Anxiety and stress can affect us all, adult or child. There are many natural calming herbs that are useful to children and adults for stress relief and calming of anxieties. Before starting any herbal remedy or treatment plan, for you or your child, consult with a health care professional to make sure it is right for the condition.
Passionflower
Clinical trials have shown that passionflower may be an effective calmative due to gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, increases in the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While not as powerful as valerian, passionflower is still showing promise in this field. It has a risk of allergy and there are some potential interactions with sedatives, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and MAO inhibitors.
Lavender
Studies on the aromatherapeutic effects of Lavender have substantiated its calming effects, and it is added in some over-the-counter products for help in getting young children to sleep. In clinical trials for anxiety and agitated behavior, it has demonstrated benefit, but results on effectiveness are mixed according to MedlinePlus. It has the possibility of interacting with benzodiazepines, antidepressants, barbiturates, seizure medications, anticoagulants, NSAIDs and antiplatelet drugs.
Chamomile
Chamomile is often engaged to promote a sense of calm in children. According to MedlinePlus, there are mixed results from the clinical testing done on chamomile for this condition. There is a risk of allergies, especially with people sensitivities to daisies. It can interact with some drugs like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, anticoagulants, NSAIDs or antiplatelet drugs.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a calming herb that relieves anxiety and stress, can also promote relaxation for easier sleep. The University of Maryland Medical Center has stated that it can be combined with other herbs to be of use for this condition. Lemon balm promotes a sense of calm, as well as an overall feeling of well-being. Generally safe, there can be an allergy risk and potential interactions can occur with sedatives or with thyroid medications.
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