Herbs and Essential Oils for Anxiety
Every year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health problem or illness. By the age of 40, 1 in 2 Canadians will have had—or currently have—a mental illness.
Anxiety in particular affects millions, often causing stress, disrupting productivity, straining relationships, and impacting emotional well-being. Persistent anxiety over time can also weaken the immune system, disrupt digestion, interfere with sleep, and harm overall health.
Conventional treatments include pharmaceutical drugs and therapy, while more natural approaches often involve herbs and essential oils.
In this blog, we’ll cover some of the most common and accessible herbs for anxiety: ashwagandha, chamomile, lavender, bergamot, and valerian.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb, used heavily in Ayurveda (one of the oldest holistic healing systems, originating in India). It contains chemicals that can activate GABA, helping to calm the mind, as well as lower blood pressure, and fight inflammation. As an adaptogen, it helps the body manage stress and supports balance (homeostasis).
Best taken in powder or liquid form, the ashwagandha I linked here is mixed with black pepper, which is ideal as it absorbs more effectively when combined. Since it can cause drowsiness in some people, it may be best taken at night.
Chamomile has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine. It can calm anxiety, support digestion, relieve pain (including menstrual cramps), reduce inflammation, and help cleanse toxins. Because anxiety and digestion are closely linked, chamomile is especially useful if you struggle with both.
It’s most often consumed as tea but can also be added to a bath or inhaled through diffused oil. Chamomile oil is potent, so use sparingly.
Lavender is one of the most popular and effective herbs as an oil form. Beyond its use in soaps, perfumes, and food, lavender oil is well-known for calming the mind, reducing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep.
Diffusion of the oil or adding it to a room spray can be highly effective. Lavender oil can also be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, or argan oil and applied to the skin (always dilute lavender essential oil before applying topically).
Bergamot oil comes from a citrus fruit similar to oranges and lemons and is best known as the flavour in Earl Grey tea. It provides both calming and energizing effects, making it a great option in the morning to start your day stress-free.
It also has antiseptic properties, supporting skin healing for cuts, bruises, psoriasis, and acne. Consistent use may even help reduce cholesterol. Bergamot can be consumed in tea or applied topically as an oil.
Valerian, native to Europe and Asia, is often used to improve insomnia, reduce anxiety, and promote deep, restorative sleep. Unlike melatonin, it not only aids sleep but may also help prevent anxiety attacks and reduce stress by stabilizing GABA levels.
Valerian may take consistent use over time to show results. It can be consumed as tea, added to hot water as drops of oil, or the essential oil itself can be applied topically once diluted with a carrier oil.
Along with herbs, lifestyle practices like meditation, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise are essential for managing anxiety. Natural remedies often require patience and consistency—results may take time.
Keep in mind that herbs can have side effects and may interact with medications. Always consult a doctor before trying new remedies.
Finally, recognize when it’s time to seek professional support. Services like BetterHelp make it easier to access help.