Emotional Imbalance and Herbs

Feeling blue? Experiencing intense emotions all the time is exhausting.Try an herbal remedy to combat the blues. Herbs are plants with nutritional and medicinal qualities. Taken under the right circumstances, they can help alleviate the symptoms of emotional imbalances. Herbal teas, tinctures and salves can be soothing and healing for our frazzled nerves.

Teas

• Sip a calming cup of herb tea to help relax and unwind.

  Sip a cup of chamomile or passion flower tea sweetened with honey for a soothing treat before bed. Chamomile is relaxing and will help you unwind after a busy day. The calming qualities of these herbs can help reduce your anxiety and stress, allowing you to relax into a peaceful night's sleep.

Medicinal Herbs

• Herbs are available fresh, dried and in tincture form.

  St Johns's wort is effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and sadness. It can be taken in pill form, or as a tincture. It is a nervine and works to soothe and nourish the nervous system. Lemon balm, rosemary, skullcap, lavender and kava kava are also mild nervines that can help reduce depression and insomnia.

External Use

• Herbs applied externally are assimilated through the skin.

  Soak in a bath of rose petals and lavender for a sensuous aromatic experience. The warm of the water releases the calming qualities of the plants. Make an herbal sachet of rosemary and lavender and put in under your pillow for sweet dreams and a calming mood at bedtime. Put four drops of essential oil of lavender in an unscented lotion to massage into your feet, using a firm touch on the areas between the toes and beneath the ball of the foot. This relaxing routine can help reduce your anxiety and help you maintain a calm demeanor.

Warnings

• Your doctor or pharmacist can help you determine which herbs can be safely used with your medications.

  Herbs have been safely used for many years for everything from ear aches to depression. They are potent and can be dangerous if used unwisely. Check with your doctor or pharmacy to make sure they do not interact with your medications.