10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Anxiety

Herbal tinctures for anxiety are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, flowers, and herbs that have been used for centuries to calm the mind and body.

They help alleviate anxiety by promoting relaxation, reducing stress hormones, and improving mood. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with anxiety include ashwagandha, passionflower, and kava. These natural remedies can improve lives by allowing individuals to better manage their emotions, sleep more soundly, and feel more confident in social situations.

By incorporating these tinctures into daily routine, people can experience reduced anxiety symptoms and a greater sense of overall well-being.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for anxiety, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with anxiety because of its unique combination of flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that work synergistically to promote relaxation and calmness.

The tincture's adaptogenic properties allow it to help the body adapt to stress, reducing feelings of overwhelm and promoting a sense of balance and tranquility. Additionally, maypop contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.

As a result, maypop tinctures can be a valuable natural tool for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Hernandeziase: A flavonoid glycoside - Hernandeziase has been shown to possess anxiolytic properties by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Isovitexin: A flavonoid - Isovitexin has been found to have sedative and anxiolytic effects by inhibiting the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in anxiety and stress.
• Harpagide: A steroidal glycoside - Harpagide has been reported to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties, possibly due to its ability to interact with GABA receptors and modulate the activity of neurotransmitters involved in anxiety.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Leaves: They are used for their high concentration of flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to the plant's anxiolytic properties.
• Fruits: The pulp and juice of the fruit are used, as they are rich in flavonoids, particularly vitexin, which is thought to be responsible for the plant's anxiety-reducing effects.
• Barks: The bark of the plant is used due to its high content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which are believed to have a synergistic effect in reducing anxiety.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for anxiety.

1. Harvest passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves at peak potency when the plant is in full bloom and the flowers are fully open.
2. Clean and dry the harvested passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves thoroughly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
3. Combine 1 part passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar and stir.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every week to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids and store in a cool dark place.

2. Piper methysticum

Kava tinctures helps with anxiety because it contains a unique set of compounds called kavalactones, which have been shown to interact with GABA receptors in the brain.

This interaction can help to calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, kava has been traditionally used for centuries in Pacific Island cultures to promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

By incorporating kava tinctures into your daily routine, you may find that you're better equipped to handle stressful situations and enjoy a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Kavalactones: Kavalactones, particularly kawain and methysticin, have anxiolytic and sedative effects by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• Flavokawain b: Flavokawain B has potent anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate anxiety by modulating the body's stress response and reducing inflammation associated with anxiety disorders.
• Myristicin: Myristicin, a terpene in Piper methysticum, has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects by inhibiting the activity of certain neurotransmitters that contribute to anxiety, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Rhyzomes: Rich in kavalactones, which are the primary active compounds responsible for the anxiolytic and sedative effects of the plant.
• Leaves: Contain a high concentration of kavalactones, making them a suitable choice for tinctures aimed at reducing anxiety.
• Roots: Also contain kavalactones, which can be extracted to produce tinctures that help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for anxiety.

1. Harvest piper methysticum roots and leaves in early morning to ensure optimal potency and freshness.
2. Cut the harvested material into small pieces and dry them at 35 degrees celsius for 7 days.
3. Combine 250 grams of dried piper methysticum with 1 liter of 70% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth and store it in a dark glass bottle at room temperature.

3. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with anxiety because it possesses a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body.

The aromatic properties of lavender have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping to calm an overactive nervous system.

By taking a few drops of English lavender tincture, individuals can experience a sense of tranquility and peace, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, as well as reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Linalool: This terpene helps with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress through its sedative and anxiolytic properties.
• Linalyl acetate: This ester has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps alleviate anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety-related muscle tension.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid exhibits anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce anxiety by modulating the body's response to stress and promoting a sense of calm.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Flowers: They contain high concentrations of linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Leaves: They have a similar composition to flowers and are often used as a substitute in herbal remedies for anxiety.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for anxiety.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh or dried lavandula angustifolia flowers on a sunny day in mid-summer.
2. Dry the flowers in a warm oven at 100 degrees fahrenheit for 1 to 2 hours.
3. Chop 2 ounces of dried flowers into small pieces using scissors or a sharp knife.
4. Combine the chopped flowers with 80 proof vodka in a ratio of 1:5 by weight and steep for 4 to 6 weeks in a dark glass jar.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store for 2 to 3 months before use.

4. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with anxiety because of its unique ability to interact with the body's natural chemistry.

The herb contains compounds that bind to GABA receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. This can help reduce feelings of worry and nervousness, allowing individuals to better cope with stressors in their daily lives. Additionally, valerian tinctures have been shown to promote deeper sleep, which is often disrupted by anxiety.

By addressing both daytime and nighttime symptoms, valerian tinctures provide a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid, a sesquiterpene, has anxiolytic and sedative properties by inhibiting the activity of GABA receptors, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Isovaleric acid: Isovaleric acid, a short-chain fatty acid, has a calming effect on the nervous system by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter modulator, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.
• Valeranone: Valeranone, a valerenic acid derivative, possesses anxiolytic properties by interacting with the GABA receptor complex, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote a calm state.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Roots: The roots of Valeriana officinalis are used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, a compound known for its calming effects.
• Barks: The barks of Valeriana officinalis are used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their rich content of valerenic acid and other bioactive compounds that promote relaxation.
• Leaves: The leaves of Valeriana officinalis are used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their ability to absorb and concentrate the plant's active compounds, including valerenic acid.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for anxiety.

1. Gather 2 parts of dried valeriana officinalis roots and 1 part of dried aerial parts in a clean glass container.
2. Combine the gathered herbs with 70 proof vodka as a solvent at a 1:5 ratio by weight.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow extraction to occur.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass container and discard the solids.
5. Transfer the resulting tincture to small dark glass bottles for storage and use within 5 years.

5. Hypericum perforatum

St John's Wort tinctures helps with anxiety because of its natural adaptogenic properties, which enable it to balance the body's response to stress.

The herb's bioactive compounds, such as hyperforin and hypericin, have a sedative effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Additionally, St John's Wort has been shown to increase levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and reducing anxiety symptoms.

As a result, using St John's Wort tinctures can lead to a sense of calm and reduced anxiety levels over time.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Hyperforin: Hyperforin is a phenolic compound that acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which helps in increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety and improving mood.
• Hypericin: Hypericin is a naphthodianthrone that exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties by interacting with the neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and dopamine, to reduce anxiety and stress.
• N-phenylethylamine: NEA is a phenethylamine alkaloid that has been shown to have anxiolytic effects by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which helps in reducing anxiety and stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Leaves: The leaves of Hypericum perforatum are commonly used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their high concentration of flavonoids, which have been shown to have anxiolytic properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Hypericum perforatum are used to make tinctures for anxiety because they contain a high amount of hyperforin, a compound that has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on mood regulation and stress reduction.
• Roots: The roots of Hypericum perforatum are also used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their rich content of alkaloids, such as hypericin, which has been found to possess anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for anxiety.

1. Gather fresh or dried hypericum perforatum flowers in sufficient quantities for a single batch of tincture.
2. Combine the hypericum perforatum flowers with a neutral solvent such as ethanol or glycerin in a ratio of 1:2 to 1:5.
3. Allow the mixture to macerate in a cool dark place for four to six weeks stirring occasionally.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the plant material from the liquid.
5. Store the resulting tincture in a dark glass bottle and label it with the date and ingredients for later use.

6. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with anxiety because of its natural ability to calm the mind and body.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. When taken as a tincture, lemon balm's sweet, citrusy flavor can help soothe an anxious mind, calming symptoms such as racing thoughts and restlessness.

Additionally, its sedative properties can aid in falling asleep faster and sleeping more soundly, making it an excellent natural remedy for those struggling with anxiety.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Rosmarinicine: This phenolic compound helps alleviate anxiety by exerting a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Melissic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, likely due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitters and reduce stress response.
• Linalool: As a terpene, linalool has a sedative effect and helps reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and improving sleep quality.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Leaves: They are the primary source of the essential oil and active compounds responsible for the calming effects.
• Flowers: The flowers contain a higher concentration of melissic acid, which contributes to the anxiolytic properties of the plant.
• Stems: The stems of Melissa officinalis also contain essential oils and active compounds that contribute to the plant's calming effects.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for anxiety.

1. Harvest 1 part of melissa officinalis flowers at peak bloom time typically in summer months for best potency.
2. Dry the flowers by spreading them out in a single layer in a warm dark place for 1 week.
3. Combine 1 part of dried melissa officinalis flowers with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks shaking the jar every day to extract the medicinal properties.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a separate container discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.

7. Tilia europaea

Lime tinctures helps with anxiety because its unique blend of herbs, such as passionflower, lemon balm, and kava, work synergistically to calm the mind and body.

The essential oils in these herbs have a sedative effect, reducing feelings of stress and nervousness, while also promoting relaxation and tranquility. This can lead to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, allowing individuals to feel more centered and grounded.

By using herbal lime tinctures, people can find relief from anxiety without relying on pharmaceuticals or other harsh medications.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia europaea tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Flavonoids: These compounds, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, exhibit anti-anxiety effects by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing inflammation in the brain.
• Terpenoids: These terpenoids contribute to the anxiolytic properties of Tilia europaea by interacting with GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
• Phenolic acids: This phenolic acid helps alleviate anxiety by acting as a antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and promotes a sense of calm.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lime used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Buds: The buds are used due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their calming effects, as they contain compounds like tiliroside and ursolic acid, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for their sedative properties, as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lime for anxiety.

1. Harvest the leaves and flowers of tilia europaea on a dry day in late summer or early fall.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a warm dark place for 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Grind 1 part of the dried plant material into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Combine 1 part of the powdered plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
5. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks shaking the jar every day.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with anxiety because of its unique ability to calm the mind and body.

The extract from this tree contains flavonoids and terpenes that work together to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By soothing the nervous system, Maidenhair tree tincture can alleviate symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, its gentle sedative properties help quiet the mind, allowing for a sense of calm and tranquility to wash over the body.

This natural remedy can provide a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life, promoting overall well-being and balance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, help reduce anxiety by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes and promoting the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
• Bilobalide: Bilobalide, a sesquiterpene lactone, has anxiolytic effects by modulating the activity of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) receptors and reducing the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
• Ginkgolides: Ginkgolides, a group of diterpene trilactones, help alleviate anxiety by blocking the binding of serotonin to its receptors, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Seeds: Contain ginkgotoxine, a compound that may help alleviate anxiety by modulating neurotransmitter activity.
• Buds: Contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by regulating stress hormones.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for anxiety.

1. Harvest ginkgo biloba leaves in late summer or early fall when they are fully ripe and dry.
2. Dry the leaves in a warm place at 100 degrees fahrenheit for 2 to 4 weeks.
3. Chop 500 grams of dried ginkgo biloba leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife.
4. Mix the chopped leaves with 80 percent vodka and 20 percent glycerin in a 1:3 ratio.
5. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place then strain and store in a cool dark place.

9. Avena sativa

Oats tinctures helps with anxiety because they contain natural compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system.

The tincture is made by infusing oats in a solvent, which extracts their beneficial properties, such as beta-glucans and flavonoids. These compounds help to reduce stress hormones like cortisol, promote relaxation, and soothe an overactive mind.

Additionally, herbal oats tinctures have been shown to interact with GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a sense of calm and reduced anxiety.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Avenanthramides: These unique polyphenolic compounds have been shown to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, flavonoids like avenacoside and avenalol may contribute to the anxiolytic properties of Avena sativa by regulating the body's stress response and promoting a sense of calm.
• Furofuran lignans: These lignans, including avenasterol and avenasterol acetate, may help alleviate anxiety by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters and influencing the brain's stress response, promoting a state of relaxation and reduced anxiety.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Seeds: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which contribute to their anxiolytic and calming effects.
• Leaves: Contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, that help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
• Roots: Used for their sedative properties, as they contain a range of bioactive compounds that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for anxiety.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh avena sativa roots and 1 pound of fresh avena sativa leaves in the morning.
2. Chop the avena sativa roots into small pieces and combine with the chopped avena sativa leaves in a container.
3. Soak the chopped avena sativa mixture in 2 cups of 80 proof vodka for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the liquid from the avena sativa mixture through cheesecloth into a container and discard the solids.
5. Bottle the herbal avena sativa tincture in small glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.

10. Cichorium intybus

Chicory tinctures helps with anxiety because it contains a unique combination of compounds that have been shown to promote relaxation and calmness.

The inulin, a prebiotic fiber found in chicory root, has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety by promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Additionally, the flavonoids and phenolic acids present in chicory leaves and roots have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate feelings of stress and unease, leading to a sense of tranquility and reduced anxiety levels.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cichorium intybus tinctures that help with anxiety.

• Inulin: Inulin, a type of fructan, helps with anxiety by promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation due to its prebiotic properties, which support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Cichorin: Cichorin, a sesquiterpene lactone, has been shown to have anxiolytic effects by modulating the activity of GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a reduction in anxiety symptoms.
• Chicoric acid: Chicoric acid, a caffeoylquinic acid derivative, exhibits anxiolytic and anti-stress properties by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chicory used to make tinctures for anxiety.

• Leaves: The leaves of Cichorium intybus are used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their high content of flavonoids and sesquiterpenes, which have a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Roots: The roots are used to make tinctures for anxiety because they contain a high concentration of inulin and sesquiterpenes, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Flowers: The flowers of Cichorium intybus are used to make tinctures for anxiety due to their rich content of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have a sedative effect and can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chicory for anxiety.

1. Gather 1 part of dried cichorium intybus leaves and flowers and combine with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
2. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks shaking the jar daily to ensure even extraction.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a separate clean glass container discard the solids.
4. Transfer the liquid to small amber glass bottles and store them in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks to mature.
5. Label the bottles with the date and contents and store them in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for anxiety?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with anxiety is a blend of ashwagandha, passionflower, and lavender.

Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress. Passionflower calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Lavender, with its soothing scent, further calms the mind and body. Combining these tinctures can provide a holistic approach to managing anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

A typical ratio is 20-30% ashwagandha, 30-40% passionflower, and 20-30% lavender.

What ailments similar to anxiety are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to anxiety/tinctures.html">anxiety/tinctures.html">anxiety that are treated with herbal tinctures are stress, insomnia, and depression.

Tinctures made from herbs such as Ashwagandha, Kava, and Valerian root have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and improve mood.

Other conditions like restlessness, irritability, and fatigue can also be alleviated with herbal tinctures, offering a natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.