Anxiety is an uncomfortable sensation; it is the equivalent of an alarm sounding from the psyche to which our body responds. (Be aware that anxiety can signal a physical condition which requires attention.) It feels as though we are suspended in an extended fight or flight response; neither response is appropriate and we are often left unable to respond at all. The good news is that being uncomfortable is one of the surest ways to effect change. It is common to avoid change in favor of the familiar, but the discomfort of anxiety makes the discomfort of change seem manageable by comparison. Anxiety says you have averted your head long enough from the troubles of your life; now it is time to face them.
Meaningful action is required, small steps that take you in your chosen direction (not to be confused with actions that seek to shepherd others in your chosen direction). Of course the bad news follows: being in the grip of anxiety may make it impossible to think logically of the next appropriate action, let alone take it! Loosening the stranglehold of high anxiety with herbal remedies may provide sufficient relief to begin a deeper healing. Before undertaking herbal therapy, make sure the building blocks for good psychological and physical health are in place. Regulate your sleep patterns; eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugar from your diet; and indulge in daily aerobic exercise.
As you take positive steps to change you life, you can use aromatherapy as a gentle, easy way to provide a relaxing environment. A synergistic blend of essential oils is best for treating anxiety. The anxious person must return to a state of balance. Oils that simply act as relaxants are not sufficient, but should be used in conjunction with mild stimulants to counter the paralyzing effects of anxiety and avoid depressive tendencies. Certain essential oils, called adaptogens, act as natural balancers. Adaptogens which affect the nervous system can act as relaxants or stimulants and are especially good choices for treating anxiety. Their action depends on what is necessary to achieve a state of homeostasis within the body. The quantity of essential oil used may also play a role in the prevailing property of an adaptogen — a greater amount tending to be more stimulating that a lesser amount. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender (Lavendula angustifolium syn. officinalis), lemon (Citrus limon), neroli (Citrus bigaradia syn. aurantium), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oils are all adaptogens which moderate the nervous system.
Citrus oils comprise the majority of essential oils recommended for anxiety. In addition to lemon and neroli, bergamot (Citrus bergamia syn. C. auriantium varberamia), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), mandarin (Citrus noblis), orange, and pettigraine (or petitgrain) oils are often used. Orange, neroli, and pettigraine essential oils originate from the same plant, Citrus aurantium, the bitter orange tree. Neroli is derived from the flowers of the tree, pettigraine from its leaves and young shoots, and orange from the rind of the fruit. It is interesting that melissa (Melissa officinalis) essential oil, is another frequent recommendation for relief from anxiety. Belonging to the Labiatae family of which mints are also members, Melissa officinalis is also known as lemon balm for the pungent citrus smell released when its leaves are crushed. Traditionally used to both lift the spirits and calm nerves, perhaps further research will reveal that lemon balm is an as- yet-undiscovered adaptogen.
Like neroli, jasmine (Jasminum officinale) and ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oils are derived from sweetly fragrant flowers. Jasmine and ylang-ylang’s value for treating anxiety lies in their sedative properties. It is difficult to obtain pure jasmine essential oil, so be a cautious consumer and buy from a reputable source. (This is always a good idea to be sure you are purchasing high quality oils.)
A synergy of bergamot, geranium, and lavender oils is particularly effective, or blend equal parts of lavender, geranium, and Palma rosa (Cymbopogon martinii). You may want to create your own blends. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), are stimulating, motivating oils. Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita syn. Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile), clary-sage (Salvia sclarea), marjoram (Origanum marjorana), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), rose (Rosa damascena or Rosa gallica), sandalwood (Santalum album) and vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) are relaxant or sedative oils. Vary the proportions of two or three oils until you find a combination that suits you.
Essential oils can be added to a relaxing bath, or diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into the skin. For greater convenience, oils can be dispersed through your living area or work space through a diffuser, humidifier, or sprayer. A small vial provides portable relief which can be massaged into a small area of skin or inhaled from a tissue, handkerchief, or cotton ball.
Two of the most prevalent herbal remedies for anxiety, kava kava (Piper methysticum) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) have balancing properties similar to the identified adaptogens of aromatherapy. Kava kava is documented as having both calming and stimulating actions. St. John’s wort acts as both an antidepressant and a sedative. (For a more in-depth look at St. John’s wort, see Conscious Choice, January/February 1998). Lemon balm, the herb from which the essential oil melissa is derived, also has a dual nature — soothing and rejuvenating. It adds a refreshing flavor to teas as well.
Another ingredient in many anxiety or stress tea blends is wild cherry or sweet cherry bark (Prunus serotina); it has a mild sedative effect and relieves digestive disorders which result from nervous tension. Be cautious and informed when using wild cherry bark. It can be highly toxic in large doses, due to one of its constituent derivatives, hydrocyanic acid. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, and should be administered to children only under the guidance of a health care practitioner.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), chamomile, and hops (Humulus lupulus) are commonly found in teas, tablets, and capsules for anxiety or stress, but they are primarily sedative in nature. So too are the herbs considered key in the treatment of chronic anxiety or panic attacks: skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), linden flowers (Tilia spp.), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), or valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Skullcap, however, is thought to also act as a tonic to actually support and nourish the nervous system.
Other convenient options exist. Calms Forté from Hyland’s includes homeopathic doses of chamomile, passion flower, and hops, along with other ingredients for restored equilibrium with minimal side effects. The Five Flower Remedy from Bach Flower Essences provides almost instant relief from acute anxiety. Rescue Remedy is a flower essence blend appropriate for anxiety at times of crisis.
Living with anxiety is like listening to a fire alarm sounding repeatedly, like seeing flashing lights every time you glance in the rearview mirror. Instant remedies are a stop-gap measure. Aromatherapy offers ways to improve and smooth the flow of energy and consciously invite self-care rituals into your life. Deeper still lie the issues that beg to be addressed and resolved. Flashing lights, alarms, and sirens warn that some kind of death is near. Life is growth and change; the alternative is death — literal or spiritual. Heed the warning.
DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.