Skullcap, lemon balm, milky oat, passion flower, and kavakava are some of the very effective calming herbs. The following article elaborates more on these and many other herbs that are effective against anxiety.

Anxiety, restlessness, and stress are common problems of today's fast-paced life. They, in turn, give rise to another set of problems which include sleeplessness, stomach disorders, headaches, and loss of appetite. However, you cannot allow these medical conditions to spoil your life. Therefore, you need to find ways to get rid of them. The best way to do so is to take actions which can ease your day-to-day problems and keep your calm. You may take help of several other exercises as well to promote sound mental health. Following a balanced diet will prove to be of immense help. Another effective thing is the use of herbs.

Natural Calming Herbs

Skullcap: Skullcap is a herbaceous plant, which is native to North America. It is a hardy perennial herb which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The scientific name of skullcap is Scutellaria lateriflora. It is known by many common names like blue skullcap, Virginian skullcap, hoodwort, and mad-dog skullcap. This herb is a mild sedative and it promotes sleep. Both these properties make it able to be used in the form of a herbal medicine. It is helpful for nervous exhaustion and it strengthens the depleted nervous system. It relieves stomach problems, controls tremors and diaphragm spasms, and reduces the restlessness of legs. It is often recommended to patients who show symptoms like clenching or grinding of teeth, and anxiousness. Skullcap should be used in its fresh or freeze-dried form as the tincture or extracts prepared from its dried form do not retain the useful properties.

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is a perennial herb, which belongs to the mint family i.e. Lamiaceae. It is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis and it is usually used as a flavoring agent in ice cream and herbal teas. It is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and calming properties. It is often used as an anxiolytic (anxiety relieving), mild sedative, and calming herb. This herb has been scientifically proven to be effective at reducing stress. Its extract contains a substance which acts as inhibitor of GABA transaminase, the enzyme which is involved in producing anxiolytic effects. The essential oil obtained from lemon balm has been observed to be very effective in relaxing one's mind and body. Hence, it is usually used in aromatherapy.

Oat: The scientific name of oat is Avena sativa. It is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed. Oats are suitable for human consumption. It is often eaten in the form of oatmeal and rolled oats. It is commonly used as a livestock feed. It is particularly effective at easing stress. Herbalists often recommend fresh oat to people who feel emotionally frayed. It is also considered to be great for people who have no emotional grounding. Oat is known to control cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. This particular herb is popular for its ability to take the edge off caffeine, morphine, and nicotine cravings.

Passion Flower: Passion flower, also called passion vines, are a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants. It belongs to the family Passifloraceae. Its scientific name is Passiflora incarnata. It is counted among the best calming herbs for anxiety, and it is known for its mild sedative property. It provides relief to the patients affected by insomnia. Herbalists prefer to prescribe passion flower for relieving tension, nerve pain, back pain, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and headaches.

KavaKava: Kavakava, scientifically termed as Piper methysticum, is a tall shrub. It is commonly found in the South Pacific islands, and belongs to the pepper family. It is known by several other common names like kawa, kew, safau, and yagona. Kavakava has been used as an occasional beverage and as a folk remedy. It finds numerous uses in the field of medicine. It helps reduce pain and ease stiffness which is caused due to anxious feelings. It is believed that it has an effect on the amygdala part of the brain, which is involved in the stress response of the body. Thus, it is very effective at relaxing stressful and anxious feelings. This herb is prescribed for various other purposes also, which include cooling down hot flashes, easing joint pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle tension.

These herbs are usually safe for consumption, but having them in right amounts is surely required to obtain the maximum possible benefits. To get information on their dosage and safe usage, you need to consult a herbalist.