Now, alot of people have various forms of anxiety, and sometimes people self-treat this with drugs. In addition, sometimes anxiety can be associated with use of stimulants and psychedelics, so I thought it would be highly useful to make a guide to various herbs and supplements for anxiety. Whether you’ve ongoing problems, or simply want something around for occasional releif of stress and tension, there are some okay options available.
I always like to deal with the nutritional aspect first. Step one, reduce caffeine/stimulants! 5-htp is regarded as useful for long term anxiety and panick attacks, although its usually used for depression, if you’ve ongoing issues, this might be a place to start. L-theanine, which is found in tea is an amino acid which many report to be useful for ongoing anxiety issues as a daily supplement. If I had ongoing issues, Id definitely have l-theanine in the mix. Gaba is sometimes taken for anxiety, but very few people get anything from it. B vitamins are also good for recovering from stress. Fish oils are usually considered mood stabilizing as well.
Next up theres a fairly diverse range of sedatives, as well as adaptogens, and non sedating anti-anxiety agents. Lets start with the most common for anxiety. Chamomile and lemon balm are common soothing teas. I find chamomile effective myself, but very weak, so sorta okay for occasional stress. California poppy is the old mainstay of western herbalism. Its effective, better than chamomile, but still very weak IMO.
Hops, valerian, skullcap & passionflower are a little stronger and can be a little sedating. Very popular these days, many people say kava can be useful for mild ongoing anxiety, as well, but there are some concerns about effects on the body with regular use. These last herbs will all have somewhat notable effects, but are still fairly mild. And they can make you quite sleepy too.
And, less common, some of the heavier weights: Mulungu & Corydalis. Mulungu is said to be effective enough to be a substitute for low dose anti-anxiety meds - at least in terms of de-stressing effects and aiding sleep. Corydalis, is an effective anti-anxiety, anti-pain and sedative plant from Chinese medicine. Don’t use corydalis if your liver or kidney problems.
On the non-sedative front, one has a number more options. Adaptogens like Rhodiola rosea are energizing and yet anti-anxiety, mood stabilizing. Kanna, an African Entheogen, is useful for depression and anxiety and yet is mildly stimulating if anything. Its a very instant effect kanna, the mood balancing, which can be useful. Brahmi, is an adaptogen and nootropic (memory enhancing), yet is overall calming.
Albizia julibrissin is a little known Chinese anti-depressant and anti-anxiety agent. Although its effects arent super potent (it does work, for ongoing anxiety IMO, I think its a good effect myself, clear-headed and calm), it is 100% sedation free and helps both mood and calmness. Both Brahmi and Albizzia are proven to have “Serenic” effects, or in other words to activate the 5-ht1a neurotransmitter, which is a non-sedating route to anti-depression and anti-anxiety effects. And if you’ve ongoing anxiety, it can help to have things which aren’t sedating, like all these options.
Lastly, and most importantly, lifestyle. Get proper regular sleep, eat well. Learn to relax: exercise, tai chi and meditation all help fight anxiety. These cant be understated here either, exercise and relaxation techniques have proven effects on anxiety. And if its ongoing or in any way serious, please talk to your doctor about it!
