Calming Herbs Compared
Calming herbs come up less often than magnesium or L-theanine, so most scores below rest on small samples and are pulled toward the average.
| Herb | Score | Owner comments | Rated | Unwanted effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamomile | 4.0 | 44 | 30 | 7% |
| Lavender oil capsules (Silexan / Lavela) | 3.6 | 11 | 8 | 13% |
| Passionflower | 4.0 | 19 | 8 | 0% |
| Valerian root | 3.4 | 30 | 17 | 12% |
| Lemon balm | 3.6 | 23 | 10 | 0% |
| Magnolia bark (incl. Relora) | 3.6 | 9 | 5 | 0% |
| Apigenin | 3.1 | 6 | 3 | 33% |
Chamomile
NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest a chamomile supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder. Allergy is possible in people sensitive to ragweed or daisies, and it may interact with warfarin.[NCCIH] Many owner comments are about chamomile tea rather than capsules (28 mention taste or form).
Lavender oil (Silexan)
Oral lavender oil products have been studied for anxiety, though NCCIH notes the studies were small and often not independently funded. Burping, nausea and headache are possible.[NCCIH][PubMed]
Passionflower and valerian
NCCIH says a small amount of research suggests passionflower might reduce anxiety symptoms, and there is not enough evidence to know whether valerian helps anxiety. Both can cause drowsiness; avoid passionflower near surgery and in pregnancy, and do not combine valerian with alcohol or sedatives.[NCCIH][NCCIH]
Lemon balm, magnolia bark and apigenin
A 2021 meta-analysis pooled lemon balm trials on anxiety and depressive symptoms;[PubMed] the magnolia and phellodendron blend Relora has one small pilot trial on stress;[PubMed] human trials of apigenin alone are scarce.[PubMed]
Compare: chamomile vs lavender · valerian vs passionflower.
You can also compare all rated mood supplements on one page. New to this? Start with how to choose a calm supplement. Our safety notes for calming supplements cite NIH sources.