Stress and anxiety are like those clingy twins who show up unannounced, eat all your snacks, and then refuse to leave. One’s pacing the room, the other’s catastrophizing about the future, and you’re just trying to drink your tea in peace. But here’s the thing—they’re part of life. The world is loud, fast, overstimulating, and full of expectations. So yeah, stress and anxiety are going to knock on the door every blue moon. The good news? You don’t have to invite them in for a full-blown dinner party. With the right natural tools, such as calming herbs, and some gentle grounding practices, you can meet them at the door, nod politely, and send them on their way.
My Go-To Herbs for Stress & Anxiety
When it comes to stress and anxiety, there’s no one-size-fits-all magic potion (as much as we wish there were). You may need to experiment with different herbs, rituals, and routines to find what works best for you. Maybe grounding for 20 minutes didn’t quite cut it yesterday? Try pairing it with a soothing cup of lavender tea. Or, if you need a quick pick-me-up, rhodiola might be your new best friend. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right combination that helps bring you back to center.
Here are some of my favorites for when stress and anxiety hit:
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Sometimes referred to as the “king of adaptogens.” For good reason, Ashwagandha can help your body adapt to stress by calming the nervous system and supporting the body’s response to stress. Meaning, ashwagandha is a fantastic go-to when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It can also promote mental clarity and help reduce cortisol levels, allowing you to face life with a sense of balance and calm. With its super woody taste, I prefer it in a tincture, but you can also add it to your daily tea.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – I grow so much lavender in my garden and want to cry every winter as I watch my girls go dormant. Lavender is a timeless herb with an ethereal, calming quality. In the summer, I add it to my lemonade for the perfect calming twist to a summer favorite. In the colder months, I enjoy it as a tea almost daily! If you ever see me sniffing my wrists in public, don’t judge. It’s just my lavender essential oil to help calm my nerves in big crowds!
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – In my opinion, lemon balm doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. This beautiful herb can not only help reduce anxiety, but it can also calm the mind and promote clearer thinking. As a member of the mint family, you can imagine how amazing the taste is. So, definitely try it as a tea, or my personal favorite is to add a few drops of lemon balm essential oil to a diffuser for an instant zen vibe.
- Rhodiola (Golden root) – I swear by rhodiola, and I always have a tincture on hand. Rhodiola is a powerful adaptogen that can help boost your mood, enhance mental clarity, and regulate your body’s response to stress. One of the most magical parts? You can steam the stems like asparagus! Who doesn’t love a plant they can eat?!
- California Poppy – As a girl who grew up in California, I was reminded at every park and water’s edge, “Do not pick the poppies!!” As an adult, my yard is full of them! This gentle sedative herb is often used to help reduce anxiety and promote a restful night’s sleep. Unlike some of the more potent sedatives, California poppy doesn’t leave you feeling groggy, making it an excellent option for daytime stress relief or bedtime relaxation.
Grounding: Your Frontline Defense Against the Chaos
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is kick off your shoes and reconnect – literally – with the earth. Grounding is like plugging your soul back in after it’s been running on a 3% battery, with ten open browser tabs, and someone is screaming, “What’s for dinner!?”.
Barefoot in the Grass
Sounds simple because it is. Walk outside, toes to soil, no phone in hand, and just… be. Feel the textures. Breathe. Let the static drain out. Studies have shown that direct contact with the earth can lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and regulate the nervous system. Feel the sun (or rain, you can “ground” rain or shine!) on your face and release all that is holding you back.
Box Breathing
Box breathing is a favorite of Navy SEALs and stressed-out moms alike. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again for 4. Repeat until you feel like you might not throw your laptop out the window after the 3rd Zoom call that could have been an email!
Visualization
Close your eyes and mentally walk yourself through a calming scene, imagining a soft, golden light surrounding your body like a protective shield. You’d be surprised how powerful your imagination is when it’s used for good (instead of, you know, spiraling).
Journaling
Let’s be real – sometimes your brain just needs to vent. No filter, no grammar police, no “dear diary” required (unless you’re into that). Just you, a pen, and a page that doesn’t judge. Journaling can help you sort through the mental chaos, recognize patterns, and create space between you and your thoughts. Bonus points if you use a real pen and notebook – it slows you down in the best way and gives your screen-fatigued brain a much-needed breather.
Stress and anxiety may be loud, but they don’t get to hold the mic forever. You’re stronger than the chaos. You’re more grounded than the whirlwind. And the truth is – you’ve got this. You really do.
Life gets messy, fast, and overstimulating. But with a few deep breaths, your bare feet in the grass, some calming herbs in your cup, and a journal in hand, you’re already working your way back to center.
We’re lucky, in a way. Not because stress and anxiety skip our doorsteps (if only!), but because we’ve learned how to respond. We have the ancient support of Earth’s energy, the wisdom of our own bodies, and the ability to slow things down when the world speeds up.
What are your favorite ways to calm your mind and reconnect with yourself? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you.
🖤Raven & Sage
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any herbal treatments or health practices. Raven & Sage is not responsible for individual outcomes or reactions to herbs or remedies discussed. Full Disclaimer.
