Herbs for anxiety: Does it work? Plus 9 calming optionsYou can chew on the leaves of fresh or dried herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Lemon Balm, or Catnip for a calming effect, though they can also be used to make tea or other preparations. Other herbs known for their calming properties include Chamomile, Valerian, Ashwagandha, Kava, and Passionflower, which are often consumed as teas, supplements, or tinctures to reduce stress and anxiety.