15 Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders in the UK. According to Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from anxiety or depression, you know how debilitating these conditions can be. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies for anxiety and depression that can help you get your life back on track. In this blog post we'll specifically cover the use of Bach flower remedies as a way of reducing anxiety and depression naturally.

What are Bach flower remedies?

Bach flower remedies are natural remedies that can help anxiety and depression. They are a type of alternative medicine that is based on the principle of using plant essences to treat emotional and mental imbalances. The most popular Bach flower remedy is Rescue Remedy, which is a blend of five different flower essences that is meant to be used for emergency situations and many people use for anxiety and stress. There are 38 different Bach flower remedies in total, each of which targets a specific emotional state for example anxiety, depression, stress, motivation and more. The range of 38 flower remedies covers the full spectrum of emotions.

While there has been little scientific research to support the efficacy of Bach flower remedies, many people swear by them as a way to improve their emotional wellbeing. You can also read our 5 star reviews to hear first hand customer testimonials. They have been used since the 1930s and are 100% natural, safe and have no side effects. Similarly to homeopathic medicines, they work on an energetic principle. They can be safely used by people of all ages including pregnant women and babies.

You can take individual flower remedies or add up to seven in a treatment bottle. More than seven will cloud the issues and make the remedies less effective. Through Mindful Remedies you can create your own personalised blend including any seven from across the range of 38 Bach flower remedies.

Bach flower remedies as a natural way help with Anxiety & Depression

While there are many ways to help with anxiety and depression, Bach flower remedies offer a natural option. There are a number of different Bach flower remedies for anxiety and depression as these illnesses can manifest in different ways with different people. We are all individuals and the remedies can help support the different nuances of anxiety and depression. It's important that these natural remedies are specifically tailored to each individual. Some common symptoms of anxiety and depression include feelings of restlessness, irritability, and hopelessness. Bach flower remedies can help to address these symptoms by restoring balance and harmony. As they are natural and safe with no side effects, they offer an attractive option for those seeking a natural way to help with anxiety and depression.

Which are the best flower remedies for Anxiety & Depression?

Here we've included descriptions of the main flower remedies you should consider to manage anxiety and depression naturally.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Mimulus:

Mimulus is the flower remedy for anxieties for a known fear e.g. you are worried or fearful about your health, money, death... or you have a specific phobia e.g. spiders or heights. The important thing here is that you know what the fear is about.

add to your remedy

Aspen:

On the other hand, Aspen is the flower remedies for fears where there is no know reason. You feel generally anxious, on edge or have a sense of foreboding but there's no specific reason for it.

add to your remedy

White Chestnut:

White Chestnut is for an overactive mind that doesn't stop worrying or thinking. Perhaps you struggle to switch off or have repetitive thoughts going round in your mind. This remedy is also very good for those who suffer from insomnia or sleeping difficulties.

add to your remedy

Red Chestnut:

Red Chestnut is the remedy for those who are overly anxious about their loved ones' safety. It's natural to worry about the people you love but for some people this can be out of proportion and all consuming.

add to your remedy

Crab Apple:

Crab Apple is for those who have a level of self disgust or self hatred either about your body or your mind. You may feel dirty or the need to cleanse yourself as a result and can lead to some OCD tendencies.

add to your remedy

Rock Rose:

Rock Rose is the remedy indicated for panic attacks. It is for those who have strongly escalating fears or anxieties that are all consuming and overwhelming.

add to your remedy 

Natural Remedies for Depression

Gentian:

Gentian is the natural flower remedy for those who feel despondent after a set-back e.g. failed exam or a break up. You're feeling low and pessimistic but will eventually give it another go.

add to your remedy

Gorse:

Gorse, on the other hand, is for hopelessness where the person has given up hope and is now reluctant to keep trying. You feel completely downhearted and don't believe things will get better. Depression can often start as Gentian and if not supported or treated it can often move into more Gorse feelings.

add to your remedy

Mustard:

Mustard is for depression that comes and goes with no reason. It is like dark clouds descending over you which can come out of nowhere and just as easily go again, with no rhyme or reason.

add to your remedy

Sweet Chestnut:

Sweet Chestnut is a very anguished state of despair where you can see no end to your suffering. You've kept trying and trying to find a way out but nothing has worked. Unlike Sweet Chestnut, you still have hope but alongside there is complete despair and not knowing which way to turn next.

add to your remedy

Willow:

Willow is for those who are self pitying or resentful. You feel sorry for yourself and blame others for your situation, unable to take personal responsibility. A feeling of "life is so unfair."

add to your remedy

Natural Remedies for Anxiety & Depression

The following are some additional remedies that can also be indicated for either or both anxiety and depression. As we mentioned above, these illnesses can manifest themselves in different ways for different people and some of the below emotions, although not directly related may be having an impact.

Elm - You're overwhelmed by pressure or responsibility

Pine - You feel guilty where real or imagined e.g. mum guilt

Cherry Plum - You feel like you'll lose control, nerves stretched to breaking point

Star of Bethlehem - You've suffered a traumatic event

Larch - You lack confidence in your abilities

Interested to try Flower Remedies?

Through Mindful Remedies you can create your own personalised flower remedy choosing up to seven flower remedies in a treatment bottle. This can be any of the 38 flower remedies so we can look to treat both anxiety and depression at the same time. The important thing is to look at which emotions are affecting you most at this point in time. It's easy to look at all 38 and think I need them all (!) so it's important to think specifically about your current feelings at this present moment. You may very well feel all emotions at some point but it's unlikely to you need them all right now.

We've tried to make creating your own remedy as simple as possible so have created 3 pages which may be of interest to you where you can select your remedies and create a personalised blend:

view all 38 flower essences

Click above if you want to view all 38 remedies

Anxiety flower remedies

Click above if you want to view anxiety remedies

Depression flower remedies

Click above if you want to view flower remedies for depression or low mood

Alternatively, you may want to speak to a professional and get expert advice on which flower remedies to choose as well as a supportive ear and safe space in which to discuss your feelings. We offer online Bach flower consultations with Lucy, founder of Mindful Remedies and a qualified Bach flower practitioner, trained and registered with the Bach Centre.

book a bach flower consultation 

How to use Bach flower remedies to manage Anxiety and Depression

Not to be confused with essential oils, they do not smell. They are taken as drops on the tongue or added to a drink such as water. You should take a minimum of 4 drops, 4 times per day but follow your instincts and if you're feeling more acutely anxious or depressed you can take more often. You can't overdose on flower remedies.

Self care tips to reduce anxiety and depression naturally

When it comes to anxiety and depression, self care is essential. Taking care of yourself physically can help to improve your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Eating a healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Getting enough sleep gives your body and mind the rest they need to recover from the day. In addition, self care also includes taking time for yourself emotionally. Make sure to schedule in some time each week to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, hiking, or spending time with friends and family. It’s also important to find a balance between work and leisure activities. Too much work and not enough play can lead to burnout and anxiety. By taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, you can reduce anxiety and depression naturally.