Looking for the best herbal remedy for stress and anxiety?
You’re not alone.
But when it comes to finding herbs for stress and anxiety, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Everyone’s body and mind respond differently to herbs, so it’s important to experiment with different herbs and dosages to find what works best for you.
That said, there are some tried-and-tested herbs that are widely known for their calming properties, and these are a great place to start.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, German chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile, Roman chamomile) is easily one of the best herbal remedies for stress and anxiety.
Origins of chamomile:
With its cheerful, daisy-like flowers, chamomile likely originated in southern and eastern Europe.
It grows well across temperate regions, including the UK, where it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.
Chamomile was first recorded as a healing herb in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus around 1550 BCE, but has been used since at least Neolithic times1.
Chamomile is best for:
General stress, sleeplessness, and digestive tension.
It’s gentle enough for daily use but powerful enough to relax tense muscles and calm a racing mind.
How to use chamomile:
Steep 2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup in freshly boiled water for 10-20 minutes.
Keep a lid on the teapot or put a saucer over the cup to prevent the volatile oils from escaping.
Inhale them deeply once it’s time to drink your tea, they are part of the medicine 😊
Drink several cups throughout the day to prevent stress build-up.
Try a chamomile tincture in the evening.
Experiment with the dosage to see what works for you.
How chamomile works:
Chamomile is a star among herbs for relaxation and stress.
It’s one of the most widely used natural anxiety medications for adults.
Chamomile contains a compound called apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, helping to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety2.
Although its effects are milder than prescription medications, apigenin makes chamomile a gentle, natural alternative for stress and anxiety relief.
Safety and side effects of chamomile:
Chamomile is not addictive and is a safe herb for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Taking too much can cause mild side effects like drowsiness and nausea. If you experience this, simply adjust the dose you are taking.
If I have one cup too many of chamomile tea, I’ve found that getting some morning exercise or having a cold shower can negate the effects of a “chamomile hangover”.
Rarely, people allergic to ragweed or related plants may react to chamomile with irritation or allergy symptoms.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is deeply soothing and lifts the mood, making it a strong contender for the best herbal remedy for anxiety and depression.
Origins of lemon balm:
Lemon balm, with its refreshing lemon scent and soft green leaves, is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
It grows well in temperate climates, including the UK, where it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and is a favourite in herb gardens.
As a mint family member, it’s really easy to grow, even for beginners.
Historically, lemon balm was first documented in ancient Greece3 by the physician Dioscorides in the 1st century CE, who praised its calming and restorative effects on the nervous system.
Its name, “Melissa,” comes from the Greek word for “honeybee,” as the plant is very popular with these busy little pollinators.
Lemon balm is best for:
Lemon balm is fantastic for managing anxiety, restlessness, and mild depression.
It’s known to lift the mood while calming the nervous system, making it ideal for when you’re feeling overwhelmed or mentally fogged.
It also works wonders for digestive tension and can soothe an upset stomach, particularly when anxiety is affecting your gut.
How to use lemon balm:
Steep 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 10–20 minutes.
As the oils are volatile, be sure to cover the cup to preserve them.
Drink it during the day, especially if you’re feeling stressed or agitated.
Lemon balm can also be used as a tincture.
I like to take a teaspoon of tincture mixed with water in the evening to help with mild insomnia or stress at night. It’s also a perfect pick-me-up during an afternoon slump.
As with all herbs, you may wish to start with a small amount (10–20 drops) and gradually increase the dosage to see how your body responds.
How lemon balm works:
Lemon balm stands out among calming herbs for stress, and it’s one of the gentlest yet most effective herbs for anxiety and depression.
Lemon balm contains compounds like rosmarinic acid4, which has been shown to enhance the body’s natural ability to cope with stress by soothing the central nervous system.
Its calming effect on the mind helps alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, while its mild sedative properties can ease tension and improve sleep quality.
Safety and side effects of lemon balm:
Lemon balm is non-addictive and safe for most people, including children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.
However, like any herb, it’s essential to adjust the dosage if you experience any mild side effects such as drowsiness or stomach upset.
Rarely, lemon balm can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
(I hope you are enjoying this post on the Best Herbal Remedy for Stress and Anxiety. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or would like to request a post on a certain topic 🥰)
3. Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender) is one of the most popular herbs for stress and anxiety.
Origins of lavender:
Lavender, with its unmistakable fragrance and striking purple blooms, is native to the Mediterranean but grows beautifully across temperate regions, including much of the UK.
It thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and is a familiar sight in herb gardens everywhere.
There are over 45 known species of lavender, but 2 of the most commonly used for calming and medicinal purposes are Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin).
Lavender’s use as a calming herb dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was added to public bathhouses and personal bathing rituals to relax the body and mind.
The name Lavandula itself comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash,” reflecting its early association with bathing and purification.
Lavender is best for:
Stress relief, sleeplessness, and nervous tension.
Lavender is one of the most beloved herbs for stress and anxiety.
It can soothe an overactive mind, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation, especially during times of emotional overwhelm or restlessness.
How to use lavender:
Lavender tea: Steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers per cup in freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Lavender has a strong flavour—try blending it with chamomile or lemon balm for a softer taste.
Lavender flower pillow: Add dried flowers to a small sachet and tuck it under your pillow to help calm your nervous system at night.
Lavender footbath: Add a handful of dried lavender flowers to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 10–15 minutes. You could also try adding a sachet to an evening bath or a herbal steam.
How lavender works:
Lavender contains volatile oils like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to relax the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
These compounds interact with the limbic system, the brain’s emotional centre, to lower heart rate and promote a sense of peace.
It’s often used as a natural anxiety medication for adults and is a staple in many herbal stress remedies.
Safety and side effects of lavender:
Lavender is widely considered safe for adults and children and non-addictive.
Side effects like headache, nausea or irritation are rare and typically occur from overuse of essential oils or highly concentrated forms.
4. Oat Straw and Milky Oat Tops
Oatstraw and milky oat tops (Avena sativa, oat plant) are nourishing and grounding herbs, ideal for supporting the body during times of stress.
Whether you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue, burnout, or nervous exhaustion, oatstraw is one of the best herbs for stress and anxiety.
Origins of oatstraw and milky oat tops:
Oatstraw, the green, leafy top of the oat plant, is harvested from oat plants that thrive in temperate regions and are typically grown in fertile, well-drained soils.
Known for its calming and restorative qualities, the use of oatstraw was recorded by early British herbalists in the Middle Ages5.
It was valued as a tonic for the nervous system and as a remedy for nervous exhaustion.
It is harvested during the plant’s flowering stage, typically late spring to early summer, for optimal potency.
Milky oat tops refer to the immature, milky seeds of the oat plant, harvested before they fully ripen.
These tops are considered stronger than oatstraw due to their higher concentration of active constituents.
Wild oat (Avena fatua) can also be found growing in fields and roadsides, and has similar calming properties, though it is typically less commonly used than the cultivated oatstraw.
Oatstraw and milky oat tops are best for:
Oatstraw is often recommended for those dealing with long-term stress, nervous exhaustion, and adrenal fatigue.
It’s a gentle yet effective option for those feeling mentally drained or physically worn out from constant stress.
Unlike more stimulating herbs, oatstraw works by nourishing and supporting the nervous system, helping the body adapt to prolonged stress and creating a sense of balance and calm.
How to use oatstraw and milky oat tops:
Infusion: To make a nourishing oatstraw tea, simmer 1-2 tablespoons of dried oatstraw in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups throughout the day for a sustained calming effect
Tincture: Fresh milky tops are best extracted in tincture form, taken daily over several weeks for cumulative benefits
How oatstraw and milky oat tops work:
Oatstraw is considered one of the most effective herbs for stress because of its calming and restorative effects on the nervous system.
Oatstraw contains a variety of nutrients, including silica, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, that support overall vitality and help the body respond more effectively to stress.
It’s one of the best natural anxiety medications for adults, helping to rebalance the body and mind by nourishing the adrenal glands, which are often depleted in people experiencing chronic stress.
The grounding effects of oatstraw make it one of the most valuable herbal remedies for stress and anxiety over time, perfect for those looking for natural herbs for anxiety and panic attacks.
These tops are considered stronger than oatstraw due to their higher concentration of alkaloids and flavonoids, which provide a more potent calming effect on the nervous system and help support adrenal health during periods of stress without causing drowsiness.
Safety and side effects of oatstraw and milky oat tops:
Milky oats and oatstraw are considered very safe and well-tolerated, with no known toxicity or sedative effects.
Because it’s a food-grade herb, its side effects are mild and rare.
5. Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata and Passiflora caerulea) is one of my favourite herbs for easing circular thoughts, quieting a racing mind, and helping the body fully let go into rest.
Whether you’re struggling to fall asleep, waking up with anxiety, or feeling overstimulated by life, passionflower is one of the best herbs for stress and anxiety I turn to again and again.
Origins of passionflower
Passionflower is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America, where it has long been used by Indigenous peoples for its calming and sedative properties.
It was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and quickly became known as a gentle herb for treating nervous conditions, restlessness, and mild insomnia.
The plant grows as a climbing vine with intricate purple and white flowers and thrives in sunny, well-drained soils. They love to grow along fences where they get full sun and plenty of support to climb.
The part we use is the aerial portion—leaves, stems, and flowers—harvested just before or during flowering, usually in late summer.
Passionflower is best for:
This herb really shines when your nervous system is overstimulated—too many tabs open in your mind, too much tension in your chest.
It’s one of the best natural anxiety medications for adults when sleep is poor due to intrusive thoughts, or when you feel frazzled but tired.
Passionflower is especially helpful for easing panic attacks or anxiety that shows up with muscle tension or a rapid heartbeat.
How to use passionflower:
Passionflower tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes. I drink it in the evening when I need to unwind or right before bed to help me fall asleep.
Passionflower tincture: For deeper, faster support, I use a passionflower tincture—about 2–4 ml before bed or during anxious moments. Start low and increase slowly if needed.
Calming tea blend: Passionflower pairs beautifully with chamomile or lemon balm in a tea blend for stress and anxiety.
How passionflower works:
Passionflower contains flavonoids like chrysin and vitexin, which are thought to increase GABA levels in the brain. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that helps reduce brain activity and quiet nervous tension.
It also contains small amounts of harmala alkaloids, which may help regulate mood and promote more restorative sleep without causing grogginess.
For me, it gently slows down the loop of anxious thoughts, especially when I’m overstimulated but exhausted.
Safety and side effects of passionflower:
Passionflower is generally safe for most people and not habit-forming.
I’ve found it to be non-sedating during the day but effective enough to support better sleep at night.
Some people may feel drowsy with larger doses—so it’s best not to take it before driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Passionflower is not recommended in pregnancy due to a lack of safety data, and it may interact with sedative medications, so check with a herbalist or GP if you’re on prescriptions.
How to Choose the Best Herbal Remedy for Stress and Anxiety
Start by asking yourself how your stress shows up.
Is it mental racing, physical tension, trouble sleeping, or emotional overwhelm?
Then match the herb to your symptoms.
You can combine herbs – chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower make a lovely tea blend.
Always start with small amounts. Herbs are powerful, even the gentle ones.
Keep in mind that herbs for stress and anxiety can work beautifully alongside lifestyle support like exercise, rest, and good nutrition.
Focus on replenishing the B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, as these get burned through more quickly during times of stress.
Whether you’re searching for the best herbal remedy for anxiety and depression, the strongest natural anxiety medication, or gentle herbal stress remedies, there’s something on this list for you.
References
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future by NIH ↩︎
- A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile by NIH ↩︎
- The History of Lemon Balm in Medicine and Culture by Body Best ↩︎
- Rosmarinic acid – an important phenolic active compound of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) by ResearchGate ↩︎
- Oatstraw Organic by Mountain Rose Herbs ↩︎
Final Thoughts
Finding the best herbal remedy for stress and anxiety is deeply personal.
What works for one person might not for another. Try one herb at a time, and try keeping notes.
This is your journey back to a healed nervous system, and you’re not alone on it.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, I’ll help point you in the right direction.
