When you chronically suffer from "a case of the nerves," it can affect your ability to lead a fulfilling life. Nervous tension may be the result of a stressful situation in your life or may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, the Mayo Clinic says. When anxiety is so severe that it causes panic attacks or compulsive behavior, consult a doctor. However, if you suffer from occasional nerves, some natural herbs may be beneficial in helping you relax.
Kava Kava
Produced from the rhizomes of the plant, kava kava may induce a muscle-relaxing effect, reports the PDR for Herbal Medicines. Available as an herbal tea, in capsule form or as an extract, take kava kava as recommended on the package or under the direction of a qualified herbalist. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with liver disease should not take kava kava unless directed to do so by their doctors.
Lemon Balm
Native to the Mediterranean, lemon balm is widely cultivated and sold in health food stores. Prepare an herbal tea by steeping 2 tsp. lemon balm in just-boiled water for 10 minutes before sipping. The PDR suggests drinking up to 3 cups per day to calm your nerves.
Passion Flower
The entire passion flower plant--including the blossoms and the roots--make up passion flower tea, which may be beneficial in calming frazzled nerves and helping you relax, reports the PDR. Before bedtime, steep 2 tsp. in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink it. Because passion flower has a sedative effect, don't use it before driving a car or operating dangerous machinery. You may add 1 cup passion flower herb to hot bathwater for a calming effect.
Valerian
The dried roots of the valerian plant may offer soothing benefits to calm your nerves. The PDR recommends taking one or two 160mg capsules before bedtime or brewing a tea with 1 tsp. valerian herb in 1 cup water. Like passion flower, you may add a couple of handfuls of the valerian herb to your bathwater to ease your nerves. Valerian may also induce sleep, so don't use it if you must remain alert.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition, Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
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