A tea, supplement or relaxing bath may sound like an easy answer when anxiety is exhausting. But feeling soothed for a while is different from treating an anxiety disorder. No remedy on this page is a guaranteed cure, and “natural” products can cause side effects or interact with medicines.
This guide revises the earlier article’s claims that these remedies have no side effects or should be added to everyone’s routine. It also removes unsupported dosing and cure claims.
Start with the right kind of help
If anxiety is interfering with sleep, work, relationships or daily activities, arrange an assessment. A qualified professional can consider both mental and physical contributors. According to NIMH, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder commonly involves psychotherapy, medication or both. Everyday habits can support treatment but do not replace it.
What popular remedies can and cannot tell us
Lavender
Research on particular oral lavender preparations has suggested possible benefit, but limitations prevent firm conclusions. A trial of a measured product is not a recipe for swallowing an aromatherapy oil. Evidence about an oral preparation also cannot establish that drops on a pillow will treat an anxiety disorder.
Chamomile
Some preliminary studies of chamomile supplements suggest possible benefit for generalized anxiety disorder. The findings are not conclusive, and tea is not necessarily equivalent to a studied extract. It should not be described as working just like a prescription sedative.
Kava
Kava may have some effect on anxiety, but it has been linked with severe liver injury. That risk makes a casual recommendation inappropriate. Do not use this article as a reason to start it. These three summaries draw on NCCIH’s review of anxiety and complementary approaches.
CBD products
The FDA explains that CBD can cause liver injury, interactions and drowsiness. Its approval of a prescription CBD medicine for certain seizure disorders is not an approval of consumer CBD products for anxiety. Do not assume all products are THC-free or that their labels establish safety.
Combining CBD with alcohol or other sedating substances can increase risk. Tell your clinician about use, including products bought without a prescription. Rules and product availability vary by location.
Passionflower
NCCIH describes the research as limited. Small studies suggest potential effects, but firm conclusions are not available. Drowsiness, dizziness and confusion can occur. Passionflower should not be used during pregnancy and can interact with medicines used around surgery; discuss use with the clinical team before a procedure.
Valerian
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that valerian helps anxiety, and its long-term safety is uncertain. It can cause adverse effects and should not be combined with alcohol or sedatives. See NCCIH’s valerian fact sheet rather than treating its reputation as a sleep herb as proof of an anxiety treatment.
Lemon balm and mixed herbal products
A product containing several ingredients is difficult to compare with a study of one extract. Check every ingredient and ask a pharmacist about interactions. “Traditional use” and a small preliminary study do not establish that a commercial blend will work for you. We have removed the earlier assurance that lemon balm cures nervousness.
Vitamins, magnesium and omega-3 supplements
Nutrient deficiencies and anxiety are different questions. A clinician may recommend treating a deficiency or another specific need, but that is not a reason for everyone with anxiety to take high doses. This article no longer recommends a fish-oil dose based on a single study or claims that heart health eliminates depression and anxiety.
Research on swallowing magnesium cannot demonstrate that magnesium in a bath is absorbed in a way that treats anxiety. We have also removed advice to maximize sun exposure for vitamin D as an anxiety remedy.
St. John’s wort
Do not add this herb casually to a treatment plan. It can interact with many medicines, including antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives. The NCCIH safety guide explains why a medicine review matters.
Comfort measures without cure promises
You may find a quiet activity, a comfortable bath or a short relaxation exercise pleasant. You do not need to buy a supplement to try these. Relaxation techniques can support care for some people, but are not a replacement for established treatment. Stop or adapt an exercise that makes you feel worse and discuss that reaction with your clinician.
Our practical anxiety-management guide covers manageable routines, sleep, caffeine and support.
Questions before taking a product
- What exact ingredient, preparation and dose were studied?
- Did the research involve people with my condition, or a different situation such as anxiety before surgery?
- Could it interact with my medicines, alcohol or other supplements?
- Is there relevant advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease or an upcoming procedure?
- What benefit should I expect, when should it be reviewed, and which symptoms mean I should stop and seek advice?
Bring the packaging or an ingredient photograph to a pharmacist or clinician. Do not stop prescribed treatment to try a supplement.
If you cannot keep yourself safe or may harm yourself, seek immediate crisis support. In the US, call or text 988; in immediate danger call emergency services. Elsewhere, contact your local crisis or emergency service.
Editorial update: October 1, 2026. This article provides general information and has not been presented as an individual treatment plan or a clinical review. Send corrections through our Contact Us page.
