Article

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