How to deal with feelings of anxiety with herbs and naturopathy

Welcome back to a new episode of the Sharing Plant Wisdom podcast, hosted by UK-based naturopathic herbalists Sophie and Marie. This week we are talking about anxiety and what we do to deal with this personally and with our patients. 

In this episode we talk about the physical, cognitive, and emotional manifestations of anxiety, as well as the common medications that can cause anxiety. 

The nutritional advice we give people with anxiety include limiting / avoiding stimulants and alcohol, increasing your intake of essential fatty acids, following an anti-inflammatory diet. 

The supplements we recommend in this episode are magnesium (200 to 600 mg per day), vitamin B complex, and L-theanine. 

The medicinal herbs we mention that are very helpful are:

_ milky oats seed (Avena sativa): nourishes and rebuilds frayed nerves 

_ St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): acts in the same way as SSRIs to relieve anxiety, also helpful in seasonal affective disorder. If you are on any prescription medication please talk to a professional before taking st john’s wort 

_ Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): lifts the mood and improves cognition 

_ Damiana (Turnera diffusa): fantastic uplifting herb that also has aphrodisiac properties

_ Wood betony (Stachys betonica): very grounding herb for when anxiety makes you light-headed 

_ Vervain (Verbena officinalis): especially suited for people who carry tension in their shoulders and neck and are prone to tension headaches 

_ Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): helps quickly calm down anxiety and panic attacks, helps build strength and resilience in the nerves

_ Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): indicated for nervousness, agitation, insomnia, and sensory overload

_ Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): gently relaxes all systems of the body, and helps control swirling thoughts 

_ Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum): beautifully fragrant herb that lifts hopelessness and helps switching the focus outward and improve meditation practices 

_ Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): brings balance and focus for better mental function 

_ Ashwagandha: calming adaptogen, can help fall asleep at night, and over time help overcome symptoms of anxiety and PTSD

Other helpful tips that can help get anxiety under control include regular exercise of your choice, walking meditation, box breathing, legs up against the wall, regular sleeping and eating patterns, engaging in a hobby, creative activity, volunteering in the community, having a sense of purpose, giving and receiving gratitude. 

In health, 
Marie & Sophie x