All of us have felt anxious at more points in our lives that we would care to admit. In definition, anxiety is “an unpleasant emotional state ranging from mild unease to intense fear.”

When you are anxious, your body will let you know immediately. Common symptoms include palpitations, sweating, irritability and sleeplessness. An intense feeling of anxiety can result in a panic attack.

Depression and chronic fatigue are often associated with anxiety as well. Most physicians estimate that stress and anxiety may be a contributing factor in 90 percent of all illnesses.

So what can we do?
There are a number of natural and safe stress-reducing methods available to combat anxiety.

Aromatherapy is a popular method, helping your mind and body relax. Try this anti-stress essential oil remedy:
Combine 15 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of sage oil, 10 drops of bergamot oil, 8 drops of neroli, 8 drops of jasmine oil, and 15 drops of orange oil or ylang-ylang oil.
You can also try using these oils in your bath as a simple and great relaxant!
Here is a list of herbs that when combined, will act to calm your nerves and settle the digestive system. In tea form, they can act quickly to relieve an upset stomach or help you relax after a busy day.

Chamomile
Traditionally used for digestive upset, flatulence, heartburn, diarrhoea, anxiety, muscle tension and insomnia. Can also be used for menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, restlessness of hyperactive children and infants, and toddlers with stomachaches, cramps, and teething pains.

Lavender
Lavender is great to use to calm one’s nerves and for pain relieving. Can also be used for nervous exhaustion, stress, tension, relaxing muscle spasms, headaches, and nausea. Lavender can relieve colic and irritability in babies.

Lemon Balm
Soothes headaches, indigestion and nausea. It is sedating, stimulating to digestion, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, decreases gas and bloating, relives spasms, is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Lemon balm and lavender make an effective anxiety calming combination that can be taken as a tea or added to the bath for stress-relief, insomnia and depression.

Milky Oats
Often referred to by their botanical name Avena Sativa, Milky Oats are deeply nourishing to the nervous system. They are especially useful when one is in a state of total exhaustion where there is a difficulty concentrating.

Stevia Leaf
Also known as the sweet plant of Paraguay, it is used primarily as a sweetener. It has also been investigated as an aid in blood sugar regulation, as an anti-hypertensive, a source of flavonol glycosides and other uses. Used in native cultures for over 100 years, Stevia also retards the growth of plaque in the mouth, and is anti-carcinogenic. Dozones of studies have shown it to be safe for human use.