Simply Calm Mind Blog

Discover Natural Ways to Calm Your Mind and Heal Your Spirit

Ever since I was a kid, anxiety has been part of my life, even though I didn’t have a name for it back then. I grew up in Morocco, in a home where we didn’t have much, and my dad was the only one working to support us. Money was tight, and so was the pressure. I was always trying to be the “good girl”, doing well in school, helping around the house, making my parents proud.

Looking back now, I realize how all that responsibility and pressure shaped me into an overthinker. I used to carry the weight of everything, quietly. Smiling on the outside, but feeling overwhelmed inside. If you’re someone who grew up in survival mode like I did, then you probably know exactly what I mean.

As I got older, the anxiety never really left, it just changed shape. But one thing that has changed is how I care for myself. I’ve learned that there are gentle, natural ways to calm my nervous system. And one of the biggest things that’s helped me feel more grounded has been using herbs for anxiety.

They’re not magic pills, but they’ve supported me on my healing journey. Today, I want to share the ones that helped me the most, along with how I use them and what they’ve done for my peace of mind.

1. Lavender – Calming Scent, Calming Soul

There’s something about the scent of lavender that instantly shifts my mood. Whether I’m using it in a diffuser or sipping it in tea, lavender helps me relax in a way that feels gentle but powerful.

What it does:
Lavender reduces nervous energy, promotes sleep, and helps lower heart rate and blood pressure. It’s often used in aromatherapy for anxiety relief.

How I use it:
I love using lavender essential oil—a drop or two on my pillow or in a diffuser before bed. I also keep dried lavender on hand to mix with other calming herbs in tea.

What studies say:
A 2010 clinical trial published in Phytomedicine showed that lavender oil capsules were just as effective as lorazepam (a prescription anxiety med) for people with generalized anxiety disorder (source).

2. Chamomile – A Classic for a Reason

Chamomile was one of the first herbs I ever tried. You’ve probably heard of chamomile tea, but it’s so much more than just a sleepy-time drink. It truly helped me feel safe and settled when anxiety was knocking at the door.

What it does:
Chamomile calms the nervous system, helps with digestive discomfort (which is often linked to anxiety), and can improve sleep quality.

How I use it:
I brew a strong cup of chamomile tea—sometimes with lemon balm and lavender—for extra calm. I also keep a small bottle of chamomile essential oil in my bag to sniff when I’m out and feeling anxious.

What studies say:
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that long-term chamomile use helped reduce symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder (source).

3. Passionflower – For Quieting the Racing Mind

If your anxiety shows up as racing thoughts or trouble sleeping, passionflower might be your new best friend. I started using it when my insomnia got really bad with my panic attacks, and it worked like a charm.

What it does:
Passionflower increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain (a calming chemical) and can reduce nervous tension, especially before bedtime.

How I use it:
I take passionflower as a liquid tincture, just a few drops under the tongue. You can also find it in sleep teas or capsules.

What studies say:
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, passionflower extract was just as effective as a common anti-anxiety medication—without the side effects (source).

4. Lemon Balm – Like a Hug in a Cup

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from lemon balm. But the first time I sipped a cup of lemon balm tea after a long, anxious day, I felt like someone had wrapped me in a cozy blanket.

What it does:
Lemon balm is a calming herb in the mint family. It gently soothes the nervous system, eases restlessness, and can help with sleep.

How I use it:
I brew 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. I usually drink it in the evening or when I feel tension rising in my chest.

What studies say:
A 2014 review in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that lemon balm helps reduce anxiety, especially in people with mild to moderate symptoms (source).

5. Ashwagandha – My Go-To for Stressful Days

I saved this one for last because Ashwagandha has been the most powerful herb on my anxiety journey. I didn’t try it right away, I kind of stumbled into it when I was going through one of my worst mental health phases. I was having panic attacks, feeling completely unbalanced, and couldn’t calm my nervous system no matter what I did.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body cope with stress on a deeper level. It lowers cortisol (your main stress hormone), supports the nervous system, and promotes a calmer, more steady mood. It doesn’t “knock you out” like some calming herbs, it works in the background, gently balancing things over time.

How I use it:
I found this new recipe on Pinterest, I add 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder to warm almond milk before bed with a little honey and cinnamon. It’s part of my nighttime routine now. On busy days, I take it in capsule form. Either way, it’s become something I truly rely on.

• I actually wrote a whole post about how Ashwagandha helped me through one of the hardest times in my life—if you’re curious or want to try it yourself, you can read it here: Ashwagandha benefits for stress relief: How Ashwagandha Helped Me Overcome Panic Attacks and Severe Anxiety 💛

What studies say:
A 2019 study in the Medicine (Baltimore) journal found that people who took Ashwagandha experienced a significant drop in anxiety and cortisol levels after 8 weeks (source).

A Gentle Reminder…

Herbs for anxiety aren’t a replacement for therapy, medical support, or lifestyle changes. They’re just one piece of the puzzle, and for me, they became a comforting part of my self-care routine.

I encourage you to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new herb, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.

How You Can Make Herbs Part of Your Daily Life

Here’s how you can use these herbs in a way that feels simple and sustainable:

• Morning: Ashwagandha in a smoothie or capsule to keep you grounded.
• Afternoon: A warm cup of lemon balm or chamomile tea when work stress kicks in.
• Evening: Passionflower or lavender to help you wind down for sleep.

Small rituals like these will help you feel more connected to yourself and less at the mercy of anxious thoughts.

Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You

If you’re struggling with anxiety, please know you’re not broken. Your body and mind are just asking for care, and herbs can be a beautiful, natural way to offer that care.

Everyone’s body is different, so try a few herbs and see what works best for you. Be patient, and give your body time to adjust.

If you’ve tried any herbs for anxiety that helped you, I’d love to hear your story, drop a comment below or send me a message. We’re all in this together 💛