Many plant medicines alleviate occasional anxiety. Sensitivity to this group of herbs varies widely, some people can relax with one cup of chamomile tea, others need several doses of a much more potent herb to feel results. Start out with a small dose, and adjust the amount as needed, to get the right combination of relaxation without over sedation. Most anti-anxiety herbs are compatible and enhance each others effect, however, do not mix herbs with prescription anti-anxiety drugs, the results can be unpredictable at best..

Hysteria, or anxiety is a diagnostic label applied to a state of mind, one of unmanageable fear or emotional excesses. The fear is often centered on a body part, most often on an imagined problem with that body part (disease is a common complaint). People who are "hysterical" often lose self-control due to the overwhelming fear. In modern terms this is often referred to as a panic attack. When such anxiety is frequent or chronic, adrenal exhaustion results. You experience fatigue, decreased ability.

For cases of mild to moderate anxiety reach for Chamomile first. This old-time remedy for anxiety still works, relaxing and toning the nervous system and easing the digestive complaints especially in cases of nervous excitability. Use chamomile as a relaxing tea, and also use the essential oil in massage blends. A soothing cup of linden tea can also calm your nerves.Linden is mildly sedating and was used by Native Americans and in Old Europe for treating nervous stomach and headaches. Soothing and nourishing, oatstraw tea is good for anyone whose nervous system feels frayed or stressed.

Herbal Sedatives : Blue Vervain soothes and calms the nervous system and addresses any anxiety and depression that might be present. It is also beneficial for the liver, if that organ is stressed or damaged. ¹Among its many medicinal benefits, Licorice is considered an adrenal tonic, in particular, it increases production of the very chemicals that aid in the body's recovery from chronic anxiety.¹The sedative qualities Hops can calm nervous anxiety, however some herbalists recommend avoiding this herb if depression is also present, as hops might worsen these feelings. Scullcap is useful for anxiety of all sorts, particularly for the anxiety and mood swings associated with hormonal swings, such as in PMS and menopause. Valerian is a good, strong anti-anxiety herb. Its active ingredients, valepotriates, blind to benzodiazepine receptor sites in the brain- a mechanism similar to drugs like Valium. The herb, however, seems to be more beneficial to the nervous system, and does not cause dependence or tolerance. ¹

Essential Oils for Anxiety: Aromatherapy is especially suited to support emotional healing and produce more positive feeling. To treat anxiety, choose essential oils that are sedative and tonic to the nervous system. Clary Sage oil is profoundly relaxing with a sensual quality, sedative qualities calm fear, nervousness and anxiety. Lavender's soothing, sedating phytochemicals readily absorb into the skin, including the sensitive membranes inside the nose. That's why even the scent of lavender tends to calm and relax.² Neroli,worn as a perfume, keeps the psyche from overreacting to stimuli and helps you maintain a calm countenance.