S1-Ep.1: Discover the Magic of Calm: 10 Herbs for Ultimate Relaxation and Stress Relief

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and calm can be challenging. Even in my life I know what that feels like; I work from home, and I still feel like my body doing everything it can to find a new reason to be stressed. It's like a magic trick or something!

  Fortunately, nature provides a number of herbal medicines to assist soothe the mind and body, boosting relaxation and lowering stress. These are herbs that I have personally tried and have used for years. I wanted to make sure that even the most brand-new of beginners in this practice can follow it, this blog is new, and I'm doing what I can to build a relationship with my readers, and I know that not everyone who read this is going to be some versed hereditary witch with 35 years experience. I'm thinking of ALL of you!

In this detailed, yet incredibly basic guide, we will look at eleven herbs known for their soothing properties, which are ideal for including into your regular wellness practice.

Now again, fair warning: if you're already versed in this beginner's level of herbalism, this may bore you to death! But then again, you may be introduced or reintroduced to herb you haven't thought of before... and even in ways to use it.

1. Chamomile: The Classic Calmer

Chamomile, sometimes known as "the classic calmer," is one of the best-known herbs for relaxing. Associated with the Sun, this delicate, daisy-like flower has been used for ages to calm nerves and encourage sleep. Chamomile tea is a favourite bedtime ritual for many people due to its moderate calming properties. 

Properties:

  • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild sedative, astringent and digestive relaxant
  • Treats wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin, irritants, bruises, burns, canker sores, sciatica, diaper rash, cracked nipples (breastfeeding), chickenpox, ear and eye infections, blocked tear ducts, conjunctivitis, nasal inflammation, and poison ivy... just to name a few.

Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety and stress
  • Promotes restful sleep
  • Eases digestive issues
  • Fights menstrual cramps
  • Helps treat wounds, rashes and burns
  • Fights bacterial infections
  • Relieves gas, diarrhea, nausea, and much more
  • Fights arthritis and pain

Ways to use it:

  • Brew a cup of chamomile tea before bed or during stressful times.
  • You can also find chamomile in essential oil form for aromatherapy.
  • Soak chamomile in brandy of vodka for 30 days, then strain to make a tincture.
  • The flower heads and petals of chamomile are also smokable.

2. Lavender: The Fragrant Relaxer

I've rarely ever met a person who doesn't like the smell of lavender! Associated with Mercury, a planet associated with the mind, lavender's wonderful smell is not only wonderful to the senses; it is also an effective sedative, soothing the pineal gland, which is incharge of your circadian rhythm, helping you regulate your sleep patterns and fall asleep. This purple-flowered plant is also known for its ability to relieve anxiety and boost mood. Tip: combine with Chamomile for added relaxation.

 

Benefits:

  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-inflammatory for skin
  • Alleviates stress and anxiety
  • Enhances sleep quality
  • Eases headaches and migraines
  • Aids in ridding acne
  • Aids in insomnia/restlessness
  • Aids in ridding of headaches
  • Aids in depression
  • Helps menopause and hot flashes
  • Promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff
  • May help with asthma symptoms
  • Combats Fungus growth
  • May reduce blood pressure
  • May relieve pain
  • Relieves eczema symptoms

 

Ways to use it:

  • Use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or add a few drops in your bath.
  • add dried lavender to your bath.
  • Sip on lavender-infused tea.
  • Soak lavender in oil for 30 days in olive or coconut oil to make your own hair oil.
  • Put a few drops on a handkerchief and place under your pillow to help you sleep.

3. Valerian Root: The Sleep Savior

Now, be careful with his one!!! Valerian root is often referred to as "nature's Valium" because of its tremendous soothing properties. It is especially efficient in promoting deep, peaceful sleep while avoiding the drowsy side effects of several over-the-counter sleep medications. There are no dangers in taking this, I only say to be careful because I have missed one too many important meetings taking this!

Now, I know that different people have different tolerances, but that still brings me to my word of advice;

Note: If there are any herbs on this list that you are trying for the first time, try them by themselves and see how you feel before you start mixing them. I know I just said that you could mix chamomile and lavender together, but that's because those are actually quite mild on their own, but if by some impossible chance you haven't tried either of those two mentioned, I still encourage you to try those out by themselves first as well, if for nothing else, so you can taste for yourself and see what you prefer.

 

Benefits:

  • Improves sleep quality, particularly by easing insomnia and other sleep disorders.
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Valerian root acts as a powerful muscle relaxant, easing muscle tension and menstrual cramps
  • Valerian root may help minimize hot flashes and menopause.
  • Works directly on the nervous system as a natural pain reliever.
  • Relieves OCD tics
  • Relieves PMS symptoms
  • Calms Restless Legs Syndrome

 

Ways to use it:

  • Take valerian root supplements or brew valerian root tea before bedtime. 
  • Soak the herbs in Brandy or Vodka for 30 days in a dark bottle and/or in a dark room to make a powerful tincture that is said to have VERY similar calming effects of valium! Be mindful of dosage recommendations, as valerian is quite potent.

 

*Taking Valerian in any form during the day can have a negative effect, as it can be VERY strong, so be careful!!! I cannot stress this enough. Take this at night before bed, and NOT before operating heavy machinery.

4. Passionflower: The Anxiety Alleviator

Passionflower is a GORGEOUS, exotic plant that is highly effective against anxiety and stress. Associated with Venus, this herb works by raising the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to relax the nervous system. Plus it tastes INCREDIBLE as a tea! And the fuchsia colour of the tea is SOOO pretty!!! It just.... makes me happy all over!

By the way, GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain, a chemical messenger that blocks signals in your central nervous system.

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety, tension and stress
  • Improves sleep quality, especially when dealing with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
  • Eases symptoms of menopause
  • It's a gentle sedative, so mixing with other mild herbs on this list wouldn't hurt.
  • Antispasmodic and tranquilizing
  • Supports relief from headaches, cramps, etc.
  • Also boosts sex drive.

 

Ways to Use It:

  • Enjoy passionflower tea, or take it in tincture or capsule form for a more concentrated dose.
  • Passionflower is also a smokable herb.

5. Lemon Balm: The Gentle Uplifter

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and has a fresh, lemony aroma that can uplift and relax your mind. Associated with the moon, it works very well for people who suffer from anxiety and stomach problems. Personally, I love mixing it with ginger for the stomach issues. Just a note there. 

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety, depression and restless symptoms
  • Improves mood and helps you feel more positive 
  • Powerful anti-viral 
  • Helps fight against herpes and HPV
  • Helps break hard-to-break fevers
  • Relaxes tension throughout the body, which can also help with tension-related headaches
  • Eases digestive discomfort
  • Soothes and sedates the body, which helps with insomnia.

 

Ways to Use It:

  • Sip on lemon balm tea, add fresh lemon balm to your dishes.
  • Use it in essential oil form for aromatherapy.
  • Can be soaked in brandy or vodka to make a tincture
  • The essential oil can be added into your bath to help soothe.

6. Ashwagandha: The Adaptogenic Ally

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress. This potent root has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to promote balance and resistance. And frankly, it's one of the herbs that I swear by.

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety and calms the nerves
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Supports immune function
  • Helps with OCD and ADHD
  • Helps to decrease blood sugar in diabetics
  • Can help prevent cancer
  • Increases brain health
  • Reduces pain and swelling in joints
  • Has anti-aging properties

 

Ways to use it:

  • Take ashwagandha in capsule form
  • Add as a powder added to your smoothies
  • You can also brew it as a tea.

7. Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Sacred Soother

Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its capacity to help the body's natural response to physical and mental stress. It is commonly referred to as the "Queen of Herbs" due to its numerous virtues. This in another one that is great mixed with something like ashwagandha. 

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces depression, stress and anxiety
  • Supports immune health
  • Enhances mental clarity
  • Eases menopausal symptoms
  • It's a mild sedative
  • Helps cure respiratory distresses such as asthma
  • Freshens breath
  • It's a mild diuretic and and can help with kidney stones
  • It's considered anti-aging and an overall tonic in Ayurvedic medicine
  • Antifungal, Germicidal, antibiotic and overall naturally disinfecting
  • Helps with chronic inflammation

 

Ways to Use it:

  • Enjoy tulsi tea
  • Take it in capsule from
  • You can also create a tincture for more concentrated benefits.

8. Skullcap: The Nerve Nourisher

Skullcap is a potent nervine herb that helps to relax the nervous system. It is very good for people who suffer from anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, which is something that is great for people like me who are prone to seasonal depression and anxiety. 

Note: This is a very good alternative to Valerian root, if that's too strong for you.

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces anxiety and stress and can reduce chronic stress when taken for long periods of time.
  • Induces restful sleep without feeling drowsy or groggy the next day.
  • Eases nervous tension and muscle tension
  • Soothes menstrual pain
  • Helps with TMJ, Which has to do with pain and compromised movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
  • Helps Headaches 
  • Soothes teething

 

Ways to Use It:

  • Skullcap is often taken in tincture or capsule form, but you can also find it in calming tea blends.

9. Peppermint: The Refreshing Relaxer

Peppermint is not just a refreshing herb; it also has amazing soothing qualities. It has strong, yet cooling, relaxing properties that might assist to relieve stress and encourage relaxation, which is awesome. This is one of my faves to mix with chamomile when my tummy's upset.

 

Benefits:

  • Eases stress and anxiety
  • Helps to relieve headaches
  • Soothes digestive issues, such as stomach aches and nausea
  • The scent can help with brain power
  • It has enzymes that can ward off certain cancers
  • The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties
  • Can relieve menstrual cramps (would recommend combining with other cramp- healing herbs on this list, if it's not strong enough)
  • Has properties to relieve asthma symptoms
  • Reduces free radicals in the body... free radicals give you cancer.
  • Peppermint oil helps with hair growth

 

Ways to Use It:

  • Sip on peppermint tea
  • Use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser to relax
  • Apply diluted peppermint oil to your temples for headache relief 

*WARNING: DO NOT GET PEPPERMINT OIL IN YOUR EYES!!!! When using peppermint oil, either wear gloves before using or wash your hands several times before touching you eyes!!! I can't stress this enough!! I learned this the hard way.

10. Rosemary: The Memory Enhancer

Rosemary is usually renowned for its memory-boosting abilities, but it also has relaxing effects. Associated with the sun and has very masculine energy, the energizing aroma can help you relax and focus better, and honestly, it's one of my favourite herbs on the basic list, because it's the most versatile. That's why I saved it for last!

 

Benefits:

  • Great for eye health
  • Enhances memory and concentration and boosts mental performance
  • Alleviates headaches and tension
  • Excellent for circulation
  • Powers up your immune system
  • Supports strong bones
  • Prevents hearing loss
  • Full of B-Vitamins
  • Balances body fluids
  • Contains healthy fats
  • It's a bug repellent
  • Rosemary oil is great for hair growth

 

Ways to Use It:

  • Incorporate rosemary into your cooking
  • Enjoy rosemary tea
  • Use rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy.
  • You can either place the herb or the diffused oil on a handkerchief under your pillow to help you sleep and prevent nightmares.

 

How to Incorporate Calming Herbs into Your Routine

Introducing these relaxing herbs into your daily routine can be a really good idea, seeing as it's better to build up the herb in your system to get it to strengthen its potency in your body (depending on what herb you're talking about), but for the most part, use of these herbs are both straightforward and delightful. To recap, here are a few of the ways that I use them:

 

  • Teas: Herbal teas are a soothing way to enjoy the benefits of calming herbs. Brew a cup before bed or during a mid-day break.
  • Essential Oils: Use essential oils in a diffuser, add a few drops to your bath, or mix with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage.
  • Supplements: Capsules and tinctures offer a convenient way to consume herbs, especially those with stronger flavors.
  • Culinary Uses: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs into your cooking for added flavor and relaxation benefits.

 

In The End:

Including soothing herbs in your wellness routine can be a natural and effective strategy to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Whether you prefer a calming cup of tea, essential oils, or supplements, there is a herb for you. If you're willing to explore these ten plants and learn the relaxing effects they can have on your life, this will make your crazy, insomnia-inducing life a little bit easier.