Herbal Remedies for Stress

I’ve been working on my ‘Herb Bed Harvest’ data so I can keep track of when to harvest my medicinal and culinary herbs. As I read and write, I keep running across herbs that are good for anxiety, nervousness and stress. This makes me think of the things happening in the world that are adding to our uneasiness. So, even though I have not tried these remedies, I wanted to share this information with you.

In no particular order, here are some herbs you may find of interest.

• Catnip – infusion from dried leaves can be used for a digestive aid, tonic, sleeping aid, a mild nightcap; not for pregnant women
• Chamomile – infusion for insomnia
• Basil – infusion of dried leaves for nervous headaches, anxiety
• Hops – make a sachet of dried herbs and put inside your pillowcase or infusion before bedtime for stress, anxiety, tension and headaches
• Lemon Balm -  infusion for anxiety, depression, tension, restlessness, irritability
• Valerian – roots used for chronic anxiety, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, premenstrual tension
• Oats – have many benefits and are good for depression, stress, nervous disorders
• Pumpkin seeds – high quantities of zinc, iron, calcium, B vitamins, proteins which help with brain functions and help deal with stress
  

There are many other herbal remedies that are indicated for stress, nervous tension and insomnia, but I wanted to stick with some basic, mostly familiar choices. I find if I try to branch out too far, I don’t get anywhere. If you try to do too much at one time, you can get overwhelmed real quick. So, here is some very basic information that can form a foundation for further research and experimentation.

Out of the plants I have listed, we have recently planted catnip and chamomile. We have used chamomile tea for years, but now we hope to grow our own. Catnip will be a new herb on our shelf.

We started basil and lemon balm last year. This will be our first year to harvest the lemon balm and the basil has yet to come up again.

We don’t grow oats or pumpkins, but we do grow other winter squashes. I know the goats and chickens will eat the seeds and we have roasted pumpkin seeds before. I haven’t really thought of them as something I should consciously keep. This year I will share them with the animals, but keep some for us as well.

I started growing hops a couple of years ago. Then when we tore down the old shed, it had to move into a pot on the porch for a while. I have decided where it’s new home will be, but it hasn’t moved there yet. Most folks ask why I grow it, to make beer? No, for it’s sedative properties. I know that times will get hard, and would like to have something available to help us weather those times a little easier.

I hope this gives you something to think about. What can you do naturally to decrease the stress of your family? What can you provide that is sustainable? When life becomes a matter of survival, having a few things on hand to help everyone relax a little may be a life saver. I don’t think any of these remedies will come anywhere close to replacing prescription medications some folks take on a regular basis. But if a time comes where prescription medications are no longer available, or there is a long-term disruption of availability, some of these simple herbs may help in some small way.

Before you use any herbal remedies, you need to do your own research and form your own conclusions. This information is in no way a replacement for needed medical attention. Peaches are very good for you, but the pit can kill you. If you choose to add herbs to your medicine chest, do so with good common sense and a solid base of information. It’s something to think about.

Until next time – Fern