Mental health is an important aspect of our overall wellbeing, and anxiety and stress can have a significant effect on our daily lives. Herbs are not a treatment for anxiety or any other mental health condition. If you are struggling, please speak to your GP or a mental health professional, and in the UK you can also contact organisations such as Mind or the Samaritans for support.
That said, several Chinese herbs have a long tradition of being taken as part of calming daily routines. May 2023 marked Mental Health Awareness Month, with the key theme that year being anxiety, so here are five herbs traditionally associated with calm and balance:
1) Rhodiola (Hong Jing Tian)
Rhodiola is a popular herb from the group traditionally described as adaptogens. It has long been taken during busy and demanding periods, and is traditionally associated with balance and steady energy as part of a daily routine.
2) Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Ginseng is one of the best known roots in Chinese herbal practice, traditionally associated with vitality and mental clarity. It has been included in daily routines for centuries, particularly during periods of tiredness or heavy workload.
3) Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
Schisandra is another herb from the adaptogenic tradition. Known as the 'five flavour berry', it is traditionally associated with a sense of calm and focus, and is often brewed as part of an unwinding evening routine.
4) Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi)
Reishi Mushroom is one of the most revered mushrooms in Chinese tradition, used for centuries and traditionally associated with calm and balance. It is a popular choice for quiet evenings and wind-down routines.
5) Ginger Root (Gan Jiang)
Dried Ginger Root is traditionally described as a warming herb, long associated with digestive comfort and a settled stomach. A warm ginger tea is one of the simplest and most comforting drinks in the whole tradition.
Some practitioners of TCM may include herbs like these as part of a wider approach to wellbeing, but they are not a substitute for professional mental health support. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, speak to your GP or a qualified professional.
Explore the Range
You can browse all of the herbs above and more in our Natural Herb Supplements collection.