In my practice, I have seen the number of clients that are dealing with anxiety issues increase tremendously over the last five years. The Covid pandemic was responsible for much of this increase when it came to those that were or are experiencing anxiety. This could be attributed to the fear of losing their job again, in paying bills, in affording basic needs with increased prices, in staying healthy, in new and unimaginable health concerns created by the virus, and concerns of another pandemic happening again. On top of this, what is happening in our environment or on the news, negativity, trauma, disease, certain situations, and personal finances could add fuel to this underlying fear that contributes to those feelings. Anxiolytic herbs help to reduce anxiety, and I would like to describe some of the anxiolytic herbs I work with along with how I incorporate them into my practice.
Other factors that I see contributing to anxiety are clients being too hard on themselves, being perfectionists, making detailed schedules or lists, or needing to please everyone around them. It’s not necessarily society that is demanding, but the person who is more demanding on themselves. Control is another type of action that can create and contribute to anxiety plus determine the eventual outcome of healing. How much control do they have in their life? How much are they trying to control? Are they willing or able to give up some of this control over situations? Where can they have others share in the responsibilities? They don’t have to do it all, or be the only one who can do it. It’s easy for me to say this because this describes myself to a letter. I have suffered from anxiety in the past, but I have control of the situation now. Ha! What I have learned over the years is to say no, make time for myself, and schedule more time in between clients and other duties within my career and home life. I also have begun to ask for help when it is needed. I like to pass along this advice to my clients while explaining the importance of working with anxiolytic herbs, using dietary supplements when needed, getting counseling, having coping skills, and combining lifestyle changes to help relieve and possibly overcome their anxiety.
Anxiolytic herbs are just part of the solution, but an important part in my opinion. They are strong enough to help the body relax and sedate the central nervous system on their own, but they work so much better when combined with other modalities for long-term relief. Some of my favorite anxiolytic herbs are from the Mint family such as; Black horehound (Ballota nigra), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Sweet leaf (Monarda fistulosa), and Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Of course, there are many other anxiolytic herbs that can benefit an individual too. Each herb is so much more than just being an anxiolytic herb only, and I will choose the correct herb for my clients based on each individual which can consist of the herb’s energetics and indications along with the medicinal properties to balance each person.
In addition to providing physical medicinal actions on the body, herbs can also benefit individuals on a spiritual and emotional level. I personally believe herbs help us in balancing our mind, body, and spirit as a whole person while we heal. This balancing can come from just one herb (a simple) or from multiple herbs at once (a formula). I will also sometimes combine different concepts and forms of herbal medicine together such as, flower essences, aromatherapy, and herbal preparations for healing. When dealing with anxiety, each client’s preferences are considered along with their personal beliefs or probable compliance (willingness/ability to utilize or follow the recommendations I offer).
When working with anxiolytic herbs, I like to get a feel for their other attributes in healing by sitting with each one to gather my thoughts, reactions in my body, and emotional changes within myself. I consider this activity as the process of connecting with an herb. I journal my thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions to each one. Over the years, I have worked with these herbs in certain types of individuals that have matched with my reflections, and I have found that these herbs are consistently beneficial when they are matched with the correct person needing it. As an example, I find Black horehound (B. nigra) to be indicated for the person that needs to be in control of any given situation at any time. It is also for the person who needs help in opening up to meditation and creating a space conducive for it in their mind. It can be for the individual that is a master of shoving all their thoughts and emotions aside because they don’t want to deal with it right now. As an afterthought, it would be good for the person who wants to connect with each plant in this meditative state.
Each of these anxiolytic herbs are considered special in and of themselves with their distinctive medicinal actions on the mind, body, and spirit.
Black Horehound (B. nigra)
As an anxiolytic herb, I believe Black Horehound to be the one I reach for more often with panic attacks, tension in the stomach, respiratory tension, TMJ, chronic constipation, and when nausea or other gastrointestinal upset accompanies anxiety. When it comes to panic attacks, it works best when it is accompanied by breathing difficulties. I have also used it with client’s suffering from both vertigo and anxiety together. Body systems affected by this herb include the respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Medicinal properties: Anodyne, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Astringent, Carminative, Cholagogue, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Nervine, Sialagogue, Stimulant, and Vermifuge.
I see Black Horehound as a primary antispasmodic, anxiolytic, digestive, emmenagogue, nervine, and stimulant herb with secondary actions as an anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic. The sedative properties are not felt in standard doses but rather larger doses between 3ml and 4ml at once. I often use the tincture over an infusion due to the extremely bitter taste it has, and I use it most often combined with other herbs to support the individual and for balancing the energetics of the formula itself. I usually only use it as a simple for panic attacks or acute musculoskeletal pain/spasms. Black Horehound has a warming effect at first with a cooling secondary action and is considered drying. The taste can be described as bitter, slightly salty, and pungent. It combines well with other nervines especially with a nervine tonic such as Skullcap (S. lateriflora).
Indicators are mentioned earlier during the example of some of my reflections on an herb. I can add to this by saying that you often see the need for this herb in the person with chronic constipation or held tension throughout the body often included in the stomach, intestines, or lungs. This is due to emotionally shoving down all the issues they don’t want to deal with at any given moment. They tend to accumulate the negative emotions and the body reacts with tension, constipation, and anxiety. In addition to the earlier indicators, it can also be for that person that has to be the best at what they do, and they will not take second seat to anyone. They are highly competitive, but in an obsessive sort of way.
Dosages vary depending on the action needed. During a panic attack, I will dose the tincture made with fresh aerial parts (1:2 75%) at 2ml and again after 20 minutes if needed. Standard dose for this tincture is 1-2ml up to three times daily and 1 cup up to three times daily with the infusion. I have noticed drop doses up to 10 drops are still supportive to the nervous system and the emotional composition of the person needing it. I often begin dosing with this herb at 20 drops (1ml) and move up from there with anxiety if the client needs more support for the symptoms that they are experiencing.
Motherwort (L. cardiaca)
I have a special affinity with Motherwort and a connection that began in a dream. She came to me at the right time for harvesting and for my own medicinal/emotional needs. As an anxiolytic herb, Motherwort does double duty when experiencing anxiety through both heart palpitations and digestive upset together. It also does well when anxiety is experienced in the combined nervous and reproductive system, or anxiety shows up alone during menstruation. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) each can have anxiety symptoms in different severities that can benefit from working with Motherwort. Body systems affected by this herb include the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Medicinal properties: Antispasmodic, anxiolytic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, nervine, sialagogue, and tonic.
This is another bitter nervine in the Mint family with a slight acrid taste that is very difficult to drink in an infusion especially after each subsequent sip. I have a trick to put the drops of the tincture in a small glass of water and mix in a tablespoon of Chocolate Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’) glycerite for an added nervine and antispasmodic action and taste. You can mix the glycerite in with your warm infusion as well. Due to the extreme bitter taste, I like to combine Motherwort in formulas rather than as a simple. It combines really well with Rose (Rosa spp.), Linden (T. spp.), and other mints. I find the energetics of this herb to be drying and sometimes warm or cool depending on the individual. Most resources quote Motherwort as a cooling and drying herb, but I believe it to be more neutral in temperature. I find the primary actions to be antispasmodic, anxiolytic, emmenagogue, and nervine with almost immediate results while the secondary actions of being a diaphoretic, digestive, and diuretic takes a bit more time to take effect.
I consider Motherwort as a cardiac tonic and cardio essence meaning that it affects the heart both physically and emotionally. It is a protector when the individual puts their “heart on the line” so to speak, and each beat of the heart needs regulated. It helps to protect, center, and give strength to the individual. I like to think of it as the Mama bear for all of us! It is for the individual that needs that extra strength and protection as they fight for what they believe in or need, or they fight to protect their loved ones.
There are different philosophies of dosing with Motherwort. This herb is powerful in action and it can be used in drop dosages, in standard dosages, or in maximum dosages depending on the need of the individual. Smaller drops of the fresh tincture (1:2 50%) are great for the spiritual or emotional needs while standard doses work well for just about anything related to the physical actions. I like to start somewhat below the standard dose at 20 drops (1ml) and move up as needed; however, with anxiety, I dose at 40 drops 3-4 times daily if needed. Standard dose is anywhere from 30-40 drops (1 ½ -2ml) up to three times daily. I have never needed to use a higher dosage than that in my practice.
Lemon balm (M. officinalis)
This is an herb that is easily grown and spreads rather quickly. It is within reach when I need it, and I often find that when it is found spreading in multiple areas of my garden, there is usually a client of mine in need of it, and they will need to grow it at home themselves. I gift it to them to do just that. More of a sedative action is given along with the anxiolytic properties when working with this herb. I find that someone dealing with hyperactivity or “hyper” processes in the body along with anxiety can find comfort with Lemon balm. Those with ADHD, Depression, and anxiety together can benefit from this herb too. Body systems affected by this herb include the digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems.
Medicinal properties: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, astringent, carminative, digestive, febrifuge, nervine, and sedative.
I personally use the infusion more often than the tincture because the warm infusion tastes good and I appreciate the warmth and aromatics together. This herb can be used in a warm infusion, tincture, glycerite, or bath to receive the anxiolytic benefits. Primarily, I see Lemon balm as having antimicrobial, anxiolytic, digestive, nervine, and sedative actions first while antispasmodic, astringent, and febrifuge actions are secondary. Lemon balm combines well with other nervine and anxiolytic herbs in a formula for an individual. This is another cooling and drying anxiolytic herb that has a sour and somewhat sweet taste with a slight bitter aftertaste once it is consumed. This is the anxiolytic herb that I prefer to use with children and the elderly.
I consider this herb a lemony balm for the soul and a gladdener of the heart. It comforts the soul while it calms the individual and offers joy in the light of gloom. For the individual that needs help overcoming the bitter attributes of life. This can also be indicated for the person who needs the extra boost and confidence to speak their mind or their truth to others.
When it comes to dosages of Lemon balm, smaller doses will not offer the sedative action compared to larger doses at one time or over a short amount of time. With this in mind, I usually will offer lower than standard doses during hours of wakefulness, and standard doses or higher at bedtime. Standard dose is usually 30 drops (1 ½ ml) up to three times daily of the tincture using either fresh or dried leaves, but of course, this can be adjusted lower or higher as needed. I have not found a need to recommend more than 60 drops (3ml) up to three times daily to my clients. As for the warm infusion, standard dose is 1 cup up to three times daily. In the glycerite, standard dose is double of what the tincture is for an adult weighing 150 pounds. Often, you read or hear that only fresh leaves of Lemon balm should be used to make medicine for more potency, but in my experience, I have used both fresh and dried leaf extracts and they both work well.
Skullcap (S. lateriflora)
One of my favorite go-to herbs for nervine and anxiolytic actions. I have gotten to connect further with skullcap now that I have the plant growing on the land near the river. This is an herb I like to work with when a client that has had chronic anxiety. It is a fantastic nerve tonic to strengthen and support the nervous system while also contributing strong anxiolytic properties for that person. As a nerve tonic, it works wonders on supporting the nervous system in someone who is weaning off drugs of any kind or going through withdrawal. Many times, you will find that some people with anxiety will try to self-medicate themselves and they will need many different types of support along with herbs. Body systems affected by this herb include digestive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Medicinal properties: analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, tonic, and trophorestorative.
Even though Skullcap is in the Mint family, I really don’t think of it as a strong antispasmodic such as Black horehound or Motherwort, but it does offer some relief from spasms especially when they are located in the stomach and across the back of the shoulders. It does; however, offer strong nervine and anxiolytic properties as a simple or combined with other nervine/anxiolytic herbs in a formula. I have utilized both depending on the situation or client. I really prefer to add it to formulas to offer that strengthening of the nervous system while getting additional or different actions from other herbs. This is yet another cooling and drying anxiolytic herb that can be considered bitter and a little sweet with a very slight salty aftertaste. I see the tincture as having more of a bitter taste than the infusion which is sweeter. I also think the fresh herb contributes more of the bitter constituents in herbal preparations than the dried herb does; however, the anxiolytic actions stay the same in either. Primary actions are analgesic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, digestive, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, and tonic. Secondary actions consist of astringent, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties.
Skullcap is for the individual needing to open up their mind to new information and new experiences. It helps to balance both the heart and the mind when making decisions when one can sometimes overtake the other. It helps to create confidence in oneself moving forward when they are indecisive. It also helps the person needing a steady hand and a calm mind.
It is difficult saying just use 30 drops, three times daily and stick to the standard dose of the tincture because each person and their needs could be different. Energetically, I like to use drop dosing for the indicators above at 10-15 drops up to three times daily. As a nerve tonic, nervine, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and emmenagogue, I will use 30-40 drops up to three times daily. For sedative actions or for reducing withdrawal sensations, I recommend a higher dose using 60-80 drops. I work with both the tincture and the warm infusion in my practice. One I like for the convenience (tincture) and the other for the comfort and relaxation (warm infusion). Standard dose of the warm infusion is 1 cup up to three times daily.
Sweet leaf (M. fistulosa)
I waited for many years before this herb showed up for me. I was living in our previous home for eleven years and all of a sudden it appeared across the street. This was the first time for me seeing it in the wild. Once I began working with Sweet leaf, I saw it everywhere. Why didn’t I notice this before? I was worried when we moved to a new area that I wouldn’t find it, but Sweet leaf had other ideas for me. There were multiple and plentiful patches in the woods where the sun was shining through. The landscape of pale purple was a beautiful sight to see. To this day, I continue to reach for this herb feeling that I am supposed to work with it on many different levels. Anxiety, chronic stress, and tension are feelings that I am used to. Sweet leaf is just one of the plant allies that has helped me with deep relaxation. I feel this herb is best used when anxiety is accompanied by chronic digestive issues, chronic tension, and worry. Body systems affected by this herb include the digestive, lymphatic, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Medicinal properties: alterative, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, lymphatic, nervine, stimulant.
As far as the anxiolytic properties, it is not a well-known or popular herb to use in this capacity. I have found it to be extremely relaxing and it helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety including tension, agitation, restlessness, and gastrointestinal upset. The pungent taste is more pronounced with the addition of the flowers, but I actually prefer to use a combination of the leaves and flowers in my herbal preparations. Sweet leaf is warming and drying instead of cooling and drying as the majority of anxiolytic and nervine herbs are. There are many times that I will use Sweet leaf as a balancing and catalyst herb in formulations, but I also love it as a simple. I see the primary actions as being antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, carminative, digestive, and nervine in this herb with the rest acting as secondary actions.
First and foremost, I feel that this is a supporting herb energetically and emotionally. It’s like a steady friend offering their support in troubled times. I also feel it is a connecting herb, and it is indicated for the person feeling a disconnection from the real world or from themselves. It is also indicated for the individual with a rigid personality that could use more flexibility in their life. So, not only is it good for the rigid muscles (tension), but also for the person exemplifying that trait.
I usually start with a standard dosing of Sweet leaf in an infusion or tincture at one cup or 30 drops up to three times daily. More can be used if needed up to six times daily. I make a fresh tincture (1:2 75%) for my apothecary and dry the rest to be used for the rest of the year in baths, infusions, fomentations, honeys, electuaries, oxymels, and for cooking. The infused honey can easily sweeten or provide additional properties to a tea or an infusion. I am very excited to see this herb finally being offered in commerce for those that do not have it growing near them.
Holy Basil (O. tenuiflorum)
This is the first herb that comes to my mind when I have a client who is chronically stressed, their adrenals are exhausted, and they are suffering from anxiety. It is a tonic herb considered to be an adaptogen that can be taken for long periods of time, and I find that the longer it is consumed, the more benefits one can experience. It is a good choice when anxiety is accompanied by depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar. This is an aromatic mint that can offer a soothing yet uplifting fragrance while sipping on the infusion or working with the hydrosol/essential oil. Body systems affected by this herb are the digestive, endocrine, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Medicinal properties: adaptogen, analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, immune modulator, nervine, stimulant, and tonic.
My absolute favorite herbal preparation to work with is the warm infusion for receiving its anxiolytic properties. For convenience purposes, the tincture works well too. It has a pungent yet sweet taste that makes it easy to enjoy. I consider this another warming herb, but only slightly drying and close to neutral in moisture content. Holy basil is great when you work with it alone, but it can be supported combined with other anxiolytic or nervine herbs for anxiety. As an adaptogen or tonic herb for the nervous, endocrine, or digestive system, I prefer it as a simple. For acute situations, I find it works faster when it is combined with other herbs. I really see all of these medicinal properties as being primary actions with this herb depending on the dose and the herbal preparation it is made with.
This herb is for the individual with the cluttered mind that needs to make more room for retention and focus. It is also for the individual that needs to make more room in their lives for others or themselves. It is for the person who tends to keep to themselves while fear keeps them from experiencing new feelings, relationships, or opportunities. In contradiction, it can also be for the person that needs to take a step back from doing too much, taking too much on, or constantly on the go to make more time for themselves. Holy basil can be balancing to these situations or personalities offering either stimulation or relaxation of the mind while offering more room for what each will need to improve their individual lives.
Depending again on the need of the individual, I choose which dosage I will use. Standard dosage is the same as one cup of the infusion up to three times daily while 30 drops up to three times daily would be used with the tincture. I have used a higher dose with acute situations up to a total of five cups daily or 60-80 drops up to three times daily as needed.