Top 12 Herbs Known to Relieve Anxiety

Bunch of lavender flowers

Photo credit: bigstock.com

3. Lavender

How wonderful that something that smells so good can also greatly help with feelings of anxiety! Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) can promote a deep sense of relaxation, calmness, and even improve sleep. Lavender balances out hormones in the body and stimulates the immune system. This sweet smelling herb has been used literally for centuries to treat anxiety and feelings of restlessness. It contains 16 compounds that improve the mood, decrease anxiety levels, and offer a calming effect.

Aromatherapy is one of the best known therapies for depression, stress, and anxiety relief. When lavender essential oil is inhaled, these molecules enter the brain and interact with the portions of the brain that deal with emotions, the amygdala and the hippocampus. Lavender acts something like a sedative to these parts of the brain, relieving stress and anxiety. One study performed in 2007 showed that lavender could significantly reduce the stress hormone cortisol among men.

PrevPage: 3 of 13Next
//