10 Herbs to Boost Your Mental Health
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.