“What supplements do I take for my anxiety?” — this is a question that’s often asked. Unfortunately, if you answer the question as “I don’t,” then you’re certainly not alone. In fact, most people who suffer from anxiety have difficulty getting their hands on effective treatment options outside of pharmaceutical drugs.

In addition to the social stigma of taking anxiety medication, these medications often come with a long list of side effects. A lot of people suffer from undesired reactions and aren’t able to find relief on their own. This is why we put together this article on some of the best natural supplements for anxiety — so you can learn more about how they may help treat your condition.

Keep in mind that supplements can be powerful, and it’s always a good idea to discuss with your doctor the best option for you. Anxiety, as we know, comes in many types and severities, so it may not work for everyone. However, if your anxiety is moderate to severe, it would be wise to look into these supplements before trying pharmaceutical drugs.

Best Natural Supplement for Anxiety – Your Options

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is an herb that’s been used for thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans would use this plant to help with indigestion, stomach pain, gas, bloating, and improved mood. Today Lemon Balm oil extracts are still used as natural remedies for headaches, period cramps, Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety.

This plant has a long history of being used for anxiety but is still considered an alternative medicine by the FDA. It’s also important to note that this supplement can interact with other drugs you’re already taking and change their levels in your blood. Hence, it’s good practice to always consult with your doctor before adding any new supplements.

Taking a Lemon Balm supplement has been shown to reduce the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, and Post Traumatic Stress. While it’s not a sedative in nature, many people use it as a fast-acting relaxant before bedtime. It can also be helpful with periods of nervous tension or when you feel overwhelmed and stressed.

You can take 200mg to 600mg as a supplement before bedtime and the same dosage as needed for anxiety throughout the day. However, we recommend starting with the lower end and working your way upward, so you don’t experience any side effects. Lemon Balm is also available in tea form, and many people enjoy drinking a cup before bedtime.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is a natural sedative that has been used for centuries to help with sleep, anxiety, restlessness, and stress. However, this powerful supplement can affect your brain by changing the levels of some neurotransmitters in your brain, such as GABA and Glutamate. These changes result in a reduction in the “excitability” of the nervous system.

People who take Valerian root for anxiety have experienced reduced severity of symptoms that come with stress, worry, and tension. The most commonly used dosage is around 400mg to 1000mg before bedtime to relieve anxiety symptoms. It’s also available as an herbal tea as well as a supplement.

Conclusion

It is the best advice to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements for anxiety. While there are a lot of benefits to these natural options, it’s important to understand that they come with side effects as well — especially since your body may have developed a dependency on them over time.