Herbs that Calm Anxiety 

Stress is part of being alive, but it shouldn’t overwhelm the joy of living. When stress exceeds healthy stimulation, it becomes anxiety. Anxiety is a collection of symptoms caused by an overstimulated nervous system. Nervines are herbs that help support the nervous system and alleviate anxiety. There are several categories of nervine herbs: tonics, relaxants, hypnotics, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and adaptogens.

Oat Straw the Tonic 

Nervine tonic herbs support and restore the strength of a depleted, exhausted nervous system. Oat Straw (Avena sativa) is a nervine tonic. Oat Straw is gentle, safe, and powerfully nourishing. Its effects are cumulative and seen after regularly consuming it for several weeks or months. NutraTea herbalists included Oat Straw in the tea blend NutraPreg. NutraPreg supports healthy digestion, immunity, and relaxation during pregnancy. However, anyone with anxiety can benefit from this tea blend. Stress and anxiety cause insomnia, indigestion, and suppress the immune system, making NutraPreg the perfect blend for anyone with anxiety. A nervine tonic like Oat Straw can be fundamental to long term change in a person’s ability to deal with the source of their stress and transform their anxiety. 

Oat Straw

Chamomile and Valerian the Relaxants

Nervine relaxants may be indicated in the short-term, especially if the anxiety is hyperactive or agitated in nature. Relaxants ease the tension that often causes insomnia. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are nervine relaxants for immediate relief when anxiety becomes overwhelming. They take the edge off of intensely stressful situations. The deeply relaxing tea blend Chamomile and Valerian contains both herbs. This is the ideal tea blend for conquering anxious insomnia. 

Chamomile

Valerian the Antispasmodic 

Antispasmodics alleviate muscular tension that might manifest as a bodily expression of psychological depression. It can create a cycle, wherein anxiety is worsened by muscular tension. Valerian is a nervine antispasmodic that helps your body release tightness and makes it possible to rest. Chamomile and Valerian tea lets your body know it’s safe to relax. 

Lemon Balm and Purple Passionflower the Hypnotics

Nervine hypnotics are essentially strong nervine relaxants. They promote tranquility and help you get some much-needed sleep, giving you a break from anxiety-induced feelings of doom. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) are wonderfully helpful nervine hypnotics. NutraRelax tea is a soothing blend of Lemon Balm and Purple Passionflower. NutraRelax eases nerves and muscles, relieves tension, and keeps agitation and mood swings at bay. The tea blend NutraHead contains Passionflower and relieves headaches and migraines, which are often caused by feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands.

Passionflower

Lemon Balm the Antidepressant

Nervine antidepressants not only calm nervousness, but alleviate the stress-induced depression. Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. Lemon Balm lifts the spirits, and can noticeably reduce anxiety and depression within minutes. Its effects are even greater long-term, but Lemon Balm is a fast-acting herb that improves acute depressive episodes when everything feels hopeless. It is very safe, with no side effects or risk of overdose. NutraRelax tea contains Lemon Balm, and is the perfect tea for brightening dark nights of the soul. 

Lemon Balm

Ginseng the Adaptogen

Nervine adaptogens support the adrenals in coping with the stress that the whole body experiences. They lower stress reactions during the alarm phase of the stress response, prevent or delay exhaustion, and help protect your body from the damage of chronic stress. Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a perfect nervine adaptogen for managing chronic stress and anxiety. NutraTea’s tea blend Ginseng and Ginger harnesses Ginseng’s power as a nervine adaptogen to restore vitality and stamina. NutraBoost is another tea blend containing Ginseng, formulated specifically to combat fatigue and enhance mental focus. The inclusion of Ginseng in the tea blend NutraDefence remedies the way chronic stress lowers immunity. Enjoy these teas in the morning, as adaptogens have the potential to be overly energizing at night.