Some days, all you want is to take a deep breath that actually brings relief. But between juggling responsibilities, doomscrolling the news, and trying to keep up with everything (and everyone), calm can feel like a dream. So, if you have been feeling anxious lately, try something potentially new: turning to plants to restore your sense of calm.
Plants are like therapists. Taking care of them can be soothing (plus, they don’t judge or talk back). A 2022 article in the Molecules Journal suggests that many plants are known to ease anxiety and help with depression. Some are used in medicines, others as supplements, but all of them bring positivity into your life.
Choosing Our Favorite Plant Therapists
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How did we choose the best options for an emotional support plant? We filtered through research articles on PubMed, finding up-to-date expert advice. Plus, we scoured health and lifestyle publications like Health Line and Handy Gardening to bring you this list of plants that are proven to relieve anxiety.
1. Lavender
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Lavender is a beautiful purple flower with a relaxing scent that helps to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, both of which spike when anxiety kicks in. In particular, studies of the effects of lavender essential oils are associated with these benefits. As an extra benefit, these changes can help you sleep better at night- another great way to reduce anxiety.
The great part is that you don’t need to do anything fancy to reap the benefits. Simply growing a lavender plant in your room or garden can release its calming aroma naturally. You can grow it outside and harvest it to create lavender pillows indoors as well.
The compound linalool in lavender works on the part of the brain that regulates emotions. So, sniffing, sipping it in tea, or just admiring it can do the job.
2. Chamomile
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You might have heard to drink chamomile tea before bed for sleep, but chamomile is also a top choice for reducing anxiety. It contains apigenin (German chamomile is high in apigenin and more favored by experts for anxiety), a compound that binds to brain receptors in a way similar to anti-anxiety drugs.
Grow your own chamomile and dry the flowers for homemade relaxation teas. It’s a daisy-like perennial plant, easy to grow, and one of the friendliest herbs for emotional support.
3. Snake Plant
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Snake plants are easy to maintain and super beneficial, and you will love adding them to your space. Snake plants are a powerful air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene that, when built up indoors, negatively affect your mood and energy levels.
Snake plants also release oxygen at night, improving sleep, which is also a major factor in anxiety management. Just having one in your bedroom can lead to better rest and a calmer morning mindset. Plus, its sleek, upright leaves have a naturally calming, organized look.
So, who doesn’t want a plant that cleans the air, supports better sleep, and asks for almost nothing in return?
4. Basil
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Basil creates a comforting vibe in any space. The plant releases a mild aroma, and drinking its tea or just watering it daily can uplift your mood and reduce anxious energy. Basil, especially Holy Basil/Tulsi, has adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress.
You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder. Sitting with a warm and healing drink is a favorite anxiety reducer for many.
5. Aloe Vera
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Most people keep aloe vera around for burns or skincare, but this spiky succulent has more profound healing properties. The plant contains antioxidants, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation has been linked to anxiety, depression, and other health conditions (and vice versa).
When ingested (raw or mixed with water or juice), its rich antioxidant content helps the body stay in balance. It purifies the air, too, making your space feel fresher and more calming.
6. Peppermint
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Peppermint’s crisp, cool scent is enough to reset your brain. Studies have shown that peppermint essential oil can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, particularly in situations requiring focus and alertness, like exams.
Planting peppermint in your kitchen or on a windowsill means you can easily access its benefits. Rubbing a leaf between your fingers and taking a deep breath can instantly refresh your senses. It’s an easy herb to grow and can be brewed into a cup of tea as well.
7. Jasmine
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Jasmine has a beautiful fragrance, and its flowers are loved by many. It is also a natural mood lifter. Jasmine’s scent directly impacts a brain chemical known as GABA, which results in the calming of the nerves, the soothing of anxiety/mild depression, allowing you to feel at peace.
Having a jasmine plant in the garden or indoors fills your home with a naturally relaxing perfume. It’s a popular choice for bedrooms because of its sleep-promoting and anti-anxiety qualities. Just walking by and catching a whiff of jasmine can help quiet a noisy mind.
8. Rosemary
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Growing rosemary indoors or near your entryway gives you easy access to its refreshing scent. You can pluck a sprig and inhale it whenever stress creeps in. Its strong, earthy fragrance stimulates the brain while also calming the nerves.
This aromatic herb also improves memory and reduces anxiety. Rosemary scent improves cognitive performance and mood.
9. Valerian
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While growing Valerian takes some patience, the payoff is big. The plant’s roots are used for teas and extracts, but even the foliage and flowers release a calming scent. Studies have shown that Valerian reduces anxiety similarly to valium (a common anti-anxiety drug).
It’s a perfect long-term plant project if you are serious about building a calming home garden. Valerian root is also used in natural sleep aids because of its compound that calms nervous activity.
10. Lemon Balm
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This member of the mint family is known for its light citrusy scent and anxiety-reducing powers. Lemon balm supplementation improved mood and cognitive performance in people with mild-to-moderate anxiety.
You can easily grow lemon balm in a pot or garden bed. Touching its eaves releases a calming fragrance, and you can use them fresh in tea or food. It’s perfect for reducing the tension of daily life and bringing some brightness to your space.
11. English Ivy
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English ivy is a powerhouse plant for improving indoor air quality, which can directly influence stress levels. English ivy can remove airborne mold particles, which are known to trigger irritation, brain fog, and even anxiety.
What makes English ivy special is its low maintenance. It grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and watching it slowly trail and grow can be incredibly soothing.
12. Verbena
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Verbena has a long history of being used to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. In herbal medicine, especially traditional European practices, verbena (sometimes called vervain) is known as a natural nerve tonic.
Caring for verbena, with its purple or pink blooms, is a mindful experience in itself. Its scent is light and soothing, and some herbal teas made from verbena leaves are known to promote relaxation and better sleep.
13. Rubber Plant
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Besides being a stylish addition to your indoor décor, the Rubber plant plays a powerful role in promoting mental wellness. Rubber plants help purify indoor air, removing pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, which can cause fatigue and increase stress levels.
Better air quality means your brain gets more oxygen, which supports a more focused mind. In addition, the rubber plant’s soothing appearance makes it especially helpful for anxiety.
14. Succulents and Cacti
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Interacting with indoor plants for a few minutes can lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
Succulents and cacti are tiny stress-busters that boost mental well-being. Although they may not have strong scents or flowers, their visual appeal and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for creating a peaceful indoor environment.
15. Chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemums, often called “mums,” are colorful flowers and have real benefits for emotional well-being. Chrysanthemum tea has been proven to help calm the nerves.
The flower contains antioxidants and naturally soothing compounds like flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are closely linked to anxiety.
Time to Pick a Few and Reap the Benefits
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When things get overwhelming, plants can provide the relief and tranquillity that your mind desires. Talking to Jasmine and catching a whiff of lavender is surprisingly grounding and healing. Grab some fresh sprigs and inhale or create a delicious tea (if applicable) and instantly feel lighter.
Thoughtfully chosen plants can play a big part in your anxiety management routine. Pick some from the list and notice the difference you feel in your well-being.
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