Can you treat anxiety naturally? Discover 13 science-backed natural remedies and lifestyle habits that address the root causes of anxiety—without relying on pharmaceuticals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Natural anxiety remedies target root causes, not just symptoms:
Natural remedies for anxiety like CBD, psilocybin, and adaptogens work with your body’s systems—such as the endocannabinoid system, neural pathways, HPA axis, and gut-brain axis—to reduce anxiety by addressing root causes like inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and stress response dysregulation.
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Lifestyle habits build resilience and balance:
Exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and nutrition are essential for long-term anxiety relief, as they strengthen your body’s ability to self-regulate and maintain balance.
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A holistic approach beats BigPharma’s quick fixes:
Modern healthcare's symptom-focused approach often falls short, but holistic, science-backed solutions can offer lasting calm and resilience, treating anxiety naturally without dependency or side effects.
Whether it’s a looming deadline, a packed social calendar, or the relentless chaos of modern life, anxiety isn’t just an inconvenient symptom to be masked—it’s a critical signal from your body that something is fundamentally out of balance.
Yet, the mainstream approach to mental health often starts with BigPharma merely slapping on a band-aid with drugs that suppress symptoms without addressing the root causes, and ends with you trapped in a cycle of dependency.
At My Supply Co., we’re fed up with this broken system.
The body's complex biological systems should be treated as an integrated whole, harnessing its innate intelligence rather than forcing it to conform to one-dimensional pharmaceutical fixes. Research shows that your anxiety can be addressed with natural methods, either by themselves or (ideally) as part of a larger treatment plan (e.g. mushroom-assisted therapy).
That’s why we’ve combed through the research to bring you 13 science-backed ways to ease anxiety naturally—from adaptogens and cannabinoids to targeted lifestyle shifts.
Here’s the thing: Not all “natural” remedies are created equal. That’s why we focused on herbs and habits with clinical evidence to back them up. Plus, we’ll explain how these remedies interact with your body’s complex systems—like the endocannabinoid system, neurological pathways, and the gut-brain axis—to help reduce anxiety and restore balance and resilience.
Whether you’re dealing with occasional stress or chronic unease, these natural anxiety remedies offer real, lasting relief by tackling the root causes of anxiety—not just the symptoms.
Let’s dive in.
Why BigPharma falls short.
The modern healthcare system is built on a flawed premise: that anxiety can be “fixed” with a pill. SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and other pharmaceuticals may offer temporary relief, but they often come with side effects like drowsiness, weight gain, and emotional numbness.
Worse, they fail to address the underlying imbalances—in your gut, brain, and nervous system—that contribute to anxiety in the first place.
We believe there’s a better way. By supporting your body’s natural systems—like the endocannabinoid system, the gut-brain axis, and the HPA axis—you can achieve lasting calm without relying on quick fixes.
14 natural anxiety treatments.
1. CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is a type of cannabinoid—a naturally-occurring chemical found in the cannabis plant—that has a range of effects on your moods, feelings, and thoughts. Unlike pharmaceuticals, it doesn’t numb your emotions or create dependency. Instead, it strengthens your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate mood, stress response, sleep, inflammation, and more.
Read: What's the difference between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD?
Although Health Canada and the FDA have yet to approve CBD as an anxiety treatment, there have been 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of CBD for stress. All showed that CBD was effective in significantly reducing the stress response and its manifestations (anxiety, depression, burnout, fear) and was non-inferior to pharmaceutical comparators (like SSRIs and benzodiazepines), when included. Studies also show that it can treat anxiety attacks.
How to use it: Try our Full Spectrum CBD Oil or CBD Sleep Solution for a natural way to unwind. For optimal absorption, drop under your tongue and hold for 90 - 120 seconds before swallowing.
2. CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is a gentle cannabinoid known for its sedative effects. It’s perfect for those nights when anxiety keeps you awake, but THC is too much for you. While research is still emerging, a double-blind placebo-controlled study demonstrated that CBN enhances relaxation and improves sleep quality, reducing nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance.
How to use it: Our CBN Sleep Solution combines CBN with CBD, passionflower, and valerian root for deep, restorative sleep that's free of melatonin. Take up to 2 hours before your typical bedtime. For optimal absorption, drop under your tongue and hold for 90 - 120 seconds before swallowing.
3. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
In low doses, THC can calm anxiety by activating CB1 receptors in the brain. However, it’s a delicate balance—too much can have the opposite effect. That’s why we recommend starting low and going slow. Our guide on THC for Anxiety goes into more detail on the science.
How to use it: Our 1:1 CBD:THC Sleep Solution offers a balanced ratio for relaxation without overstimulation.
4. Psilocybin mushrooms (in microdoses)
Psilocybin is a powerful tool for rewiring the brain and breaking free from anxiety loops. Unlike SSRIs, which merely tweak serotonin levels, psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to adapt and heal. A 2021 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that psilocybin therapy led to significant reductions in anxiety and depression.
How to use it: Explore our Brain Stack, which combines psilocybin with lion’s mane, cinnamon, sage, and vitamin B3 (as Niacin) for mental performance, cognitive health, and brain longevity, while supporting the entire gut-brain axis.
5. Lion’s mane mushroom
Lion’s mane is a nootropic mushroom that supports brain health, gut health, sleep, and stress resilience. It also boosts the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps repair and protect neurons. A 2023 study published in Nutrients found that lion's mane reduced depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder scores in overweight and obese adults. Another randomized clinical trial published in Biomedical Research showed that lion's mane reduced anxiety and depression compared to placebo.
How to use it: Brain Stack, our nootropic microdosing formula includes lion’s mane to enhance mental clarity and calm.
6. Valerian Root
Valerian root has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep. It works by increasing GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis (60 studies, 1,600 participants) found valerian root effective for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, sometimes after a single dose.
How to use it: Try our Sleep Solutions, which combine valerian root with CBD, passionflower, and other clinically proven botanicals for a calming bedtime ritual.
7. Passionflower
Passionflower is a natural sedative that rivals pharmaceuticals without the side effects. A double-blind randomized clinical trial published in Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that passionflower extract was as effective as oxazepam, a common anti-anxiety medication, at treating anxiety. On the other hand, oxazepam subjects experienced significantly more problems due to impairment of job performance.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Phytotherapy Reserach found that low-dose passionflower herbal tea significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep compared to placebo.
How to use it: Our Sleep Solutions include passionflower for added relaxation.
8. Matcha (L-Theanine)
Matcha is rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It increases alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of calm alertness. A randomized clinical trial published in 2018 found that, after drinking matcha daily for 15 days, 39 students experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and physiological stress compared to placebo.
Other studies show that the L-theanine and caffeine in matcha work synergistically to result in clinically significant enhancements in cognitive function.
How to use it: Our Energy Stack features matcha for a balanced energy boost and calm focus.
9. Turmeric
Chronic stress, inflammation, low BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and gut microbiome imbalances are four of the most common root causes of anxiety. Research show that curcumin, the main bioactive compound in turmeric, works on all four fronts to restore balance and treat anxiety. In addition to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, studies show it increases BDNF levels, modulates the HPA axis (which regulates the body’s stress response), and supports gut microbiome health (a key player in the gut-brain axis).
How to use it: Our Vitality Stack microdosing formula includes turmeric for gut, brain, stress, and inflammation benefits, rejuvenating your mind and body at the cellular level.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle herb that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. A 2016 study found that chamomile extract significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Most studies show that patients with general anxiety or anxiety disorders report significant reductions in anxiety symptoms with no adverse side effects.
How to use it: Brew a cup of chamomile tea, or try CBD tisane recipe for anxiety, which pairs well with a nighttime tea ritual.
11. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic root that helps the body adapt to stress. In 2022, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that Ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and stress compared to placebo. In 2023, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha significantly reduced cortisol and increased serotonin compared to placebo. The results also revealed that ashwagandha significantly improved multitasking, concentration, and decision-making time.
How to use it: While not currently in our products, ashwagandha is a great addition to your supplement routine.
12. Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a key role in regulating the nervous system. Low magnesium levels are linked to increased anxiety, and studies show that supplementation reduces symptoms.
How to use it: Incorporate magnesium-rich foods like chaga (found in Vitality Stack), spinach, and almonds into your diet, or consider a magnesium supplement.
13. Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming effects. A 2019 systematic review of studies found that lavender oil significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.
How to use it: Add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or try a lavender-infused pillow spray.
The science behind these natural anxiety treatments.
Anxiety isn’t just “in your head” — it’s a whole-body experience. Here’s how these remedies work with your body’s systems:
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Regulates mood, stress response, inflammation, and sleep. CBD, THC, and CBN interact with ECS receptors to promote balance.
- Neurological Systems: Neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin play a key role in anxiety. Herbs like valerian root, passionflower, CBD, and psilocybin support these pathways.
- HPA Axis: This system regulates cortisol and stress response. Adaptogenic ingredients like cordyceps, turmeric, cinnamon, chamomile, and ashwagandha help positively modulate the HPA axis.
- Gut-Brain Axis: The gut and brain are closely connected. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and lion’s mane are studied to support and enhance gut health and the gut-brain axis, which in turn improve brain health and mental well-being.
Lifestyle habits to reduce anxiety.
While supplements can help, true healing requires addressing the root causes of anxiety. Here are some habits to try:
- Exercise Regularly. Physical activity boosts endorphins, reduces cortisol levels, and strengthens your endocannabinoid system. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, as recommended by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
- Practice Mindfulness. Meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and endocannabinoid system, promoting relaxation.
- Prioritize Sleep. Poor sleep exacerbates anxiety. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol. Both worsen anxiety by disrupting your hormonal balance and nervous system.
- Connect with Nature. Studies show that spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mood.
- Eat a Balanced Diet. Focus on whole foods rich in omega-3s (the building blocks of endocannabinoids), antioxidants, and fiber to support brain health.
When to seek professional help.
While natural remedies can be effective, some things require professional care. If your anxiety is severe or persistent, consider reaching out to a mental health provider. In Canada, organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offer resources and support. If you're interested in working with a therapist who specializes in psychedelics or plant medicines, check out our directory of psychedelic therapy clinics in Canada.
The bottom line.
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. By combining natural remedies with healthy lifestyle habits, you can support your body’s innate ability to find balance.
At My Supply Co., we believe in addressing the root causes of anxiety and treating the body as an integrated whole. We’re here to support your journey toward lasting calm and resilience.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our anxiety-relief products or connect with a psychedelic-assisted therapist in Canada.
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