10 Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Including calming balms and soothing infusions.
Anxiety is a general feeling of unease, often without a specific cause. Left to become a chronic problem, anxiety can affect both mental and physical health and wellbeing. Our book Neal's Yard Remedies Complete Wellness includes a number of natural anxiety treatments featuring soothing vitamins, herbs and essential oils. Discover 10 helpful home remedies below, each designed to ease anxiety symptoms.
Herbs
Relaxing and strengthening tonic herbs can be used to nourish the mind and can also help to release irrational fears. These actions are supported by antispasmodic herbs, to help calm the nerves.
Lemon balm infusion
Lemon balm induces a relaxed state of mind, easing tension and lifting the spirits. Avoid with hypothyroidism.
Method: Infuse 1–2 tsp dried lemon balm in 175ml (6fl oz) boiling water and drink 3 times daily.
Skullcap infusion
Skullcap is powerfully relaxing and nourishes the central nervous system, helping to ease feelings of anxiety and allay fears. Lemon balm and skullcap partner well in a calming infusion.
Method: Infuse 1–2 tsp dried skullcap in 175ml (6fl oz) boiling water and drink 3 times daily.
Wood betony infusion
Wood betony soothes, restores, and strengthens nerves, releasing tension.
Method: Add 1–2ml tincture to a lemon balm or skullcap infusion 3 times daily.
Essential oils
Essential oils can be used to help steady breathing and calm the stress response, relieving anxiety.
Frankincense
Frankincense calms the mind and deepens breathing.
Method: Add 3 drops to a diffuser.
Lemon balm with oil
Lemon balm reduces anxiety and panic.
Method: Add 5 drops to 10ml almond oil for a soothing massage oil.
Mandarin
Mandarin is relaxing and calming.
Method: Add 5 drops to 10ml apricot oil for a massage, or add 1 tsp to a bath dispersant for a bedtime bath.
Food
Magnesium-rich foods and those containing the amino acids gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tryptophan, and l-theanine calm nerves. Neurotransmitters are made in the gut so fermented foods support the nervous system by promoting gut health.
Natural yogurt
Natural yogurt feeds good gut bacteria to restore balance to the gut.
Method: Add to fruits, cereals, and meals.
Kimchi
Kimchi, a traditionally fermented spicy side dish, contains probiotics that produce the nerve-calming neurotransmitter, GABA.
Method: Enjoy as a side dish or use as a condiment.
Oolong tea
Oolong tea has high levels of GABA.
Method: Swap coffee for a daily cup of this.
Almonds and cashews
Almonds and cashews have calming magnesium and the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted to mood-regulating serotonin in the body.
Method: Eat as nut butters or add to salads and stir-fries