Anxiety ranks among the most widespread psychological disorders in today’s society. In May of 2023,  a national survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation in the UK showed that approximately 60% of adults had experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the previous two weeks. 

The forms of this disorder are varied, as are the causes, but what is certain is that it is by no means easy to detect or diagnose, let alone treat. It is often manifested in the form of panic attacks, paranoia, emotional peaks and negative thoughts. Sometimes it results in psychosomatic disorders, such as insomnia, IBS, rashes, tachycardia and chest pain. In severe cases, it can become chronic and lead to depression.

As always, we advise you to consult a doctor and start psychotherapy as soon as you realize the problem. However, you might also want to consider introducing into your daily routine natural anxiolytics. They are 100% green tranquilisers that, according to numerous studies, can help you feel better if you use them consistently.

What should you take instead of anxiolytics?

Anxiolytics are drugs that are prescribed in severe cases of anxiety, depression and panic attacks. The most common belong to the benzodiazepine category, such as Valium, Xanax, Tavor or Lexotan. Although they help control these disorders, they must be taken under strict medical supervision and very sparingly, because they can result in addiction and serious side effects, such as mood alteration, confusion, memory impairment, drowsiness, nausea and tremors. This is why, in some cases, there are those who prefer to turn to natural alternatives.

Among the ideal replacements for Xanax or Lexotan are homeopathic products, Bach flower remedies or natural anxiolytics. They can be very effective in improving your mood, conciliating sleep, calming nerves or alleviating depression and anxiety without serious contraindications. Obviously, these solutions don’t work for everyone, which is why it is necessary to consult a doctor beforehand, especially if you are already taking medication.

What are natural anxiolytics?

When we talk about natural anxiolytics, we’re referring to substances or techniques that can help reduce anxiety naturally without the use of synthetic or prescription drugs. 

This category includes both mild anxiolytics and stronger remedies that can be a true natural alternative to Xanax or other heavy drugs. 

Natural anxiolytics include herbs, supplements, dietary changes, relaxation techniques, exercise, and other stress management methods. 

For example, chamomile and valerian are herbs commonly associated with anxiolytic properties, while meditation and regular exercise are considered natural ways to relieve anxiety.

Why should you choose natural remedies instead of pharmacological ones?

The choice between natural and pharmacological remedies to treat anxiety depends on several factors. The decision is very personal and should be made only after consultation with a health professional. 

However, there are common reasons why more and more people are preferring natural anxiolytics over pharmacological ones:

• Fewer side effects: many prescription drugs cause unwanted side effects including fatigue, dizziness, nausea, memory issues and addiction, while natural tranquilizers are generally less likely to cause adverse reactions;
• Holistic approach: natural treatment includes lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and stress management techniques, which benefit the whole body; 
• Personal preference: some people are more comfortable with natural approaches, as they feel they are less invasive than drugs;
• Lower risk of addiction: some anxiolytics and antidepressants can cause addiction, whereas even with stronger natural remedies the risk of developing an addiction is much lower; 
• Compatibility with other treatments: natural remedies can sometimes be used as part of a broader approach to anxiety management, which may also include traditional medications.

In many cases, combining natural and pharmacological remedies, and other professional interventions, turns out to be the most effective strategy to manage anxiety in a comprehensive and personalized way. Clearly, you should always consult a doctor beforehand to figure out which route is most appropriate in your specific case.

When should you choose natural anxiolytics?

As we mentioned earlier, you can opt for natural anxiolytics when you want to take a holistic approach to the problem or when you want to limit side effects. 

Generally speaking, natural anxiolytics can be very helpful in certain cases:

• Treating mild or moderate anxiety;
• Minimizing side symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and muscle tension;
• Supplementing the pharmacological treatment for anxiety (although in this case, it must be assessed on a case-by-case basis because some natural anxiolytics may compromise the effectiveness of other medications). 

Remember that although natural anxiolytics can be helpful, they should never replace professional supervision, especially when dealing with more complex mental health conditions.

What are the best natural anxiolytics?

When we talk of natural anxiolytics, we’re referring to plant-based products that prove useful in relieving feelings of anxiety, thanks to their properties and active ingredients. With that in mind, it should be stressed that there are no phytocompounds that can completely replace anxiolytics. They are only meant to be combined with them or to be used when the symptoms are not too severe.

However, it must be acknowledged that the active ingredients of certain flowers and plants make it possible to promote and maintain a relaxed psycho-physical state. We know by now that nature is able to provide numerous solutions for our well-being and there are indeed many effective herbal treatments for anxiety, such as the so-called ‘grandma’s remedies’ and other treatments that are less well known or that have been recently re-evaluated. Each one of these solutions can help you get back your peace of mind. Of course, being organic, their effect may vary from person to person and require more time to be noticeable.

According to numerous studies, some of them act as mild natural anxiolytics, which are useful when the symptoms are rather mild and transitory, while others are strong natural tranquilizers that have a quick effect. Here’s a list of some of the most popular natural anxiolytics.

1. Cannabis 

Cannabis is a remedy known since ancient times but that has only recently been reevaluated. It is a plant with multiple properties, which not only has psychotropic effects, as it is still believed today, but can also be used to alleviate numerous psycho-physical disorders. In the cases where cannabis is used for therapeutic purposes, it can only be prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, you can opt for legal weed and other products based on CBD, that is a beneficial component of cannabis, which allow you to treat your body in a natural and non-aggressive way.

Cannabis, in its various forms, is a powerful natural anxiolytic. It’s a very strong sedative that induces psychological and muscular relaxation, quickly calms you and improves your mood and sleep. Cannabis-based products make you feel better, short and long-term, because of the influence cannabis has on the nervous and immune systems. Indeed, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

Although in our country buying ‘regular’ cannabis is not allowed due to its high percentage of THC that causes psychotropic effects, there are versions that are perfectly legal. If you suffer from generalized anxiety, panic attacks and discontent, you can buy legal weed or CBD-based products, such as oils or capsules, that allow you to benefit from its properties without ‘getting high’.

Natural oil drops for anxiety and depression are a great option if you are looking for a remedy that is powerful but not as invasive as prescription drugs. As a matter of fact, you can find them on the market in different concentrations and formulas, suitable for any condition. 

2. Valerian 

Valerian is the quintessential natural anxiolytic, probably the first choice for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical remedies.

Already known to the ancient Romans, valerian is a plant with a very intense smell, which is used as a tranquilizer to aid sleep, and to control panic attacks and anxiety.

It can be found in the form of capsules, dry or hydroalcoholic extracts or as herbal tea, mixed with other herbs to mask its unpleasant taste.

Valerian is generally well tolerated but it’s very strong and can cause headaches, stomach aches or dizziness in very sensitive individuals. It can also interact with certain drugs, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, as it increases their sedative effect. Finally, it may negatively affect those who are taking iron supplements and patients suffering from liver disease.

3. Lemon balm 

Lemon balm is also famous for its relaxing and soporific effects. It’s a plant with green leaves and a light scent of lemon, which is used to make herbal teas and decoctions. It’s usually mixed with passionflower.

It acts as a mild natural anxiolytic that has relaxing, calming and soothing properties. It’s useful for managing anxiety, nerves and related symptoms such as palpitations, tachycardia or stomach ache.

It is available in leaves, to prepare hot drinks, mother tinctures and essential oils, for topical use or to pour into hot water for baths.

Lemon balm may also interact with other drugs, particularly barbiturates, and lead to excessive sedative effects that you must be careful of. It isn’t recommended in patients suffering from thyroid disease, glaucoma and in pregnant women.

4. Lavender

Not many know that lavender also helps to make us feel calmer and less apprehensive. It is a perennial  herbaceous plant with characteristic blue-purple flowers. It has a delicate and fresh floral aroma, which makes it a popular ingredient for cosmetics, room scents, laundry detergents, but also sweets and drinks.

Lavender, which is common in phytotherapy and aromatherapy, has sedative, relaxing and soothing properties. It’s also an excellent palliative for stress, nerves and anxiety, but to a lesser extent than lemon balm and valerian.

In addition to acting as a mild natural anxiolytic, it helps to relieve symptoms of agitation, such as headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal and sleep disorder.

Lavender essential oil can be used in its pure form, inhaled, massaged into the skin, added to hot baths or ingested as capsules. Its abuse can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal disorders or, after external use, dermatitis and irritation.

5. Chamomile

There is nothing better than a steaming cup of chamomile tea before bed to get a good night’s sleep. Chamomile tea is indeed the natural remedy we all have at home, ready for a relaxing hot drink just before bedtime.

Chamomile is a herbaceous plant with characteristic little white and yellow flowers that are harvested and dried to prepare decoctions and herbal teas. Its lovely aroma makes it ideal for cosmetics, creams and various fragrances.

It is a useful mild natural anxiolytic, which is excellent for inducing a state of physical and mental relaxation, as it has a mild sedative effect and facilitates sleep. It also has antispasmodic, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, which help you control anxiety symptoms.

Chamomile can be used, as already mentioned, in hot drinks, essential oils and mother tinctures. Generally, it doesn’t have any side effects, but excessive consumption may mess with sedative, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as cause allergies, irritation and conjunctivitis.

Which natural anxiolytic should you go for?

All of the above-mentioned natural anxiolytics are excellent solutions if you suffer from generalized anxiety or if you’re going through a particularly stressful time. These feelings can interfere with your sleep and cause panic attacks or depression that affect your social life. 

Choosing one rather than another depends mainly on your personal taste, the disorder you want to treat and the occasions of use. 

What is the most powerful natural anxiolytic? Among all those we have mentioned, the answer certainly is CBD oil drops. It can be an effective treatment even on its own. 

The other herbs, however, are ideal in a holistic approach or as complementary therapies. For example, chamomile tea is perfect to drink at night before bedtime, but to some people it has no effect. Others, on the other hand, find benefit in taking valerian in the form of capsules and drops, or simply in enjoying relaxing baths with lavender essential oil. 

Legal cannabis is a natural remedy that can be used at any time of the day. Specifically, lately, CBD products are becoming very popular among consumers for two main reasons. First of all, due to its very low THC content and high CBD content, which makes these products free of side effects and perfectly legal. Secondly, its great versatility allows the creation of a very diverse range of products that suit the needs and preferences of everybody.

Tips on how to use natural oil drops to treat anxiety

If you are considering using natural oil drops to treat your anxiety, you should do it safely and mindfully. 

Here are some tips you should keep in mind:

• Be aware of the ingredients: make sure you know the ingredients of the natural oil you are buying. Always check the quality and origin of the product and ask the company for lab analysis when necessary; 
• Correct dosage: follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully because improper or excessive use could cause unwanted side effects, even if it’s a natural product; 
• Monitor reactions: carefully observe your reactions to the use of natural oil drops. If you notice any side effect, stop the treatment and consult a specialist; 
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using any remedy; 
• Consistency: the effects of natural anxiolytics may take time to be noticeable;
• Monitor sleep quality: observe if there are changes in your sleep quality and adjust the dosage or time of administration accordingly.

By now, you have all the tools to treat your anxiety in a loving and gentle way. Remember that stress is a wake-up call from your body trying to tell you that something in your lifestyle is not working. Don’t just relieve your symptoms, choose a holistic approach that improves your overall quality of life. The anxiety will go away naturally.