I've used a range of herbal supplements to help alleviate anxiety and insomnia. My favorites, by far, have been 'aswagandha' (an Indian ginseng) and valerian tea - mainly because I have had no side effects with them. However, I have also used (and still occasionally use) other supplements like 5-HTP, ginkgo biloba, St John's wort and passionflower, of which I found 5-HTP particularly strong and effective for days of acute stress and anxiety. I do not take any of it regularly, though, as I am concerned about long-term effects on my health - which is a problem with most herbal and alternative medical products not approved by any medical body. I have also used chamomile tea successfully in the past to calm my nerves.