In today's stressful world, it's no wonder that as an herbalist, I see mental health issues skyrocketing. Even during the pandemic, I thought the biggest concern would be to boost immunity and help people with staying healthy, yet my number one sellers were for anti-anxiety and calming herbal items to help people deal with the stress of today's busy and chaotic lifestyles.
I have compiled 10 of the most popular herbs people like to use for supporting mental health and some ideas for how to use them:
Ashwagandha: This herb is often used as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress. It can be taken in capsule form, or you can make a tea by simmering the root in hot water for 10-15 minutes. (Do not take this if you are allergic to plants in the solanaceae family - tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers)
Chamomile: Chamomile is a relaxing herb that is often used to help with anxiety and insomnia. It can be taken as a tea by steeping dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or as a tincture. This is also safe for children.
Lemon balm: This herb has a calming effect and may help with anxiety and sleep. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or as a tincture. Safe for children
Lavender: Lavender has a relaxing aroma that can be helpful for reducing stress and promoting sleep. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or as an essential oil that can be inhaled or applied topically (please dilute in oil first). This is safe for children
St. John's wort: This herb is often used to help with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It can be taken in capsule form or as a tincture.
Valerian: Valerian is a sedative herb that is often used to help with insomnia and anxiety. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the root in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or as a capsule or tincture. Valerian may be habit forming. In 1% of people, it induces nightmares and restless sleep. You can find this in the Zen Calm Tincture.
Ginseng: Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body cope with stress. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the root in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or as a capsule or tincture.
Kava: Kava is a sedative herb that is often used to help with anxiety and insomnia. This is a stronger remedy and very grounding. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the root in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or as a capsule or tincture. You can find this in the KYS Tincture.
Holy basil: This herb is often used as an adaptogen to help the body cope with stress. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or as a capsule or tincture.
Passionflower: Passionflower is a calming herb that may be helpful for anxiety and sleep. It can be taken as a tea by steeping the dried herb in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or as a tincture.
It's time to UNWIND....
We have many options to choose from, since it's our most popular ailment of concern (rightfully so). Choose a method you're comfortable with taking - tinctures, teas, smoking blends, aromatherapy, baths (or a combination). Of course, we also have bulk herb if you want to blend your own herbal items.
Your mental health is very aspect of your everyday health. While these herbs may be helpful for supporting mental health, it is not advised to combine them with any pharmaceutical drugs as they can alter their effectiveness. If you are experiencing mental health issues, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.