Anxiolytic

Anxiolytic herbs help to alleviate feelings of anxiety, tension and restlessness by modulating neurochemical signalling within the central nervous system. These changes often affect activity of the amygdala and other components of the limbic system responsible for emotional processing and the stress response. Mechanisms of actions include enhancing the inhibition of GABA, modulation of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, and mild regulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity resulting in decreased cortisol.

Anxiolytics can be prescribed to support conditions such as generalised anxiety, insomnia, burnout, stress, tension or premenstrual syndrome. Examples include passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), limeflower (Tilia spp.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).