Anxiety is a common mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including stress from work, relationship issues, financial problems, and traumatic events.

Although anxiety can be treated with prescribed drugs, some people may experience adverse effects or find these pharmaceuticals challenging to access or afford. That’s where natural anxiolytics come into play. Natural anxiolytics are alternative remedies found in nature, which can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Here are ten safe, effective, and accessible natural anxiolytics:.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is a flower typically used in tea form, which can induce relaxation, calmness, and improve sleep quality. Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which help promote relaxation.

Chamomile has also been useful in reducing mild to moderate anxiety levels and has fewer side effects than traditionally prescribed drugs. Chamomile teas and supplements can be found in most health food stores and are relatively inexpensive.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant plant that produces a calming effect and has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and depression.

Lavender contains linalool, a compound that helps reduce anxiety by increasing GABA levels, which is a neurotransmitter that produces calming effects in the brain. Lavender is available in essential oil, tea, and supplement forms and can be found in most health food stores. It can be added to a warm bath, used in an aromatherapy diffuser, or applied topically for optimal results.

3. Valerian Root

Valerian root is a herb commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Valerian root contains valerenic acid, a compound that increases GABA levels.

Valerian root has been useful in reducing anxiety caused by both prolonged and short term stress. Valerian root is available in capsule and tea form and can be found in most health food stores.

4. Passionflower

Passionflower is a plant commonly used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. Passionflower contains flavonoids, which have anti-anxiety effects. Passionflower helps increase GABA levels, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

Passionflower is available in capsules and tea forms and can be found in most health food stores.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is a herb from the mint family that’s commonly used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to increase GABA levels and reduce cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress.

Lemon balm is available in essential oil, tea, and supplement forms and can be found in most health food stores.

6. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall health and well-being. Ashwagandha contains compounds that help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation.

Ashwagandha helps normalize cortisol levels, which is essential in managing anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha is available in capsule and tea forms and can be found in most health food stores.

7. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese medicine and European medicine to reduce stress symptoms.

Rhodiola rosea enhances the body’s resistance to stress by increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Rhodiola rosea can also reduce cortisol levels and reduce inflammation associated with anxiety. Rhodiola rosea is available in capsule and tea forms and can be found in most health food stores.

8. Kava Kava

Kava Kava is a herb commonly used in the South Pacific for its anxiolytic effects. Kava Kava contains kavalactones, which have relaxation and sedative properties.

Kava Kava is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality. Kava Kava is available in tea, capsule, tincture, and powder forms and can be found in most health food stores.

9. Holy Basil

Holy Basil or Tulsi is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall well-being and manage stress and anxiety symptoms. Holy Basil contains eugenol, which is antianxiety, and reduces cortisol levels associated with prolonged stress.

Holy Basil improves mental clarity and focus, reduces fatigue and promotes relaxation. Holy Basil is available in tea form, capsules, and tinctures and can be found in most health food stores.

10. Exercise

Exercise is a natural way to reduce anxiety symptoms by promoting the production of endorphins, which are chemicals produced by the body that elevate mood and reduce pain.

Exercise releases tension and improves sleep quality, which are essential in managing anxiety symptoms. Exercise can be accessible and affordable and can be done at home or outdoors.

It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before using natural anxiolytics, especially when taking prescribed medications. Some natural remedies may interact with drugs, and it’s essential to ensure they’re safe to use.

Natural anxiolytics can be safe, effective, and accessible alternatives for managing anxiety symptoms.