Herbal Remedies For Calming

Whether you have anxiety, stress or a lot of items on your to-do list, you have a reason to want to calm down. Instead of taking medication, you might be looking for some natural remedies instead. While you could try meditation, yoga and positive thinking as natural relaxing remedies, a number of herbal remedies exist that might also help you calm down. Just remember that herbs can come with side effects just like medications. Talk to your doctor before taking an herbal remedy.

Kava kava

Kava kava is a plant used throughout history by Pacific Islanders and currently used by Americans for its calming effects. This plant seems to help anxiety and insomnia by boosting your mood and helping you feeling relaxed. You can take kava in capsule or in tea forms. However, kava has caused serious side effects including liver damage. Also, you should not take this herbs if you are pregnant, having surgery or drink alcohol. More research is needed to explain if the side effects are from kava or other causes and also to back up claims of its benefits. You should only take this herb with your doctor's supervision.

Ginseng

While associated with many benefits from balancing your blood sugar to boosting your immune system, ginseng is also thought to help you calm down. In an October 2010 study in "Psychopharmacology," study participants taking American ginseng noted that they felt calmer after taking the herb. Avoid this herb if you have bronchitis, inflammatory problems or high blood pressure. You can take ginseng in capsule or tea form.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, which has been used since before the Middle Ages for its benefits, is currently used to induce calm and as a treatment for cold sores. It is thought to help anxiety and trouble sleeping. More research is needed on lemon balm, as it is often studied along with other calming herbs such as valerian and chamomile. Lemon balm is considered a safe herb to take, although it should be avoided if you are pregnant or are taking sedative or thyroid drugs. You can take lemon balm in capsules, extract or tea forms.

Essential Oils

You may also try inhaling essential oils of plants. Put essential oils in a diffuser or dilute them in water and spray around the room. The scent of essential oils travels to the limbic area of the brain where they trigger the release of neurotransmitters. Each type of essential oil triggers different sensations, and specific plants encourage feelings of relaxation and calm. These include lavender, neroli, sandalwood, rose, chamomile, marjoram and ylang ylang. If you put essential oils on your skin, however, they can cause side effects such as a rash.