Herbs for Mental Health

Natural Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

In our fast-paced, modern world, stress and anxiety have become common challenges that many people face daily. Fortunately, nature provides a plethora of herbs that can help alleviate these issues, offering natural and effective solutions. Isabell Shipard’s book, “How Can I Use Herbs In My Daily Life?”, is a treasure trove of knowledge on how to harness the power of herbs for mental well-being. Here we will explore some of these herbs and their benefits, drawing on insights from Isabell’s comprehensive guide.

The Healing Power of Herbs

Herbs have been used for centuries to support mental health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. They offer a gentle, natural alternative to synthetic medications, often without the associated side effects. Isabell emphasises the importance of herbs in our daily lives, explaining that, herbs support the innate healing process they can act as sedatives, calmatives, and nervines, helping to relax tension and soothe the nervous system.

Herbs for Reducing Stress and Anxiety

1. Kava (Piper methysticum)

   • Benefits: Kava is renowned for its calming effects and is often used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Isabell notes that Kava can be particularly helpful for people who experience insomnia due to stress, providing a sense of tranquility and aiding in restful sleep .

   • How to Use: A common way to consume Kava is through a nightcap drink. To make this, grind Kava root and mix it with water to create a soothing beverage before bedtime. Isabell explains this process further in her book as well as further benefits and cautions.

2. Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

   • Benefits: Scullcap is highly esteemed for its ability to relax tension and revitalise the central nervous system. It is especially beneficial for stress-induced headaches and can be combined with chamomile for a potent anti-anxiety tea.

   • How to Use: 1-2 teasp. of scullcap, per cup of boiling water, steeped 10–15 minutes, taken 3 times a day. As it is a bitter herb, some people prefer to add a little honey, a little mint, or other herbs, to improve the flavour. It is advisable to start on a low dose and build up slowly… It is not advisable to use scullcap in combination with pharmaceutical tranquilisers, as this would be like double dosing.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

   • Benefits: Chamomile is widely known for its soothing properties. It helps to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of peace. Isabell highlights its effectiveness in treating insomnia and its role in calming the nervous system.

   • How to Use: Chamomile can be consumed as a tea. Steep one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink this tea before bedtime or whenever you need to unwind. For a nervous stomach, especially students with butterflies before exams, sip 3 cups of tea a day. Isabell continues to explain how chamomile can be used for babies and hyperactive children.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

   • Benefits: Lemon Balm is a gentle sedative and anti-anxiety herb that helps to lift the spirits and calm the mind. It is particularly useful for alleviating nervous tension and stress.

   • How to Use: Lemon Balm can be used fresh or dried to make a calming tea. Simply steep a handful of fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.

Remember lemon balm as a calming tea for the nervous system, suitable for adults and children in any stressful situation. As lemon balm may interfere with thyroid treatment do not take the herb when taking thyroid hormones. The tea is also used to soothe crying babies. Lemon balm is a safe herb for all ages, imparting a gentle tranquilising effect.

5. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

   • Benefits: Passionflower is known for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. It works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce brain activity and induce a state of calm.

   • How to Use: Prepare a tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried passionflower in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea before bedtime to help with sleep or during the day to reduce anxiety.

Passionflower should not be taken while pregnant, nor with anti-depressant drugs. Do not overdose.

Integrating Herbs into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating these herbs into your daily life can be simple and enjoyable. Here are some practical tips:

   • Herbal Teas: Make a habit of drinking herbal teas throughout the day. They are not only soothing but also provide a ritual that can help reduce stress.

   • Aromatherapy: Use essential oils from these herbs in a diffuser to create a calming environment. Lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm oils are particularly effective for relaxation. Surrounding ourselves with pleasant aromas induces deeper, slower breathing which helps to build up energy in the body, stimulate the body’s self-healing process, and enhances enjoyment of daily life. The sense of smell, and inhaling pleasant aromas is important to the brain, the nervous system and overall well-being, which helps us maintain poise and peace, create balance and positive emotions in our often stress-filled environment.

   • Herbal Baths: Add dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater to create a relaxing and stress-relieving experience.

   • Gardening: Growing your own herbs can be therapeutic. Tending to a herb garden can reduce stress and provide you with a fresh supply of calming herbs.

Embracing herbal remedies for mental health can offer a natural and effective way to manage stress and anxiety. Isabell Shipard’s “How Can I Use Herbs In My Daily Life?” provides invaluable insights into the benefits and uses of these herbs. By incorporating herbs like Kava, Scullcap, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower into your routine, you can harness the power of nature to support your mental well-being.

For more detailed information and to explore the wide range of herbs covered in Isabell’s book, grab your copy today and start your journey towards a calmer, more balanced life with the healing power of herbs.

Don’t forget to use the coupon code from your Newsletter email to get an extra 10% off these already discounted bundles and anything else in our store. Save up to 20% (only while stocks last, discount does not apply to postage, can not be used with other coupons) Discount expires 11th July 2024

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