5 Favorite Herbs for Anxiety

This week has been stressful for a lot of folks, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite herbs to turn to when I’m feeling anxious. Herbal medicine is complex and support comes in so many forms, so if you’re curious about what might be good for your specific situation, hit up your local herbalist!

Passionflower is for when things feel like too much. Overload creates burnout and overwhelm, which induces isolation, which leads to further sensitivity and overload. When there’s a need for a hard reset, passionflower might be able to help. It’s specifically indicated for insomnia and issues related to long term stress and anxiety, helping to soothe that never ending negative feedback loop we can find ourselves in.

Tulsi, native to India, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 7,000 years. As an adaptogen, it helps to improve energy and promote endurance in a gentle and sustainable way. It can help normalize glucose levels, soothe digestive troubles, and calm the nervous system. Its super power is the ability to bring a sense of perspective to an otherwise hopeless feeling.

Lemon balm primarily acts on the nervous system to gently relax tension. When we’re wound up, tense, unable to focus, and nervous, it comes in to help. This plant brings a soft smile to those who are dealing with depression or anxiety inducing situations.

Milky oats, also known as oat tops, refer to the young seeds at the top of the plant. When squeezed, they release a milky latex that is the heart of their medicine. This ally is primarily indicated for folks who are burned out and mentally, physically exhausted. Milky oats is a soothing touch. They show us when we need to sooth our nervous system, stepping in to nurture us back to a place of centeredness.

Motherwort’s most known use is for stimulating the menstrual cycle. For those with amenorrhea or bad cramps, this plant can help relax the tissues and allow stagnant fluids to flow. But their relaxing qualities are also helpful with anxiety and tension. Motherwort helps us chill out, but shouldn’t be used if you have excessive bleeding.

Dive deeper into these plants, their healing potential, and symbolism with the Materia Medica Oracle Deck, a pocket-sized deck of 35 oracle cards designed to share the magic and medicine of these amazing plants. Now available for sale in the shop.