Life can be a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs and stressful moments. There’s no doubt that at one point or another, you’ll need to take a deep breath to quiet your mind and body. Calming herbs can help.*
People have used herbs for their health benefits and soothing properties for centuries, and many still use them. These herbs possess unique properties that support feelings of relaxation and soothe tension.
This blog post will explore calming herbs to help soothe feelings of stress and anxiety. We will provide an overview of each herb, its benefits, and how to use it effectively.
First, let’s review a few things about anxiety and stress in general.
The Stresses of Life
Do you ever feel trapped in a state of fight or flight? Are you losing sleep over a tough conversation with a loved one, worrying about finances, and can't seem to turn off your brain? Anxiety can manifest in surges or linger in the background, making it difficult to navigate daily life with serenity.
Anxiety disorders affect around 40 million adults in the U.S.REF#1270 It's a natural response that helps keep us alive, maintains clear personal boundaries, prompts us to listen to our intuition, and prevents us from taking dangerous risks.
However, when restless feelings become unreasonable, unwarranted, or uncontrollable, and situations seem life-threatening, they may be classified as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).REF#1271
Stress can also affect your overall health. For instance, uncontrolled stress can contribute to poor mental health, unhealthy blood pressure levels, poor immune system health, and may even affect the digestive system, which can inhibit nutrient absorbtion.REF#1284
Despite this reality, it's possible to thrive in our stressful, hectic modern lives with resilience and grace. If you're experiencing stress and anxiety, natural remedies may help calm your mind, restore balance, and maintain your well-being.*
Calming Herbs to Help Restore Balance*
For those who find themselves overwhelmed on a daily basis, finding ways to restore balance to daily life is crucial. Calming herbs for relaxation can offer a natural and holistic approach to ease the racing thoughts.
These herbs have been used for centuries to help soothe tension and support a sense of calm. Whether taken as an herbal tea, tincture, supplement, or essential oil for aromatherapy or topical use, these herbs can help soothe the mind and body.
While herbal medicine is a natural alternative to traditional medications, it's important to note that herbs can also have side effects and interact with certain health conditions or medications. They should not replace any current medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs. It's vital to consult with your healthcare provider and a professional herbalist to ensure that the herbs you’re considering are safe for you and won't interfere with any existing health conditions or medications.
These herbs can promote stress relief, relaxation, and overall well-being when used correctly and with other self-care practices.
Passionflower
The Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), which is native to tropical areas of the United States, has a unique appearance and is used traditionally to support sleep and promote a calming and relaxing effect.*
Passionflower extract has the potential to interact with Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter blocks signals in the central nervous system, leading to a slowdown in brain activity, which might explain why Passionflower might soothe feelings of stress.REF#1273
The extract may support dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good and helps regulate sleep patterns and other body functions.REF#1274 It may also support slow-wave sleep and the time it takes to fall asleep.REF#1272
Passionflower in sleep support supplements such as Relax Gummies, but we also love using it to provide you with the calm you need at any point of the day.*
American Skullcap
American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has been used as a nerve tonic to help calm the body, maintain normal sleep patterns, and support worn-out nerves due to mental and physical exhaustion.*
American Skullcap may help promote feelings of relaxation due to its ability to support levels of GABA.*REF#1275
When you find yourself stressed, embrace serenity with Calm A.S.A.P.®, an herbal supplement formulated to promote feelings of tranquility when you need it the most.* This calming blend is made with Gaia-grown American Skullcap and gives your nervous system soothing support during life's most stressful moments.*
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a green leafy plant in the mint family, though it tastes and smells a bit like lemon.
This herb provides a sense of balance for your nervous system, and its calming properties as a nervine assist anyone who experiences ongoing stress.*REF#1276 This herb also contains properties believed to support digestive and immune health.*REF#1277
You can experience the benefits of Lemon balm by taking 30 to 40 drops of Gaia Herbs Lemon Balm liquid extract in a small glass of water 3 to 4 times a day between meals. If you’re dealing with occasional nervousness, this formula can help you find tranquility and restore balance.*
California Poppy
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is known to support calm and relaxation.*REF#1278 This flowering plant is used primarily for sleep support.* It has also been used by Native American tribes for many traditional purposes, especially as a calming agent.*
Experience the benefits of this calming herb with Gaia Herbs California Poppy.* This concentrated single herb liquid extract is popular among stressed-out people who struggle to quiet their minds after a long day.* It’s simple to add to your wellness regime, as you can take it in a small glass of water three times a day.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as "Tulsi," is a revered adaptogenic herb supporting a healthy stress response.* It has traditionally been used to maintain emotional well-being and support a positive mood.*REF#1279
Take Holy Basil in Gaia Herbs Holy Basil Leaf Liquid Phyto-Caps®. This supplement is popular for overcommitted adults struggling to balance work and personal obligations and anyone dealing with ongoing stress.*
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that supports the adrenals and healthy levels of cortisol — a stress hormone released when your body kicks into fight-or-flight mode. Ashwagandha may support healthy stress levels and overall quality of life.*REF#1280
Optimizing adrenal health is essential to combating stress and living a more balanced life. The adrenal glands are vital to well-being, influencing the body's stress response, immune health, sleep patterns, and mood.
Make the most of Ashwagandha with the synergistic formula of Gaia Herbs best-selling Adrenal Health® Daily Support. It contains five adaptogens, including Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Schisandra, and Gaia-grown® Oats that support the adrenals and balance the body during times of unease.*
Kava Root
Kava Root (Piper methysticum) is a plant used for hundreds of years by the native populations of Oceania, where it originated. This calming and relaxing herb can help people feel less stressed and promotes relaxation and a calm mood without sleepiness.*REF#1281
Now, you can use this nervine by mixing 20-30 drops of Gaia Herbs Kava 50 in a small glass of water. Made with ethically harvested Kava Root from the Vanuatu Islands and designed for use at home, in the office, and while out and about.
St. John’s Wort
Native to Europe and used since the time of the ancient Greeks, St. John's Wort can be found growing in the northern hemisphere. The flowers contain many antioxidants such as Rutin, Quercetin, and Lutein, and studies have shown that this plant positively affects mood.*
We use St. John’s Wort and other calming herbs in Emotional Balance™. This blend supports mental and emotional well-being with long-term use.*
Disclaimer: St. John's Wort should not be taken with antidepressant medication without consulting a healthcare professional. St. John's Wort can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.REF#1282
St. John's Wort can decrease the effectiveness of certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).REF#1282
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a parsley family member and a rejuvenating nervine that helps balance the nervous system.* It can support healthy neurotransmitter function, alertness, and your body’s natural ability to adjust to temporary stress.* As a bonus, it also supports hair, skin, and nail health and is used by Yogis to improve meditation.*
At Gaia Herbs, we use Gotu Kola in more than one of our calming herbal supplements, but you can also take the pure liquid extract with Gaia Herbs Gotu Kola Leaf.
If you’re feeling overtaxed and distracted, help your mind focus by taking 30 to 40 drops of extract in a small amount of water.* You can do this three or four times a day between meals.
Valerian Root
Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis) is an herbal remedy used for centuries to promote feelings of relaxation and calm. Gaia Herbs' Valerian root can help support a healthy stress response by soothing the nervous system and fostering a sense of calm. Valerian root supports levels of GABA in the brain, which naturally help promote feelings of relaxation.REF#1283
Gaia Herbs Valerian Root is available in liquid extract and Valerian Root Capsules. Taking 30 to 40 drops of the liquid extract in a small amount of water three or four times a day between meals helps promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
GaiaKids® Calm Support
We’ve reviewed several beneficial calming herbs and how adults can use them. But we’d also like to discuss using some of these herbs for the younger ones in your house.
Kids may process stress differently than adults, but they still feel it. Help their small bodies deal with uncertainty and strain healthily. These two supplements will ease their occasional nervousness and help them focus.*
Whatever situation makes your child feel nervous, GaiaKids® Calm Support can help by supporting a calm and relaxed feeling.*
Made with calming herbs you already know and love — such as Passionflower, Lavender, and Lemon Balm — this formula is developed specifically for kids by a pediatric naturopath. And it’s free of artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, colors, and flavors.
Dilute the appropriate number of drops into water or juice and let your child take it up to three times daily. Please refer to the instructions on the bottle for the correct dosage based on your child’s age.
Every Day is a New Day
Every day provides a new beginning––A new chance to embrace life, make a difference, and see the world in a better light than the day before. Embrace each morning as a new page in your book of life.
Try slowly adding some self-care practices into your daily life to help you get out of a rut. Small changes can make a big difference.
Even during stressful times, pursue peace and stillness with calming herbs.* Take advantage of the benefits of powerful plants such as Passionflower, American Skullcap, Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, and Gotu Kola with Gaia Herbs supplements.*
Turn to Calm A.S.A.P. or Emotional Balance™ to calm your body, still your mind, and help you take on the day.*
We hope that calm and peace find themselves at home with you today and every day.
Lemon Balm, Certified Organic
Traditionally for supporting calmness*
Holy Basil Leaf
Traditionally for maintaining emotional well-being and supporting a positive mood*
Adrenal Health ® Daily Support
Traditionally for the stressed & overworked*
Emotional Balance®
Award-winning formula to support a positive outlook*
Featured Products
Lemon Balm, Certified Organic
Traditionally for supporting calmness*
Holy Basil Leaf
Traditionally for maintaining emotional well-being and supporting a positive mood*
Adrenal Health ® Daily Support
Traditionally for the stressed & overworked*
Emotional Balance®
Award-winning formula to support a positive outlook*
REFERENCES:
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- 8. Aubert P, Guinobert I, Blondeau C, Bardot V, Ripoche I, Chalard P, Neunlist M. (2019), "Basal and Spasmolytic Effects of a Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Melissa officinalis L. on Intestinal Motility: An Ex Vivo Study", Journal of Medicinal Food. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6653806/ 8
- 9. Fedurco M, Gregorová J, Šebrlová K, Kantorová J, Peš O, Baur R, Sigel E, Táborská E. (2015), "Modulatory Effects of Eschscholzia californica Alkaloids on Recombinant GABAA Receptors", Biochemistry Research International. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609799/ 9
- 10. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. (2022), "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress", Frontiers in Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9524226/ 10
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- 13. , "St. John's Wort", Mayo Clinic (2021). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-st-johns-wort/art-20362212 13
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