Nervous System
Stress
Feeling tense, pressured or overwhelmed. If stress feels unmanageable, or comes with low mood or thoughts of harming yourself, talk to a health professional straight away.
Several of these herbs can make you sleepy and add to the effects of alcohol and of sleep or anxiety medicines, so don't drive if they make you drowsy. Some, such as kava, have been linked to liver damage. For ongoing anxiety, low mood or sleep problems, talk to a health professional. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.
12 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
AshwagandhaWithania somniferaA review of 9 trials found it lowered stress, anxiety and the stress hormone cortisol more than placebo.
CatnipNepeta catariaHistorically used for nervous upset. It hasn't been tested for stress or anxiety in people.
Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorumIn a 6-week trial of 150 adults, tulsi reduced stress symptoms more than placebo.
HopsHumulus lupulusRecognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild symptoms of mental stress. Based on long use, not clinical trials.
Lemon BalmMelissa officinalisTraditionally used to help people relax.
Lemon VerbenaAloysia citrodoraIn one trial, a lemon verbena extract lowered stress and cortisol.
LindenTilia cordataRecognized in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild symptoms of mental stress.
Milky OatsAvena sativaGreen oat extracts lowered stress responses in two trials.
Passion FlowerPassiflora incarnataRecognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for mild symptoms of mental stress.
Rhodiola RoseaRhodiola roseaA traditional EU herbal medicine for relief of stress symptoms; see a doctor if they last more than 2 weeks.
Sceletium TortuosumSceletium tortuosumIn a 3-month safety trial, some people taking the extract wrote that they coped better with stress. Stress wasn't measured directly.
SkullcapScutellaria laterifloraTraditionally taken as a tea or extract for stress.