5 Herbs For Better Mental Health

It's World Mental Health Day and I thought I'd tell you about some of my favourite herbs that support the nervous system:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is a gentle herb that is great not only for calming down the nervous system but is also great for gas and irritated skin. It is safe enough for babies when diluted properly!

2. Lavender

Lavender is a wonderfully aromatic herb that helps regulate our stress hormone (cortisol), decreases the perception of pain, is great for anxiety and depression, and is helpful for sleep. You can use this herb for aromatherapy, as a capsule, in a bathtub, as a tea and more.

3. Lemonbalm

This is one of my favourite herbs for people who are anxious and experience a lot of gas and bloating. It combines well with chamomile and smells/tastes like lemon!

4. Passionflower

This is another herb that is great for anxiety and sleep similar to lavender. I find that women especially respond well to passionflower. It is available in tincture, tea, and pill form.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint also has a calming effect on the nervous system and pain receptors; however, it is also energizing unlike chamomile, which has more of a sedating effect. It can be great for indigestion and can be taken in pill form, as a tea, in a massage oil or stick, and eaten fresh of course!