Herbs for Stress Relief: Guide to Relaxing Herbs

A Guide to Stress Relieving Herbs

Relaxation Benefits of Medicinal & Herbal Tea Herbs

Summary from David Hoffman. 1991. Vermont: Healing Arts Press

• Black Horehound – Not to be confused with white horehound – is an excellent remedy for the settling of nausea and vomiting where the cause lies within the nervous system rather than in the stomach. It may be used in motion sickness, for example, where the nausea is triggered through the inner ear and the central nervous system. This herb will also be of value in helping the vomiting associated with pregnancy or nausea and vomiting due to nervousness. This remedy has a reputation as a normalizer of menstrual function and also as a mild expectorant (158)

• German Chamomile – Chamomile is known for its medical and household uses. The apparently endless list of conditions that it can help all fall into areas that the relaxing, carminative, and anti-inflammatory actions can aid. It is an excellent, gentle sedative, useful, and safe for use with children. It will contribute its relaxing actions in any combinations and is thus used in anxiety and insomnia. Indigestion and inflammations such as gastritis are often eased with chamomile. Similarly, it can be used as a mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth such as gingivitis, and for bathing inflamed and sore eyes. As an inhalation over a steam bath, it speeds would healing and reduces the swelling due to inflammation. As a carminative with relaxing properties, it eases flatulence and dyspeptic pain (160)

• Feverfew – Feverfew has regained its deserved reputation as a primary remedy in the treatment of migraine headaches, especially those that are relieved by applying warmth to the head. It may also help arthritis when it is in the painfully active, inflammatory stage. Dizziness and tinnitus may be eased, especially if Feverfew is used in conjunction with other remedies. Painful periods and sluggish menstrual flow are also relieved by feverfew (163-64)

• Lavender – Lavender is an effective herb for headaches, especially when they are related to stress. Lavender can be quite effective in raising of depression, especially if used in conjunction with other remedies. As a gentle strengthening tonic of the nervous system, it may be used in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can be used to soothe and promote natural sleep. Because of its carminative oil, Lavender eases digestive colic and flatulent dyspepsia. Externally, the oil is used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the aches and pains of rheumatism and migraine. (170)

• Lemon Balm – This herb can be used with equal value for tension affecting the nervous system and digestive system. It is widely applicable for all varieties or anxiety and tension-related problems. It has particular relevance for childhood problems such as over-activity. It will ease many indigestion symptoms. It has been used in high dosage to treat shingles. (171)

• Rosemary – Rosemary act as a circulatory and nervine stimulant, which, in addition to its toning and calming effect on the digestion, makes it a remedy that is used where psychological tension is present. This may appear as, for example, flatulent dyspepsia, headache, or depression associated with debility. It may be of use in migraine, palpitations, and other signs of nervous tension. Externally, it may be used to ease muscular pain, sciatica, and neuralgia. It acts as a stimulant to the hair follicles and may be used in premature baldness; the oil is most effective here (179)

• St. John’s Wort – Taken internally, St. John’s wort has a sedative and pain-reducing effect, which gives it a place in the treatment of neuralgia, anxiety, tension, and similar problems. Where these problems have been going on long enough to produce debility and fatigue, St. John’s wort will prove invaluable. It is especially useful when menopausal changes trigger irritability and anxiety. It is recommended, however, that it not be used when there is marked depression. In addition to neuralgic pain, it eases fibrositis, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. Externally, it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy. As a lotion, it speeds the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins, and mild burns. The oil is especially useful for the healing of sunburn, neuralgia, and fibrositis (179)

• Valerian - Valerian is popular as an herbal tea and is said to provide calming, stress relieving and sleep inducing properties. It has a nice flavor too. Use caution with Valerian as it should be taken sparingly and in small amounts. Too much valerian can cause dizzyness and nausea. Prolonged use of valerian can also cause mild depression. It is great as an herbal sleep remedy when used appropriately.