In the UK, over 8 million individuals are currently dealing with varying degrees of anxiety disorders, with fewer than half seeking treatment. This issue predominantly impacts individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 with women tending to report higher levels of anxiety compared to men (1). Anxiety is a common experience for many of us that can show up as mild or severe in response to everyday stressors or as a more persistent challenge that affects our overall well-being. For those looking for a natural way to manage anxiety without relying solely on conventional methods, herbal medicine offers a powerful and time-tested solution.
As a medical herbalist, I have seen firsthand how the right combination of herbs can support the nervous system by helping to reduce feelings of anxiety, calm the mind and restore emotional balance. Let’s explore how herbal medicine can naturally relieve anxiety and help you reclaim a sense of calm.
Understanding Anxiety and the Nervous System
Anxiety symptoms can present themselves in various forms, ranging from trouble focusing, being easily irritated, and persistent worrying to physical manifestations such as heart palpitations, muscle tension, restlessness, sweating, trembling, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. These indications arise when the nervous system stays in a prolonged state of "fight or flight," even when there is no immediate danger present.
Herbs have been used for centuries to help the body manage stress and bring the nervous system back into balance. When combined with some careful holistic lifestyle adjustments, they can be an effective source of relief for many individuals dealing with anxiety.
Key Herbs for Anxiety Relief
There are many herbs that are especially known for having a direct action on the nervous system by helping to significantly calm and nourish the nervous system. Here are five commonly used herbs to support your nervous system.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is well-known for its gentle yet powerful impact on the nervous system and its ability ease stress-related digestive issues, particularly in situations of nervous tension and anxiety. It uplifts the mood, decreases irritability, and encourages relaxation, alleviating headaches and enhancing sleep quality and calm which can positively impact immunity and decrease inflammation, in addition to its various medicinal properties.
2. Lavender
Lavender is renowned for its delightful fragrance, and when utilised in aromatherapy, research indicates a decrease in feelings of anxiety, depression, and systolic blood pressure. This makes it a fantastic option for alleviating symptoms of anxiety such as tension, headaches, irritability, palpitations, poor concentration, insomnia, and nervous exhaustion due to its potent anxiolytic effect on the nervous system. Whether taken internally as a tea, tincture, powder or used in aromatherapy, lavender is an excellent herb for soothing both the mind and body.
3. Ashwagandha
Known for its adaptogenic properties, this herb is widely recognised for its capacity to mitigate the negative impact of stress on both the mind and body through the regulation of cortisol. This supports in the management of anxiety, stress, nervous exhaustion, panic attacks, insomnia, as well as enhancing memory and concentration.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a key herb for alleviating stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, pain, and spasms. Its gentle yet powerful properties effectively target stress and anxiety affecting the gut. By influencing the limbic system, lemon balm can enhance mood and temperament, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with anxious thoughts and nervous tension.
5. Passionflower
Passionflower is known for being excellent in calming and relaxing symptoms anxiety and insomnia. It works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, which inhibit nerve transmission to the central nervous system and helps to calms an overactive mind, promote a sense of relaxation and improve circulation and nutrition to the nerves.
How Herbal Medicine Works for Anxiety
Herbal medicine uses a holistic approach by recognising that the unique presentation of each individual will be different. By treating anxiety, an in-depth look at the person's physiological, emotional, diet and lifestyle aspects are addressed in detail. The herbs behave intelligently at recognising how to work at nourishing and strengthening the nervous system, ultimately to work at supporting in the building up of a natural resilience to stress overtime.
Incorporating Herbal Medicine into Your Daily Routine
The beauty of herbal medicine is its simplicity to seamless include in daily routines, as many of us already incorporate culinary herbs into our cooking. However, when using herbs for therapeutic purposes like teas, tinctures, or capsules, it's important to be mindful of their potency and potential interactions with any prescription medications you may be taking. Therefore, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is important before including herbal medicine in your daily routine.
Sipping on a cup of tea encourages us to engage in the calming ritual of preparing and enjoying it, helping us slow down, practice patience, and engage in deep breathing exercises. This can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, regulate blood pressure, enhance focus, and reduce anxiety.
Alternatively, diffusing a few drops of lavender essential oil in the evening can create a soothing atmosphere, aiding in anxiety relief and promoting better sleep quality. Consistently practicing these small habits can significantly improve how your body responds to stress over time.
Why Choose Herbal Medicine for Anxiety Relief?
Choosing herbal medicine for anxiety relief means you’re opting for a natural, non-invasive approach to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. This approach doesn't just address the symptoms of anxiety but builds a stronger, more resilient nervous system that can better handle life’s inevitable stressors. It promotes a lasting feeling of self-empowered tranquility and balance, without the potential for dependency or negative effects linked to conventional medication.
Ready to Explore Herbal Medicine for Anxiety?
If you're ready to take the next step in managing your anxiety naturally, I’m here to help. Together, we can develop a personalised herbal treatment plan that supports your unique needs and helps you feel more calm, grounded, and in control. I offer in-person consultations in both west and northeast London as well as online where we’ll dive deep into your symptoms and goals to better health and wellness.
Let’s connect and start your journey to lasting relief. Book a consultation with me today and discover how herbal medicine can bring peace back into your life.
Ref:
(1) Pindar, J. (2023, February 20). Anxiety Statistics UK: 2023. Champion Health. https://championhealth.co.uk/insights/anxiety-statistics/#:~:text=In%20any%20given%20week%20in,access%20treatment%20(Mental%20Health%20Foundation)
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