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Herbs and Supplements for Stress-More than Lavender and Weed

Updated: Dec 19, 2025


Disclaimer: This article mentions normal life anxiety and is not referring to clinical anxiety disorders. The information is not intended to treat any mental health conditions, and is just a summary of my knowledge of herbs that can help calm the regular stressors and anxieties of life.


I don’t think it will come as a surprise to any of you that the world can be a stressful place. Between unhealed family dynamics, parenting stress (IYKYK), relationship complexities of all kinds, community stressors, and global stressors.


As a result, the modern day human often struggles to regulate their nervous system, may have endless mental chatter, and may have physiological sensations of anxiety and overwhelm.


I don’t point this out to cause more stress or anxiety, but to show how relatively normal having anxiety can be. This fact alone tends to minimize anxiety, as in, there’s nothing “wrong” with me. I’m having a normal human experience.


AND amazingly, as if by grand universal design, many of the plants that are on this planet at this time help calm stress, anxiety and nerves. And no, I’m not talking about marijuana (that could be a whole other email, I’ll just sum it up by saying that I prefer the other herbs I’m going to mention far better-and they’re legal in all 50 states!)



Some fancy names for herbs that help with stress and anxiety are: Adaptogens (these work as a slow process of helping our body build our resilience to stress…essentially making our capacity to hold stress larger before it overflows). Nervines is another commonly used word to reference herbs, and these tend to have a faster action for calming the nervous system. Learning about herbs for mental health fascinated me, as traditional doctors tend to not consider lifestyle or any natural interventions before recommending anxiety medication, even for children.


Use this link to find my favorite supplements to help ease life stress. Disclaimer: These are general wellness recommendations and not intended to treat a medical or mental health condition. Before starting any new supplement it is advised to review this with your medical professional of choice, or a clinical herbalist. https://us.fullscript.com/plans/rrugh-webb-stress-anxiety-and-nervous-system-support


As for nervine herbs I frequently work with Blue Vervain, Skullcap (also an adaptogen) and Motherwort in a tincture called Relax that my original herbal teacher crafts. And in case tincture is a new term, this is when herbs are steeped in a strong alcohol and the plant constituents are extracted (can also be done with glycerine for many herbs which is alcohol free.) If you are interested in accessing this tincture, email me and I will get you set up through my herbal teacher's dispensary. This is a very high quality tincture, and although not individualized is my first go to when recommending a tincture for stress to the general public. It’s also very affordable!


Lemon balm, Chamomile, Wood Betony, and Milky Oats are frequently included in my custom tinctures and teas for clients.


Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that many people use for daily stress support, as it’s best to use this frequently to maintain that larger reserve. Best used in powder form, as pills and tinctures would include such a small dose per serving. And no one wants to take 20 pills a day to get the benefits of this herb.


Holy Basil also known as Tulsi is another great adaptogen and tastes great in a tea blend.


These are very general recommendations. It’s important to do your own research AND also, working with an herbalist allows for the herbs to be customized to your unique concerns.


I hope this knowledge supports you through times of stress,

Rebecca



P.S. I also love essential oils for overall wellness, if used with other techniques and in moderation :). I’ve used MLM oils in the past and have explored multiple other companies over the last decade to see quality. I’ve landed on Plant Therapy. I currently have a Chakra Balance essential oil line that includes the oils and gemstones. Three also have homegrown herbs in them for additional energetics. The shop also includes some gorgeous healing stones my daughters and I hand-wrap for necklaces and unique art prints. https://www.etsy.com/shop/brighterdayswellness/





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