Plants to combat anxiety, stress, and nervousness
We know that plants possess many virtues, but did you know that nature is full of different varieties to relieve your worries, stress, anxiety, or even nervousness? In this blog post, we will try to compile as comprehensive a list as possible of plants—which we recommend daily in our shop—as well as vitamins and minerals that will be perfect allies to help you in your journey toward serenity, relaxation, and peace of mind.
The following classification allows you to quickly target the plants you need; they all have a broad scope of action that allows them to play on several fronts. Because you can suffer from stress as well as anxiety, relax, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy the reading.
Plants for stress
Definition of stress:
A situation of excessive nervous tension that is traumatic for the individual.
Plants:
Tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
A bit of history: holy basil, also called Tulsi, is a plant from Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It helps maintain resistance to stress as well as the overall vitality of the body. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage. It also supports immune defenses.
We recommend taking Tulsi in capsule form due to its highly volatile active ingredients.
Discover Tulsi-Holy Basil products.
Stress: ★★★★★ Infusion: ★★☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★★☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★★☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness:★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ★☆☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy: non-existent
Anti-depressant effect: ★★☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★★☆☆☆
Orange blossom (Citrus X sinensis)
You may have already used it in the form of a floral water for yourself or your child; it is one of the great classics of naturopathy against stress, with a comforting and intoxicating side thanks to its sweet and delicate scent. Easy to use, it is especially effective for managing occasional states of stress.
We advise taking orange blossom as an infusion to soothe yourself. For children, the use of a floral water is possible; you can, for example, dilute a teaspoon in their bottle. Long-term use as an essential oil is not recommended.
Stress: ★★★★☆ Infusion: ★★★★☆
Anxiety: ★☆☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★☆☆ Capsules: ★★☆☆☆
Sleep aid: ★★☆☆☆ Floral waters: ★★★☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ☆☆☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★★★★☆
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant. An adaptogenic plant is a plant that increases the body's ability to adapt to different stressors. In this sense, Ashwagandha is a perfect plant for fighting all forms of stress, worry, or anxiety, thus promoting emotional and physical well-being.
It rebalances physical energy in both men and women.
It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for millennia. You can find Ashwagandha under several names, such as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
It is best to take it in organic-quality capsules and, above all, as a standardized extract—meaning it contains exactly the same dose of active ingredients from one capsule to the next and one batch to the next.
Discover Ashwagandha products.
Stress: ★★★★☆ Infusion: ★★★☆☆
Anxiety: ★★★☆☆ Ingestion: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★★☆
Sleep aid: ★★★☆☆ Gemmotherapy: ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★☆☆ Essential oils: ★☆☆☆☆
Plants for anxiety.
Definition of anxiety:
A state of psychological and physical discomfort arising from the feeling of imminent danger, characterized by a diffuse fear that can escalate to panic.
Plants:
Passionflower (Passiflora)
Passionflower is recommended for calming anxious, overly nervous spirits, and those prone to palpitations or sudden bouts of irritability.
For those who have trouble falling asleep because their minds are too heavy and agitated, it helps reduce tension and provides restful, restorative sleep.
Passionflower does not cause addiction, nor does it have harmful side effects or cause sudden drowsiness that could be dangerous during the day.
Indeed, thanks to its richness in alkaloids, Passionflower regulates the central nervous system and promotes sleep. It is also used to manage chronic insomnia in people having difficulty overcoming a difficult situation. Taking Passionflower in capsules does not lead to dependence.
Passionflower is in the top 3 plants for your peace of mind, along with Valerian and Hawthorn.
Discover Passionflower products.
Stress: ★★☆☆☆ Infusion: ★★☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★★★★☆ Fresh plant extract: ★★★★☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules:★★★★☆
Sleep aid: ★★★★★ Ampoules: ★★★☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★★☆☆☆
Linden (Tilia)
It is the soothing, calming, and antispasmodic virtues of the flowers on the nervous system that make the linden famous, allowing for easier sleep and helping to remedy intellectual overwork.
In infusion or gemmotherapy for long-term courses, it is best taken in the evening because linden greatly promotes falling asleep.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★★★☆☆
Anxiety: ★★★★☆ Fresh plant extract: ☆☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★☆☆ Capsules: ☆☆☆☆☆
Sleep aid: ★★★★★ Gemmotherapy: ★★★★★
Anti-depressant effect: ★☆☆☆☆ Essential oils: ☆☆☆☆☆
Plants for anxiety and nervousness
Definition of anxiety:
A state of psychological disturbance caused by the fear of danger.
Plants:
CBD Hemp (Cannabis sativa L)
CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid from the cannabis plant. It has been recognized for many years for its effectiveness in a multitude of mental and physical pathologies. Its action on stress management and anxiety disorders can be scientifically explained.
The presence of endocannabinoid CB1 receptors on the amygdala, the hippocampus, and in the cingulate cortex (brain structures known to regulate anxiety) indicates that the endocannabinoid system is involved in anxiety control.
It is also a very good muscle relaxant, widely used by athletes or people looking for a natural relaxant.
We recommend using CBD in broad or full-spectrum oil, which allows you to take advantage of the entourage effect to enhance its effects.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★☆☆☆☆ CBD oil: ★★★★★
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★☆☆
Sleep aid: ★★★☆☆ Dried flowers: ★★☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★☆☆
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Considered a medicinal plant for centuries in many civilizations. In modern herbal medicine, the entire cones are used as sedatives to treat anxiety. Hops have a sedative, soothing effect on the nervous system. It is recommended for nervousness, stress, anxiety, and agitation.
We recommend capsules, as the taste of infused hops is very bitter.
Stress: ★★★★★ Infusion: ★★☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★★☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★★☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★★ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ★★★☆☆ Gemmotherapy: ★★☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★☆☆
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Fresh valerian root extract is effective for navigating periods of life when excessive bad stress clutters the mind—intellectual work overload, worries, anxiety, nervousness, etc.
Without causing addiction or a loss of attention during the day, valerian is recommended for improving the quality and duration of sleep. Indeed, due to its composition of natural active principles such as essential oils (up to 1.4%), including bornyl acetate and beta-caryophyllene, valepotriates (iridoids), terpenoids, and alkaloids, it has remarkable sedative properties and has been used for millennia to treat anxiety, nervousness, stress, depression, sleep disorders, spasms and neuralgias, joint and muscle pain, as well as high blood pressure due to stress.
For optimal effectiveness, we recommend taking valerian as a fresh plant extract, also known as a mother tincture.
Stress: ★★★★☆ Infusion: ★★★☆☆
Anxiety: ★★★☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★★★★★
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★★☆
Sleep aid: ★★★★☆ Gemmotherapy: ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★☆☆☆☆
Definition of nervousness:
A state of temporary nervous excitement.
Plants:
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
The most well-known, whose virtues are attested to by the World Health Organization. It promotes relaxation and contributes to a good nervous balance; soothing and relaxing, it is often associated with linden. It is widely used as an infusion for occasional use.
Use as an organic-quality infusion.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★★★★★
Anxiety: ★★☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★☆☆☆☆
Sleep aid: ★★★★☆ Gemmotherapy: ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★★☆☆☆
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Besides its benefits for the digestive system, lemon balm is also very effective against anxiety. You can use lemon balm extract to better resist daily stress, sleep better, and digest better. In times of exams, heavy workloads, or in case of mild palpitations or headaches, it is a very effective and inexpensive plant.
Use fresh plant extract or capsules for good effectiveness.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★★★☆☆
Anxiety: ★★★☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★★★★★
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★★ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ★☆☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy: ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★☆☆☆☆ Essential oils: ★★★☆☆
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Traditionally used for circulatory problems, Hawthorn possesses the soothing properties of flowers and the vitalizing action of the fruit. Because of its balancing action, it can be taken over long periods. As an antispasmodic, hawthorn reduces the excitability of the nervous system.
Hawthorn is very effective in gemmotherapy for long courses.
Stress: ★☆☆☆☆ Infusion: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★☆☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ☆☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★★☆
Sleep aid: ★☆☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy: ★★★★☆
Anti-depressant effect: ☆☆☆☆☆ Essential oils: ☆☆☆☆☆
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
In Tibet, Rhodiola was consumed by monks to increase their "spiritual power," concentration, and physical endurance. The extract has anti-stress properties and can boost energy.
Rhodiola improves cognitive functions under stress.
The extract improves memory function and resistance to intellectual fatigue.
Rhodiola root is, above all, like ginseng, Siberian ginseng (eleuthero), or maca, an "adaptogenic tonic"—that is, a substance that increases the body's resistance to external attacks (climate, fatigue, intense and prolonged effort, stress, etc.) or internal ones (failing natural defenses).
Take in capsule form.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety: ★☆☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract: ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★☆☆ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ★☆☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy: ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★☆☆ Essential oils: ★☆☆☆☆
Reishi (Ganoderma)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) or Glossy Ganoderma is one of the best-known medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In Asia, it is a symbol of longevity and good luck. Furthermore, it is also known as Ling Zhi in China or Yongzhi in Japan.
In certain parts of the world, the preparation of “Ling Zhi” was and still is considered to have healing properties for the body and mind. Reishi actually contains certain bioactive components that could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or even cancer. As a mushroom with adaptogenic properties, TCM attributes immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to it...
Reishi is rich in nutrients and contains more than 200 bioactive molecules, including ergosterols, polysaccharides (such as beta-glucans), and triterpenes.
While less specific in appearance, it is clear that Reishi can be an effective aid in cases of stress and physical overwork; prefer taking it in ampoules or standardized extract capsules.
Read the blog on Mycotherapy, the medicine of mushrooms.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ☆☆☆☆☆
Anguish: ☆☆☆☆☆ Fresh plant extract:
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★☆☆ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ☆☆☆☆☆ Ampoules:★★★★★
Anti-depressant effect: ☆☆☆☆☆
Anti-depression plants.
Definition of depression:
Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, a feeling of tiredness, and poor concentration.
Plants:
St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
St. John's Wort, very widely recommended by naturopaths, is a great classic for anyone wishing for help in maintaining emotional and general balance. Just like its yellow flower mirroring the sun, St. John's Wort knows how to restore inner sunshine.
St. John's Wort extract, titrated for the active ingredient hypericin, contributes to greater inner relaxation, brightens the mind, helps fight against depression, and promotes more restorative sleep.
Discover St. John's Wort products.
Stress:★★★☆☆ Infusion:
Anguish: ★★★★☆ Fresh plant extract:
Anxiety and nervousness:★★★☆☆ Capsules:
Sleep aid: ★★☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy:
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★★★ Essential oils:
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Highly renowned in the Middle East, Saffron is a plant rich in active ingredients among which we find crocin and crocetin, which are pigments with antioxidant virtues, and safranal, its main active principle, which acts on the nervous system.
Saffron is ideal for all difficult periods, both nervously and emotionally. Thanks to its active principles, it will help you during periods of low morale and generalized sadness.
-Promotes good morale and psychological well-being.
-Regulates the nervous system.
-Calms anguish, depression, and anxiety.
To be taken as an infusion for occasional annoyances and in capsules for the longer term.
Stress: ★★★☆☆ Infusion: ★★★★☆
Anguish: ★★★★☆ Extrait de plantes fraiches:
Anxiety and nervousness: ★★★★☆ Capsules: ★★★★★
Sleep aid: ★☆☆☆☆ Gemmotherapy:
Anti-depressant effect: ★★★★☆ Essential oils:
Vitamins and minerals against anguish, stress, and nervousness.
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for the human body. Indeed, it is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Prefer magnesium bisglycinate, which is a form highly absorbable by the body, up to eight times greater than marine magnesium. Bisglycinate is also very well tolerated by the intestines, even sensitive ones. According to a study, 75% of men and 77% of women are below the recommended nutritional intake. This leads to a deficiency that is easily identifiable, manifesting as muscle cramps especially at night, eyelid fasciculations (twitching), a state of physical and emotional fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
The recommended Magnesium product.
5-HTP
5-HTP is an amino acid derived from Griffonia.
5-HTP is synthesized in the body thanks to tryptophan, which is synthesized in the liver and brain. Then, 5-HTP participates in the natural synthesis of serotonin by the body. Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters of the nervous system. Serotonin acts as a mood regulator and a serotonin deficit can cause low morale, irritability, and attention deficit.
5-HTP, by consequently helping with the synthesis of serotonin, helps to improve mood and calms.
The recommended 5-HTP product.
GABA
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. GABA is a neurotransmitter that regulates neuronal excitability. It is a muscle relaxant. Indeed, it allows, on the one hand, to lastingly soothe nervous over-activity and, on the other hand, to allow for peaceful sleep.
GABA is used as a natural antidepressant; it is ideal during dips in morale and motivation as a supplement, but also as a foundational treatment for people with a terrain prone to stress or anxiety.
Dietary supplements to fight against anguish, stress, and nervousness.
Our selection, tested and approved.
The relaxation complex from Pleine Forme
The “Pleine détente” (Full Relaxation) complex is a synergy of 4 plants traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to cope with situations of stress or anxiety.
“Pleine détente” capsules can be used for occasional stress, but also for chronic stress. This complex allows for better management of physical and mental stress. They can be taken in several types of situations such as exam periods, work stress, or disturbed sleep.
NivelAnxi from Api Nature
-Innovative formulation based on marine peptides, an exclusive Protizen complex, and Cyracos®
-Standardized extracts of titrated Lemon Balm, Rhodiola rosea, Griffonia titrated in 5-HTP + amino acids L-Lysine, L-Arginine.
-Nivelanxi is an innovative exclusive formula of marine peptides, enriched with 5-HTP, a bioactive hydrolyzed extract of Griffonia.
-Cyracos is a patented extract of lemon balm leaves. During the extraction process, the integrity of the active ingredients of the lemon balm leaf is preserved.
-Protizen is an active extract of pollack peptides, a lean fish obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis and then purified. Its small molecular weight ensures the bioavailability of the active ingredients.
The NivelAnxi dietary supplement is ideal for promoting relaxation as well as for nervous tension and anguish.
And Bach Flowers? Do they work to calm stress or anxiety?
Bach flowers help to relieve pain or problems related to emotions. Unlike drugs, they have no side effects on the body.
There are 38 different flowers with varied virtues. Consequently, you must choose the Bach flowers that are useful according to your ailments and what needs to be treated.
The plants composing the Dr. Bach floral elixirs or Bach flowers are classified into 7 categories.
1-Fears and insecurity
ROCK ROSE No. 26
MIMULUS No. 20
CHERRY PLUM No. 6
ASPEN No. 2
RED CHESTNUT No. 25
2-Doubts and uncertainty
CERATO No. 5
SCLERANTHUS No. 28
GENTIAN No. 12
GORSE No. 13
HORNBEAM No. 17
WILD OAT No. 36
3-Lack of interest
CLEMATIS No. 9
HONEYSUCKLE No. 16
WILD ROSE No. 37
OLIVE No. 23
WHITE CHESTNUT No. 35
CHESTNUT BUD No. 7
MUSTARD No. 21
4-Loneliness
WATER VIOLET No. 34
IMPATIENS No. 18
HEATHER No. 14
5-Vulnerability and sensitivity
AGRIMONY No. 1
CENTAURY No. 4
WALNUT No. 33
HOLLY No. 15
6-Sadness and depression
LARCH No. 19
PINE No. 24
ELM No. 11
SWEET CHESTNUT No. 30
STAR OF BETHLEHEM No. 29
WILLOW No. 38
OAK No. 22
CRAB APPLE No. 10
7-Difficult relationships
CHICORY No. 8
VERVAIN No. 31
VINE No. 32
BEECH No. 3
ROCK WATER No. 27
Bach flowers allow you to act on the level of inner strength. The treatment is similar to phytotherapy.
Thus, the treatment is adapted to each individual according to each feeling of malaise. It is therefore suitable for all people feeling a more or less deep discomfort.
You can use Bach flowers completely independently. However, we advise you to contact Marie, our specialized advisor, to guide you on dosages and for in-depth personalized advice according to the disorder encountered.
b
Comments (1)
I stumbled upon this skin allergy blog while frantically searching for some solace in the vast web of skincare khujli ka ilaj.advice. And let me tell you, reading your stories has been both comforting and eye-opening.