The next time you're feeling tense and stressed, don't reach for cigarettes, alcohol or pills---try a cup of homemade herbal tea instead. Herbal nervines and sedatives have a long history of use as nature's tranquilizers. Herbal teas and tinctures act on your muscles or nervous system to ease stress, reduce anxiety, help you sleep and improve your mood. Herbs are usually non-addictive and have few side effects, but some people have allergies to certain plants and should avoid them. Consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner before using herbal remedies.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial with tiny white or pink flowers, native to Europe and Asia. Traditional healers use a tea made from the roots as a non-addictive tranquilizer to treat restlessness, sleeplessness and nervous disorders, according to botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink. Valerian contains valepotriates, which are plant chemicals that relax muscles. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that valerian tea may be safely used to relieve psychological and physical tension and anxiety. However, do not combine valerian with sedatives or other narcotic drugs.
Lavender
Lavender, or Lavandula spp., is a genus of fragrant perennial herbs native to the Mediterranean. Herbalists use the dried flowers or its essential oil to calm stomach upset, insomnia, restlessness and other minor nervous disorders. You can make a tea from the flowers or apply the oil topically to relieve headache and muscle pain. Aromatherapists use lavender essential oil to heal tension and emotional distress and, according to University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender oil massage may improve sleep, stabilize your mood and reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor before combining lavender with antidepressants or sleeping pills.
Vervain, or Verbena officinalis, is a tall prairie perennial with spikes of purple flowers. Homeopathic healers use it as a calming herb to treat mental exhaustion and epileptic seizures. The plant has nervine, sedative and hypotensive properties. Thus, herbalists use a tea made from from the aerial parts as a remedy for insomnia and nervous disorders. The active ingredients include iridoid glycosides, essential oil and mucilage. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that vervain tea is a gentle anti-anxiety remedy that can strengthen the nervous system, relax tension, and it eases depression and stress. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender
- "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996
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