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Saturday, May 10, 2014

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.

Planting chamomile
Catnip








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.

Basil 2013
Lemon Balm 2014


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.

Cushaw squash 2013
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

14 comments:

  1. Your lemon balm looks awesome!

    I have tons of lemon balm. I love it. Be careful....it reseeds everywhere. I personally don't mind that. In fact I always let some go to seed on purpose just so it'll spread. I like to see it coming up in weird places. It always casts a fresh scent unexpectedly when I didn't know it was there.

    Just me

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    1. Thanks. What do you use your lemon balm for?

      Fern

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  2. I really just have the lemon balm to enjoy the scent...and the beautiful yellowish-green mounds it makes in my perennial bed. Sometimes, just crushing it in my hands and taking in the incredible fragrance relieves a bit of stress. I've read about making a soothing tea with it - maybe I'll try that.

    Just Me

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    1. It does smell great, doesn't it? Thanks for the information.

      Fern

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  3. I made tea with my mint. I just pour hot water over the leaves, let steep, and then dilute with water until it tastes good. It's so refreshing on a hot day! I have done it in the sun tea sort of way, too. No heating water on the stove.

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    1. That's a great idea, Lorraine. Thanks for sharing.

      Fern

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  4. I hope they all do well for you! I'm trying to reestablish horehound this year, and start to move some of my echinacea. There is just something lovely about growing herbs.

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    1. What do you use horehound for, Leigh? You're right. I do enjoy growing herbs and just about anything!

      Fern

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  5. The following link takes you to Horehound. it has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl and the local Hutterites made horehound candy in sticks. If we got a sore throat my Mother would give us some to suck on. I have to admit sometimes my brother and I "coughed" a bit on the artificial side hoping for Horehound candy!

    http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/horwhi33.html

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    1. I tried to start some horehound from seeds last year, but they didn't make it. This herb is on my wish list, Fiona.

      Fern

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  6. The pumpkin seeds are supposedly good for men's prostrate health as well. We keep a few around to nibble on about once a week. Mom always keep mint growing by the back door. Nice scent as you brushed past and handy for putting in tea, adding to fruit dishes, etc. ~Sassafras

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    1. We haven't kept the winter squash seeds to eat. I really think we are going to have to give them a try. Thanks, Sassafras.

      Fern

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  7. Hi Fern, thank you for this information. I love researching such things, and it's a good thing to know in case the information is needed in the future. Thank you for sharing this at the HomeAcre Hop; I hope you'll share with us again this Thursday.
    Kathi at Oak Hill Homestead

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    1. Thanks, Kathi. The more we learn, the better we can take care of ourselves instead of depending on others to do it for us.

      Fern

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