Daytime Calming Herbs

Life can be stressful. Calming herbs can help relieve stress. Bulk herb companies stock these herbs in a variety of forms, as do some health food stores. Choose calming herbs carefully, as some are not suitable for daytime use.

Chamomile

• Many groceries carry one or more brands of chamomile tea.

  Chamomile calms nerves and emotions as it invigorates and strengthens the body. It is safe for all ages. In fact, doctors in Spain and France prescribe chamomile as a tonic for young children. People most often use chamomile as a tea, and most grocery stores carry one or more brands. Chamomilla is the homeopathic form of chamomile and is available in many health food stores and pharmacies.

Lavender

• Lavender is a popular scent for lotions, perfumes and bath products.

  Research confirms the soothing and calming property of inhaled lavender. Studies verify that lavender is effective for treating anxiety, stress and insomnia, and that it can ease postoperative pain. Lavender is a common fragrance in body lotions and creams or may be purchased in an essential oil form.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm soothes skin irritations as well as it calms nerves.

  The calming properties of lemon balm have been a part of herbal knowledge since the Middle Ages. Lemon balm reduces stress and anxiety, promotes sleep and eases pain and colic. Lemon balm is available in cream form to treat herpes and other skin inflammations. It may also be purchased as a tea, loose herb and essential oil.

Cramp Bark

• Cramp bark is recommended for nervous issues in pregnancy. It is also effective treatment to ease cramping, convulsions and muscle spasms anywhere in the body. Cramp bark can be purchased in many health food stores in tonic or tincture form or as a dried herb for brewing as tea.

American Skullcap

• American skullcap has more than 200 years of historical use as a relaxant. It is primarily used to relive stress and anxiety and to stop convulsions. American skullcap should not be confused with Chinese skullcap, as the effects of the two herbs are very different. American skullcap is available in many health food stores in liquid, powder and capsule form. Do not take this herb in high dosages.

Hops

• You can add dried hops to a pillow to promote peaceful dreaming.

  Hops-filled pillows are non-drug sleep enhancers and help prevent nightmares. Hops has been trusted as a nerve calmative for centuries. It also relieves muscle spasms, pain and fevers. Hops may be taken as a drink or tonic, or in pill form. The dried herbs and flowers can be used in aromatherapy.

St. John's Wort

• Since the days of ancient Greece, St. John's Wort has been used to treat a variety of nervous conditions. St. John's Wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbs in America and is available in a variety of forms in most grocery and drug stores. Multiple medical studies conclude that St. John's Wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression with very few side effects.

Lady's Slipper

• Lady's slipper has been used for centuries as a sedative and a tonic for female cramping. Lady's slipper effectively treats anxiety, chronic insomnia, stress, tension and muscle spasms. It is safe enough for use with hyperactive children. Lady's slipper is most often available as a root infusion or tincture.