Herbs that calm

Whenever I think of the word 'calm' I imagine myself resting, reading a book with not a care in the world. A scenario that doesn't really occur for the majority of us; unless we are on holidays.Creating a calmer mind involves our nervous system, stress response and mindset.Herbs are a brilliant way to help calm your nerves. There are many herbal tea blends available now, that help with relaxation. The most common ones being:

• chamomile

• lemon balm

• lavender

• passionflower

• valerian

According to the Oxford dictionary, calm the verb, means to be tranquil and quiet.

I often think of calm is just the opposite of being stressed. I also picture live electrical wires, that need to be soothed (in the scenario-calm).Calm can also include a process. To 'calm' your beating heart; the definitions and interpretations are endless. Everyone has there own take on what calm is or may not be. For some people, it may just involve not reacting/snapping to another person.As a naturopath, we have learnt the value of using herbs to either support someone's vitality, increase or decrease the function of an organ or body system, or as healing agent that can repair damaged cells or tissue.Herbal teas are great, but using the herb in a tincture, is a totally different level. Ethanol is used to draw out the active compounds of a specific herb. sometimes the whole herb is used, the roots, seed, fruit, or just the leaves. It really depends on what herb it is and what studies have been used for the beneficial outcome. This is why herbal tinctures are far more superior than using herbs in a tea or in cooking.I think I must of been born to be a herbalist. One of the down sides of taking herbals is that they can (more than often), taste pretty rank. I love it! It makes me feel alive. But if using alcohol is a concern for you, there are suppliers out there now that use glycertract instead of the alcohol. This makes the herbal taste better for the kids too.

Some other herbs that help calm you are:

• Zizyphus- According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), zizyphus is used to nourish the heart and calm the spirit.

• Schisandra- Another TCM herb, schisandra is used for irritability, insomnia, stress and palpitations.

• Saffron- One of my all time faves! The worlds most expensive spice! Saffron is used for anxiety and depression.

• Skullcap- Used for nervous disorders and muscle twitching (epilepsy, tremors and restlessness).

• Rhodolia- Well known for it's adrenal support, helps with fatigue, mental focus and stamina.

If you are feeling like your nervous system needs support or would like to know other ways herbs can support you. Please fill out the contact form below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.[contact_bank form_id="2" form_title="show" form_description="show"][/contact_bank]