On this day and these times, it is easy to “be out of it” with all the problems, commitments, stress, pressure from work, competition, and stimuli every second throughout the day. While it may sound ideal to flee to the countryside and leave work behind, is not possible for the vast majority of people today. But at least you can take advantage of herbs that soothe the nerves and relieve anxiety. Find out what the best of them are in today’s article!

Herbs that calm the nerves and relieve anxiety

People feel anxious or nervous for many reasons and it can have negative effects on the body. Maybe you have changed jobs, are getting married, have an upcoming date with someone you really like, have a conflict at work, start your own business, or are facing a difficult exam. In all these cases (and many others too)  you can take advantage of mother nature. In the following you will find some herbs that soothe the nerves and relieve anxiety.

Passion flower

Passion flower directs directly at the central nervous system, and at the same time relaxes the body’s muscles. When you eat passion flower, it helps relieve nerve pain – for example, back pain caused by poor posture. This herb is also recommended for headaches and  menstrual cramps. You can buy passion flower extract in health food stores or specialty stores, and add a few drops to a glass of water, a cup of tea or freshly squeezed orange juice.

Ginseng

According to traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is used to balance yin and yang in the body. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, it does not provide nervousness or excitement, but quite the opposite, by animating those suffering from depression, grief, or chronic fatigue. At the same time, it has a calming effect on people who are stressed or worried.  It is recommended to take ginseng extract made with alcohol and water: Dilute a few drops in a glass of water, juice or tea. 

Verbena

The verbena flower has numerous properties. In addition to relaxing the body, it treats problems related to stress, nerves and anxiety, as well as  insomnia. Some people choose to ingest it for its digestive properties as it reduces gas and relieves colic (it counteracts spasms). You can choose fresh flowers and leaves to add in different dishes, or even as an aroma for different kinds of juices and lemonades. If you buy dried leaves, enjoy them as a tea (add a handful of leaves to a cup of boiling water). You can also combine verbena with valerian, chamomile, or mint.

St. John’s wort

This plant provides many nutrients such as. flavonoids. But its main ingredient is hypericin, which inhibits the action of an enzyme called dopamine. This will get you in a better mood. It also reduces the body’s production of adrenaline, making it one of the really good, herbs that soothe the nerves and relieve anxiety, nervousness and depression.  You can buy St. John’s wort as an essential oil that can be massaged into the skin using circular motions. However, always remember to mix it with a little almond or olive oil. Alternatively, you can inhale its benefits using aromatherapy by heating a few drops of essential oil in a suitable container on a stove or burner. Some people drink St. John’s wort tea by soaking a few leaves of this plant per. cup of water (but not more than three cups a day).

Valerian

Valerian is one of the best known herbs for treating nervousness and anxiety. The flowers of this plant are used to reduce stress because they have soothing effects. They promote good  sleep  and a sense of inner peace. Valerian is also recommended to reduce menstrual cramps. Prepare a tea using a handful of dried valerian root per. liters of boiling water. Drink up to three cups a day.

Basil

Not many people know the calming effects of this herb, which is widely used in cooking to add its distinctive aroma and flavor to various dishes. It also has digestive properties and basil tea is an excellent way to promote better digestion, especially after a big meal for lunch or dinner.  Basil relaxes the nervous system and helps you rest better. It is ideal for relieving the symptoms of what is known as a “nervous stomach.”

Lemongrass

This is the epitome of grass that is recommended for people suffering from anxiety, nervousness or stress. Lemongrass tea is excellent for helping you sleep well, feel more relaxed and avoid insomnia. If you do not like the taste, you can prepare a tea using a tablespoon of dried lemongrass and another tablespoon of one of the following three herbs:  chamomile, valerian root or verbena.

Hawthorn

This flower has many properties, but it is especially its ability to improve and prevent cardiovascular disease that makes it stand out. It helps reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation because it allows the heart to pump harder. It has calming effects on the sympathetic nervous system and is prescribed for patients who have mild cases of anxiety or nervousness. You can take hawthorn extract in juice, water or tea.

Lemon balm

This plant, also known as “melissa” is rich in pollen (it attracts bees, hence the name, as Melissa is the word for “bee” in Greek). It has strong relaxing properties and is used to combat stress, anxiety and insomnia. It also inhibits spasms, so it is also recommended for people who do a lot of  sports  or physical activities. As if that were not enough, lemon balm is also used to relieve stomach cramps.

Give it a try and see what the 9 herbs that calm the nerves and relieve anxiety can do for you and your health!