Feeling overwhelmed lately? Perhaps you feel stressed out and frustrated. Stress is a natural side effect of life. Some stress is good for us, it can relieve boredom and keep us on our toes. But it can easily get out of control. Everyday life is filled with stressful situations, so it's important to have tools that promote calm and peace.
1. German Chamomile Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is very popular for its calming properties. It has been used for decades to help promote peace and relaxation. It can help you get a handle on the stressful situation.
German chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.,) has a pleasant apple-like scent. It can be prepared as a delicious tea or taken in capsule form. One research study examined its calming effects on patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with positive results, although it was concluded that more research studies are needed.[1] An old folk remedy recommends stuffing a pillow with chamomile [2]
You're sure to enjoy chamomile's relaxing aroma. Chamomile M. recutita tea can be safely used for children and babies in small doses, but consult your pediatrician first.
2 .Lemon Grass Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf)
Lemon Grass is a fragrant herb that can be soothing on frayed nerves and has traditionally been used to promote calm. It has a lemony flavor that is used extensively in Asian cooking. The use of lemongrass in aromatherapy can encourage inner peace and relaxation [3]
3. Passionflower Passiflora incarnata. (L.)
Passionflower is a beautiful botanical. The fruit is often used in cuisine, but the flower, leaves, and stem have mild soothing qualities on the body and mind. It is native to South America, and has traditionally been used to induce calm and take the edge off a stressful day. It is also fantastic to promote healthy sleep patterns [4]
Passionflower P. incarnata tea is a wonderful way to prepare this and experiences its soothing properties.
4. St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum (L.) is one of the most popular botanicals used to promote an uplifted, healthy mood [5] Since stress and mood go hand-in-hand, a healthy feeling of happiness can calm you down...naturally!
It has been said that St. John's Wort "brings the stork," but the Herb Research Foundation says these fears are unfounded as this herb has been used in Europe for centuries with no report of unwanted pregnancies.
It is recommended to use St. John's Wort H. perforatum extract three times per day standardized to 3% hypericin at 300 milligrams.
This herb can be taken as a tea, a tincture, a capsule, or in pill form. Do not use St. John's Wort H. perforatum if you are taking antidepressants.[6] If you are using Indinavir-a component of antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV-do not use St. Johns Wort as it is also contraindicated.
5. Green Tea Camellia sinensis
I would be remiss if I didn't mention green tea Camellia sinensis (L.). Popular in many health and wellness circles, green tea is traditionally used for its soothing effects. Green tea contains L-theanine, which has been studied for its potential calming properties.[7].
Feeling strung out? Have a break and take a few minutes for yourself, relax and sip the warm tea. Those few minutes may be all it takes to help re-focus and revive.
Some herbs interact with prescription drugs, so be sure to discuss any herbal preparations you use with your healthcare provider or registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG). Be careful if you are pregnant or nursing.
References
[1] Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder J. Clin Psychopharmacol 2009:29(4):378-382
[2] Howe, M. Chamomile: Shelter from the storm. Webmd. Retreived from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/chamomile-shelter-from-the--storm
[3] Blanco MM. Costa CA, Freire AO, Santos JG, Jr. Costa M. Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine 2009:16(2-3):265-270. Retreived from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed;17561386
[4] Passionflower. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/passionflower
[5] Archer, D. St. John's Wort and depression. Is St. John's Wort a safe effective alternative to medication for depression? 2013 Retrieved from http://www.pschologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201308st-johns-wort-and-depression
NOTE: Last week there was no post to this blog. I was on vacation. Be sure to check out my web site at www.valerielull.com
Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com
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