works similarly to Valium, working with the
part of the brain that controls the nervous system and emotions.
It does not cause addiction nor does the body build up a
tolerance to it. It also doesn't impair thinking the way drugs
may. In fact, in studies it was shown to improve brain function
and memory. It is a good solution to treat anxiety on a
short-term basis. The standard form is in capsules. Do not take
with alcohol.

Valerian

Valerian is considered a strong anti-anxiety herb. Similar to
Valium, it works with the central nervous system; however it
does not cause dependence. It is also used to improve sleep as
well as a muscle relaxant. It is taken in capsule form. Note – a
small percentage of users indicate an increase in anxiety when
taking this herb. If that happens, discontinue use.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a strong herb used primarily for calming and
treating insomnia. It can also be used to help calm daytime
anxiety. It is most commonly used as a tea. To make the tea,
steep one to two teaspoons of dried herbs in a cup of hot water
for 10 minutes. Drink one cup every two hours.

Siberian Ginseng

This herb helps restore adrenal glands that are overstressed.
It is a good choice for those who are chronically overstressed,
and is taken as a tonic. It has a cumulative effect, meaning
that it may take several weeks or even months to see results
from taking the tonic.