Shop

It’s generally considered safe in moderate amounts. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness, especially when taken with alcohol or sedatives. Avoid during pregnancy or while driving.

For anxiety support, some of the best herbs include calming nervines which directly soothe the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and adaptogens which help the body build long-term resilience to stress and balance overall mood and energy. 

Some of our favourite herbs for anxiety include: 

• Passionflower: Calms nervous tension and supports restful sleep.
• Lemon Balm: Gently uplifts mood and soothes the digestive system.
• Chamomile: Provides gentle relaxation and eases irritability.
• Kava: Deeply relaxes and helps with social anxiety (use cautiously).
• Skullcap: Supports nervous system recovery and eases mental overwhelm.
• Damiana: Uplifts mood, reduces social anxiety and opens the heart
• Blue Lily (Blue Lotus) – Mildly euphoric and heart-opening
• Ashwagandha: Builds long-term resilience to stress and balances adrenal function.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Uplifts mood and promotes emotional balance.
• Rhodiola: Energizes while reducing stress-related mental fatigue.

Choosing the right herb depends on your specific anxiety symptoms—whether you need gentle calming, mood support, adrenal balance, or social ease.

For anxiety attacks—which come on suddenly and feel intense—fast-acting herbs that calm the nervous system and ease panic are most effective. Here are some of the best ones:

• Kava – One of the strongest herbal relaxants. Calms the mind and body quickly, making it ideal for acute anxiety or panic. Best used occasionally. We recommend our Instant Kava for quick & easy preparation.
• Passionflower – Soothes racing thoughts and tension. Great for calming the nerves during high-stress moments or before bed. We recommend our Passionflower 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
• Skullcap – Eases sudden nervous tension, restlessness, and twitchy muscles. Can help slow mental spiraling. We recommend our Skullcap 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
• California Poppy – A gentle sedative that reduces emotional overwhelm and physical symptoms like a pounding heart or tight chest.
• Lemon Balm – Quick-acting and soothing for both the mind and digestion. Ideal when anxiety causes stomach upset or shakiness. We recommend our Lemon Balm 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
• Lavender – Both aromatherapy and internal use can rapidly calm the nervous system and reduce panic symptoms.
• Rescue Plus (Bach Flower Essence + Australian Bush Flower Essence) – Not an herb, but a classic fast-acting flower essence blend many find helpful in moments of crisis.

Use California Poppy as an alcohol alternative when you're seeking gentle relaxation, emotional ease, and nervous system support—without feeling drowsy or dulled. It's ideal for:

• Anxious or emotionally turbulent days, when you need to soften overwhelm and regain calm.
• Social situations where you feel a bit guarded or tense, and want to open up gently.
• Evening unwinding, especially if you're trying to reduce alcohol use and support sleep naturally.

California Poppy offers a soothing, heart-calming effect that helps ease you into a peaceful, connected state—making it a beautiful herbal ally for replacing alcohol.

California Poppy has a reputation of being a milder, non-addictive alternative to other poppies, and can be used for insomnia. California Poppy is also a useful pain relieving herb, particularly in cases of nerve-generated pain such as sciatica, neuralgia and migraine. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping due to pain, this is definitely a herb to try! When used as a tea before bed, California Poppy promotes a long, restful sleep. Sometimes it can be so effective that we recommend being in bed before taking it – the drowsiness can set in very quickly!
PRO TIP: It’s also quite bitter as a tea, so we recommend trying our California Poppy extract Mellow Yellow.

See more on Sleep.

Chamomile is best used for anxiety when you need gentle calming—especially if your symptoms include irritability, digestive discomfort, or difficulty sleeping. It's ideal in the evening to ease you into rest, or during the day when you feel emotionally sensitive, frazzled, or on edge. A warm chamomile tea can be especially comforting when your anxiety feels tender or you're in need of nurturing support.

Learn more about Chamomile.

Chamomile is one of the most well-known herbs for promoting sleep & relaxation. Often enjoyed as a tea, Chamomile contains antioxidants that bind to certain receptors in your brain that may help you feel relaxed and reduce anxiety, making it easier to drift off to sleep. A warm cup of chamomile tea about 30 minutes before bed can be a soothing part of your nightly routine.

See more on Sleep.

Use Hops as an alcohol alternative when you want to relax deeply, ease tension, and prepare for rest—without reaching for a drink. It’s especially helpful for:

• Evening wind-downs, particularly after a stressful day.
• Social settings where you want a calming, grounding effect without sedation.
• Sleep support, when you’re feeling restless or wired but tired.

Hops has a bitter, beer-like flavour and sedative properties, making it a natural fit for mimicking the relaxing vibe of alcohol—perfect for winding down in a mellow, herbal way.

Hops are most commonly associated with brewing beer, but they also have a long history of being used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. The flowers of the hop plant contain compounds that have sedative effects, making them particularly effective in reducing restlessness and anxiety, both of which can interfere with sleep. Hops are often combined with Valerian root in herbal teas and supplements to create a powerful, natural sleep aid. A warm cup of hops tea before bed can help calm your nervous system and prepare you for a deep, restorative sleep.

See more on Sleep.

Kanna is best used as an alcohol alternative when you want to feel uplifted, open-hearted, and socially relaxed without intoxication. It’s ideal for:

• Social gatherings where you want to feel more connected, talkative, and at ease
• Creative or emotional expression, such as music, art, or heart-to-heart chats
• Low mood or anxious days, when you need a boost in emotional resilience and presence

Kanna shines when you’re seeking gentle euphoria and emotional clarity. Use it in low doses to promote a calm, contented state—perfect for replacing alcohol in moments of connection or celebration.

Kava is best used as an alcohol alternative when you want to feel deeply relaxed, socially at ease, and mentally present—without the buzz or hangover of alcohol. It’s ideal for:

• Social settings where you want to reduce anxiety and feel more open and connected
• Evenings when you need to unwind after a stressful day
• Ceremonial or mindful gatherings where you want to relax while staying grounded and aware

Use Kava when you’re looking for a mellow, body-relaxing effect with a clear head. It’s not for boosting energy—but it’s perfect for softening tension and enhancing connection.

Kava is best used for anxiety when you need fast, deep relaxation—particularly in situations involving social anxiety, acute stress, or muscle tension. It’s effective when your anxiety feels intense and you need to quickly unwind without impairing mental clarity too much. Use it in the evening or before stressful events when you want to feel calm, confident, and more at ease in your body. It’s not ideal for daily long-term use but works well as needed.

Learn more about Kava.

Lemon Balm is best used as an alcohol alternative when you want to feel light, calm, and gently uplifted—without sedation. It’s ideal for:

• Daytime or early evening relaxation, especially when you're feeling tense or scattered
• Social settings where you want to stay clear-headed but ease anxiety or overthinking
• Moments of emotional overwhelm, as it soothes both the nerves and the digestive system

With its bright, lemony flavour and mild calming effects, Lemon Balm makes a beautiful base for herbal mocktails that relax without dulling your sparkle.

Lemon Balm is ideal for anxiety when it's accompanied by digestive upset, nervous tension, or low mood. It’s especially useful during the day to gently lift your spirits, calm a racing mind, and soothe the gut. Reach for it when your anxiety feels mild to moderate, or when you need to stay calm yet mentally clear—like before social events, work meetings, or winding down without sedation.