Herbs For Relaxation

In this fast paced world of ours we often forget to take time to relax and give ourselves the most deserved break. There’s nothing wrong in giving our mind and body the time to breathe and relax with the help of some herbs. Here’s to name a few:

VALERIAN– is the best herb for relaxation! Known as an effective way to prevent insomnia by promoting calmness, this herb can improve the quality of sleep as well as provide tranquility. It reduces tension and anxiety and is a good pain reliever for tension headaches and migraines. It is also an antispasmodic and helps to relax painful gut ache. You can also use it to ease tight, knotted muscles.

SCULLCAP– it is known to have calming effects on the muscles and nervous system. It promotes relaxation and relieves tension. It repairs nerves damaged by stress as well as relieving insomnia and hypertension. A familiar combination adds scullcap to hops and valerian, to calm the mind during stressful situations. It is most effective when taken during the evening.

PASSION FLOWER – Its chemicals have calming, sleep inducing, and muscle spasm relieving effects. This herb is an excellent treatment for insomnia, whether this is due to overwork or exhaustion. It combines well with valerian and hops to induce a restful sleep. Passion flower doesn’t affect respiratory rate or mental function the way many pharmaceutical sedatives do.

ST. JOHN’S WORT – It acts as a mood stabilizer and relieves mild depression caused by daily stress. This tiny summer flower received national publicity during a Barbara Walters TV special during the late 1990s.

SEDITOL – it is from the natural extract of magnolia bark and jujube seed. It is known to improve sleep and relaxation.

HOPS – it has relaxing properties that can deal with restlessness, anxiety, sleep issues and nervousness. It has a sedative effect that can provide stress relief and promote tranquility.

CHAMOMILE – in tea form acts as a relaxant and calming agent. With a long history of use in France, this tiny flower is a safe source of the amino acid tryptophan, useful in treating insomnia.

GINKGO – It works to help the body manage stress physically but is also traditionally known for memory enhancement properties.

LEMON BALM – it has been used as a relaxant since the Middle Ages in European folk medicine. It has a clean, refreshing citrus smell so you can take it in a tea or as a supplement. It has been found that lemon balm indirectly encourages sleep by improving mood and inducing mental calmness.

KOREAN GINSENG – It is generally recommended for women age 30 and beyond. Eliminates insomnia and provides energy and endurance to handle the stresses of everyday life.

BLACK COHOSH – This traditional women’s herb is most known today for its role in preventing hot flashes. However, it was used by Native Americans for treating snakebite, and it slows and strengthens the heartbeat, calming women with anxiety accompanied by an increased heart rate.

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