Nature’s Xanax
When it comes to calming a panic attack, anxiety, or insomnia, doctors often lean on Xanax for their patients. Xanax is a medication that lessens brain activity to reduce apprehension. It is popularly prescribed for its effectiveness but comes with boxed warnings of side effects. Misuse and overdose of Xanax is risky, so if you want a safer alternative, nature holds powerful sedative herbs without the potential habit-forming addiction. I’ll share with you my anti-anxiety remedy that I like to call Nature’s “Xanax”.
Sedative Herbs
Skullcap: Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a traditional Native American herb for treating convulsions. Traditional Chinese Medicine also recognizes it as an effective herb for insomnia, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is not advisable for people with liver problems.
Passionflower: Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herb that acts like a mild tranquilizer. When taken orally, it gives a numb-like feeling to lessen stress and encourage calmness. Passionflower induces drowsiness and eases tension the way Xanax and other modern sedatives do. An infusion of fresh passionflower blossoms or its powdered roots and leaves is taken twice a day for anxiety and insomnia. Passionflower is safe for the liver and may even restore its function. However, it needs to be taken moderately for no longer than 8 weeks. at a time.
Valerian: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a relaxant and analgesic herb that is proven effective against insomnia. In homeopathic medicine, it is used for treating mood swings, panic attacks and personality disorders. It is also beneficial for migraines and other neurological and physical pains that may hamper sleep.
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is one of the most effective and safe herbs for anxiety and sleep problems. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) does not cause digestive troubles, unlike other sedative herbs. It is often taken as an infusion or blended with other herbs. Its most effective form is as a tincture.
German Chamomile: Chamomile is almost always readily available and is commonly sold as tea in many supermarkets. It is a handy preparation for bouts of insomnia and stress. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an effective nervine that may help calm restless children as well. If you are having trouble sleeping because of respiratory issues or spastic digestive problems, taking chamomile may help deal with them. Just prepare a cup of chamomile tea using its leaves or flowers. Fresh is always better than store-bought chamomile tea bags.
Lavender: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a handy sleep aid. It is more popularly used as an essential oil for topical use or in aromatherapy. This aromatic tonic herb can relieve headaches and pain to promote better sleep. Lavender flowers can also be prepared as tea or used in bath water before bedtime for a calming bedtime routine.
⇒ Interested in trying these herbs? You can find them all in the Sleep Blend Tincture.
Oat Straw: The digestive and cholesterol-reducing properties of oats are long-known facts. But, oats (Avena sativa) do not only make a good bowl of breakfast. The oat straw may also be used to improve sleep quality. Oat straws – the leaves and stems of oats – have sedative and relaxant properties. It has serotonin that corrects the nervous system activity to relieve chronic stress, and balances the mood.
If you have chronic insomnia, try boiling a cup of oat straw in water and let it steep for at least five hours. Take a cup of this tea once in the morning and once in the evening to help you get some long-lasting restful sleep.
Basil: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is considered an unparalleled herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Basil leaves are best used during winter for their warming effect while its seeds have a cooling effect that is best for summer.
Basil is a great herb if you are recovering from fatigue and de-stressing. It is not only calming and sleep-inducing but may also help alleviate brain fog and other nervous health problems.
Wild Lettuce: Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) has quite a controversial history concerning its legality. It is also known as opium lettuce and referred to as the poor man’s opium. Disregarding its legal dispute, wild lettuce is an effective alternative to conventional sleep medicines. Wild lettuce is a mild sedative with analgesic, antispasmodic and nervine properties. It can be taken as a tincture, tea or diffused form like a smoking blend. Wild lettuce can reduce pain, relieve headaches and may promote good sleep.
The Anxiety & Stress Protocol provides in-depth information about what natural remedies, vitamins and minerals to take, plus what to avoid.
Nature’s Xanax Recipe
This blend is best for people who are suffering from chronic insomnia and nervous problems. This mild and gentle sedative is a natural remedy that does not cause digestive upset. However, do not take it if you’re currently using prescription medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to include an alternative medicine in combination with prescribed drugs.
What you will need:
- Measuring spoons
- Pint-size jar with lid
- Parchment paper or cheesecloth
- Amber dropper bottle
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried chamomile
- ½ tbsp dried lavender
- 1 tbsp dried passionflower roots
- 1 tbsp dried lemon balm
- 80-proof vodka to cover the herbs (about two cups)
Steps:
- Place all the ingredients in a pint-size jar.
- Pour in the alcohol to cover the dried ingredients completely, leaving about 2 inches of space from the brim.
- Put the jar in a dark and cool place and let the herbs soak for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar once every day.
After at least six weeks, strain the tincture and transfer it to tincture bottles. Store in a cool and dry cabinet.
After at least six weeks, strain the tincture and transfer it to tincture bottles. Store in a cool and dry cabinet.
How to Use
Mix one dropper of the tincture with ¼ cup water or warm tea and take it before bedtime for sleepless and restless nights.
I love this so much! I made my own stomach relaxing tea with lemon balm, chamomile, and catnip. Two grew in my garden but did not work with queasiness as well without chamomile. I was detoxing from Invega for 9 months! I hate pharmekia so much and love herbal remedies!
Hi Ruth,
Thank you so much for sharing this!
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the article.
Many blessings and good health!
And pharmekia hates herbal remedies! Good to hear your success Ruth. Herbal remedies are a God send and so is The Lost Herbs platform. God bless.
Can you recommend a good supplier to order some of these ingredients from.
Mountain Rose Botanicals out of Eugene OR
Could the Nature’s Xanax recipe be made using essential oils of chamomile, lavender and lemon balm in place of the dried herbs?
Good question! I’m following.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your question!
Yes, you can use the essential oils of your choice, diluted in a carrier oil, and use them topically for anxiety relief, or in aromatherapy.
This article might be helpful to you:
https://thelostherbs.com/the-anxiety-relieving-oil/
Many blessings and good health!
I really thought this lost herbs was a book…I do not like the fact it is only on line to view this. You have my money but I would not have ordered this online.
There is a book. I have it. It’s wonderful and get the online updates no charge
Hi Patti,
We’re glad to hear you enjoy your book!
Many blessings and good health!
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for supporting our work!
If you placed an order for Nicole Apelian’s book, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, please send us an email at support@thelostherbs.com. Our customer support team will make sure to answer all your questions regarding your order.
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Many blessings and good health!
Can something non-alcohol be used instead?
From my understanding Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of alcohol in all Tincture. I used apple cider vinegar for her Tincture with rosemary. I seen other videos of tinctures being made and even they mention Apple cider vinegar.
I wish all recipes mentioned if it can be safe for kids/ teens.
Hi Joanne,
You can use apple cider vinegar instead.
Here is a useful article for you:
https://thelostherbs.com/how-to-make-a-tincture-using-apple-cider-vinegar-instead-of-alcohol/
Many blessings and good health!
If using oat straw, be very careful to get only ORGANIC NON GMO oat straw. Oats contain more glyphosates than any other food source!
I can’t take valerian, it acts as a depressant and makes me very angry and irritable. If i take it more than one night it has horrible side effects, so please be very careful with it!
Hi Gina,
Thank you for sharing this with us!
You can replace the Valerian in this tincture with another anxiety-relieving herb.
Many blessings and good health!
My son has just asked me to make him a tincture for anxiety and lack of sleep. I am wondering if I can use valerian roots instead of passion flowers roots. I have all the others. Thank you.
Hi Brigitte,
Yes, you can use that instead. If it’s for a kid, use apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol, and start with a very small dosage to check how he reacts to it.
Many blessings and good health!
Hello, I love all your recipes. Im wondering though, can this be made WITHOUT the use of alcohol?
Im a recovering alcoholic of 20 years and do not want to take ANY gambles.
Nevermind….I scrolled down and saw the question previously answered.
Thank you!!!!
Are all herbs on this list safe to blend together as a tea for someone on dialysis? I blend them with Mullien leaf and Saint John’s wort. I’m ok. But what of someone with kidney problems? And if so should I add a little nettle seed to it too?
I just have a question about Nature’s Xanax. Can someone taking meds for C.O.P.D use this? I am asking because my hubby might try it if it is safe.
I already make some of my own over the counter stuff and have been for many years but with things changing I need to with things changing so fast these days it is very hard to keep up at my age. Thank you for hard work in gathering all the great information you share with us.
Thank you for this recipe. I just made a batch for a friend who wants to use natural medicine for her anxiety. She is currently taking Valium. Any suggestions as to how to take the nature’s xanax while weaning from Valium? I told her to speak with her doctor, but he/she may not understand medicinal herbs. Thank you!