Herbs To Cool An Anxious Mind & Heart
Anxiety is prevalent during this coronavirus breakout. Most of our lives have completely shifted during this pandemic which can lead to higher stress loads whether you are stuck with your little ones, laid off, have to manage more, or even an essential worker.
For me, my anxiety was high prior to the virus, so lately, it has felt out of control.
Firstly, I have to mention that lowering my caffeine intake has GREATLY lowered my anxiety. My energy levels just have about evened out but I do get tired MUCH earlier in the day whereas before I was going to sleep closer to 11 pm, now I am borderline asleep watching TV at 9 pm. I have been automatically waking up around 7 am without an alarm! Life has completely changed for me as I have always been a night owl… but I have also been drinking a TON of coffee, like A LOT, since I was about 15 years old.
I’ll write another blog post on my horrible withdrawal symptoms (not to dissuade you) but it has been worth it tremendously because my anxiety has dropped SO MUCH. Caffeine causes HEAT in the body, anxiety is also a HEAT emotion. So during this time, it would make sense to cut back even a little. It does take some time to get used to, but right now I am drinking 2/3 less coffee (replaced with Chicory Root “Coffee“) than I was before.
The following are all herbs I have USED, there are many many more out there but these are the few I can vouch for.
*With anything, please consult with your medical consultants prior to trying anything here as it may not work well with any medications you are on now.*
Herbs That Aid In Cooling The Body
Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root - Both of these herbs support a healthy liver. The liver, in TCM, stores many of our emotions including our anger! If the liver has become sluggish overtime through excess emotions, bad habits or food choices, we end up seeing symptoms such as bloating and gas, acid reflux and heartburn, constipation, inability to lose weight, high blood pressure, moodiness, anxiety, depression etc. Support your liver, as it aids in removing toxins from the body.
Peppermint - peppermint is known to improve digestive health and decrease indigestion. The more healthy your digestive tract is, the less heat or inflammation in the body.
Lemon fruit - having lemon juice in water or in tea can aid with digestion, allowing the liver and the kidneys to also reap the benefits. As an added bonus, it helps the body to boost the immune system.
Herbs That Calm The Nerves
Valerian Root - Valerian root is a sedative, relaxant and antispasmodic. I have to be honest, to me, it smells like straight rotten ass or something. But if I feel an anxiety attack coming on, a squirt from a Valerian Root tincture or some tea with it, and I am immediately CALMED. This herb has been used to treat insomnia, headaches, nervousness, trembling and heart palpitations. According to TCM, those with HOT constitutions may not agree well with Valerian as it can increase circulation and/or act as a stimulant in some individuals. *do not take prior to driving as it acts as sedative*
Catnip - Catnip is a great sleep aid (it improves the quality of sleep you receive) and can be beneficial to those suffering from restlessness, nervous disorders or verging mental breakdowns. Catnip has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, stress and even combat tension headaches. *do not take prior to driving as it acts as sedative*
Rosemary - Amongst many other benefits, Rosemary plain and simply calms the nerves and stress while actually promoting happier moods, focus, memory, and alertness.
Lemon balm - This herb helps improve our mood and cognitive function, helps to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and relieves indigestion (creating less heat in the body) amongst many other things.
You can enjoy any of these herbs as a tea 3-5 times a day (BESIDES VALERIAN which I would do 1 cup an hour or 2 before bed) for an extended period of time or in tincture form if that is easier.
Herbal Tea Recipes
I have tried a few of these recipes from The Sacred Science and I love them! So I figured I’d share them in my blog as well.
Calm in a Cup ~ a wonderfully relaxing blend
1-part Chamomile
1 part Lemon Balm
1 part Milky Oats
1/2 part Passion Flower
*Optional: add ¼ hops and/or valerian for a stronger relaxing or sedating blend.
Uplifting Hawthorn ~ especially good for depression, grief, and mild anxiety
2 parts Lemon Balm
2 part Milky Green Oats
1 part Hawthorn (berries, leaf, flower, berries and stems if available)
1 part St. Johns Wort
*Optional: spearmint or peppermint for added flavor
Practices To Calm The Nerves
Putting your hands over your heart and taking deep breathes
Alternative nostril breathing
Keeping things clean in your environment (organization, decluttering, moving things around to create EASE)