Herbal Support for Anxiety
Herbs can really shine for emotional support. If seeking an herbalist’s support for anxiety, here is what you could expect…
An initial herbal consultation, defined most simply, is a conversation. We spend our time together unfolding your presenting concerns. We will speak about your general health history, the specific symptoms you would like some support with, as well as the daily routines and rhythms that make up your day-to-day life. Sleep, movement, and forms of nourishment (nutritional and otherwise) will also be discussed.
Everyone experiences their anxiety a bit differently. Your physical symptoms and emotional patterns guide us to the herbs that may be useful for you. We’ll tease apart how you experience your anxious feelings.
Sometimes it is helpful to allow someone who does not know us, to see us, however briefly. How often in our day to day lives is there the space for this?
Being open to the emotional support that plants may offer us can take many forms. This may take the shape of preparing a daily tea. For others, maybe this is turning towards a trusted tincture that finds its way into your backpack or purse for support throughout the day.
Nervines are a category of herbs that herbalists turn to when we are looking to nourish the nervous system in some way. Many of these herbs are going to be calming and relaxing in nature, helping to reduce the tension and restlessness that often accompanies anxious states.
Each and every herb has its own unique taste, phytochemical makeup, and affinities for particular body systems and emotional patterns. They each have their own personality.
There are herbs that support us with more in-the-moment discomfort, as well as herbs that are taken longer term to help us fortify our resilience to stressors. There’s space for both within an herbal protocol.
The beauty of working with a (good!) herbalist is that the recommendations they will give you are personalized for you. The herbs that are selected, the nutritional suggestions given, and the practices we encourage you to explore are all a reflection of what we unfold during the initial consultation. The recommendations meet you where you’re at in that season of life.
A few herbs that I turn to often within my herbal practice, include:
Milky Oats (Avena sativa) - One of my most favorite herbs. I will never forget the difference I felt in my body after first experiencing this herb several years ago. The fresh tincture of milky oats is truly food for the nervous system as it is very nutrient-rich. With milky oats we’re thinking of longer term use, as it’s a slower acting remedy. It is such a useful plant when the goal is to build someone back up after a longstanding period of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. If someone has been feeling emotionally frazzled and over-reactive to small physical or emotional stressors, milky oats is an ally. It has a calming and stabilizing impact when taken consistently.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) - This is a great herb for someone who experiences stress-related digestive ailments. Many people hold pent up tension in their stomach when anxious. A particular indication for catnip is for someone who internalizes their stress and tends to be under-expressive about it. This is also an excellent herb for children, useful for hyperactivity and irritated states.
Linden (Tilia spp.) - Linden tea can be very calming to a frazzled nervous system. Specific indications for linden include anxiety that is accompanied by tension (tense shoulders, muscle cramping, tension headaches, difficulty falling asleep due to tension) and restlessness. This can also be a supportive herb when grief and heartache are a component of someone’s distress. It’s an herb that gently uplifts the spirit.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - Reishi mushroom is a slower-acting, subtle herb with more cumulative effects when taken longer term. Traditionally known for promoting longevity and vitality, it is also a truly special herb for those navigating stress and anxiety due to its calming, grounding, and gathering nature. It is a deeply nourishing mushroom with immunomodulating activity. Reishi can be taken in many different forms, such as powders, capsules, tinctures, or prepared as teas and broths. Using one preparation versus another may make more sense depending on your goals.
Five Flower Formula - This is a really useful flower essence to carry on-the-go. While many herbal remedies are intended to be taken longer term to feel their full benefits, Five Flower Formula is designed for one-off, more urgent uses when everything is just too much. Too overwhelming. Too intense. Too startling. Too shocking. Too destabilizing. You can add the drops to water, drop them directly on your tongue, or there is a spray top version available for quick and easy spritzes. It is calming, grounding, and helps settle heightened feelings rather swiftly.
The information discussed in this post is for educational purposes only. It is my hope that this information gives you something to consider, sparks curiosity or hope if you are in the midst of navigating challenging emotional waters, and inspires you to research further.🌹
If you have any questions, or if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation to learn more, please reach out.
