When people ask about herbs for racing thoughts, the most common response is often a simple list: skullcap, passionflower, lemon balm, and so on. While those herbs are helpful, it’s even more powerful to understand why racing thoughts happen on a physiological level — and how specific herbal actions can directly support the body.
What Are Racing Thoughts?
Racing thoughts are more than just mental restlessness. They’re a sign of over-activation in the nervous system, particularly the sympathetic branch — the “fight-or-flight” response. When this system is stuck in overdrive, the mind loops, thoughts speed up, and it feels impossible to relax.
The Physiology Behind Racing Thoughts
Several mechanisms in the body contribute to this experience:
- HPA axis dysregulation: The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is the stress response system. When it’s overstimulated, cortisol and adrenaline rise, keeping the brain on high alert.
- Neurotransmitter imbalance: Excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate dominate, while calming ones like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) are insufficient. Without enough GABA activity, the brain loses its “braking system.”
- Catecholamine surges: Adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine can overstimulate the brain, leading to vigilance and mental agitation.
-
Other factors: Overactive thyroid function, circadian rhythm disruption, or sleep deprivation can also play a role.
Herbal Actions That Help
Instead of thinking in terms of “which herb,” it’s more useful to think about herbal actions — the ways herbs interact with physiology:
- Nervines (relaxing): Calm the nervous system, often by supporting GABA activity.
- Adaptogens: Help regulate the stress response and buffer cortisol surges.
- Anxiolytics: Reduce anxiety-like symptoms by modulating neurotransmitters.
- Mild sedatives: Encourage rest and slow thought patterns.
Herbs to Consider
Here are some herbs that fit those actions:
- Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A classic nervine that quiets excitatory signaling and soothes repetitive thought loops.
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Enhances GABA activity and is especially helpful for intrusive or looping thoughts.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Gentle and calming, with both anxiolytic and GABAergic effects.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogen that lowers cortisol and stabilizes the HPA axis.
- Holy basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Supports stress regulation and mental clarity.
- Kava (Piper methysticum): Strongly GABAergic, effective for short-term use when thoughts feel sharp and restless.
- Milky oats (Avena sativa): A nutritive nervine that restores resilience when the nervous system is depleted.
A Blend for Racing Thoughts
One of the blends I created, called Weightless, combines three of these key herbs: holy basil, skullcap, and lemon balm. Together, they support both the stress response system and the nervous system directly. Holy basil helps regulate cortisol and bring clarity, skullcap eases excitatory overdrive, and lemon balm offers gentle calm. This synergy makes the blend especially supportive when the mind feels restless and weighed down by racing thoughts.
Bringing It Together
Racing thoughts are the body’s way of signaling imbalance in the nervous and endocrine systems. Herbs that calm excitatory signaling, enhance GABA activity, and regulate stress hormones can provide real support. Rather than simply trying to “turn the mind off,” these plants help restore balance to the systems that govern mood, stress, and thought patterns.
When working with herbs, remember: every body is different. If you’re on medication, pregnant, or managing a medical condition, consult with your healthcare provider before making herbs a regular part of your wellness routine.