SOOTHING & CALMING HERBS

Calming Herbs are herbs that benefit the nervous system in some way. They help relax and strengthen the nervous system. They can help reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress. Whilst many calming herbs also soothe, generally soothing herbs are those that soothe and reduce skin inflammations.

My TOP TEN Soothing & Calming Herbs

Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis – a mild sedative, that has a wonderful lemony and uplifting
flavour. It is particularly useful for people who are angry, or perhaps having a tantrum!. It is
even more effective when combined with Valerian in an infusion

Lavender – Lavandula spp – is particularly good for nervousness and insomnia and was a
favourite of the Greeks and Romans. The essential oil can be used directly on the skin to
ease tension headaches.

Chamomile – Matricaria recutita – a mild sedative, a cup of tea before bedtime can help
you relax at night. Chamomile also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties making it
particularly useful to soothe rashes, sunburn and eczema

Valerian – Valeriana officinalis - has a sedative effect and helps ease intestinal symptoms
of stress

Passionflower – Passiflora spp. - has a sedative effect and is particularly good if you suffer
from insomnia due to an overactive mind

Marigold – Calendula officinalis - known as one of the best herbs to soothe inflamed skin
conditions. When combined with St John’s Wort – Hypericum perforatum it makes an
exceptional skin cream

Chickweed – Stellaria media – a lesser known herb, one found alongside many ditches
and tracksides. The herb can be applied as a poultice directly onto the skin to soothe any
inflamed skin condition.

Oats – Avena sativa - is one of those herbs that both soothes and calms. Ground oats added
to warm water instantly soothes irritated skin, whilst a tincture of oats is known to reduce
feelings of anxiety as well as being an anti-depressant

Linden Flower – Tilia spp a natural sedative, it is often combined with other herbs in
commercial blends, such as Lemon Balm and Peppermint

Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera - an Ayuvedic herb originating from India, where it has
been used as a tonic to assist the body in dealing with stress

TAKE CARE – WHEN USING HERBS ALWAYS CHECK WITH A QUALIFIED PRACTIONER FOR ANY CHRONIC OR SERIOUS CONDITION