You can turn to herbs from mother nature to cultivate inner peace. A soothing tea or holistic supplement can help put you at ease naturally. Unwind and embrace serenity with five happiness herbs for a calm state of mind.
St John's Wort
A yellow flower that blooms in summer, St John's wort has been used in traditional European medicine since ancient times. In late June, St. John's wort blooms around the time of John the Baptist's feast, which is why it is called St. John's wort, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Taking a holistic approach to health, St John's wort has become more in demand to calm the mind. A 2008 review of studies suggest that St John's wort can also boost serotonin, the happy hormone, as it contains hypericin and hyperforin. Now that's certainly a happy herb for a calm mind!
Ashwagandha
If you’re not already familiar with this adaptogenic herb, you’re sure to hear about it soon as it seems to be the craze right now regarding natural healing. According to Medical News Today, ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East, and Africa, which has been used as a traditional Indian medicine for centuries.
Ashwagandha induces a natural calming state. A study from the Indian Psychiatric Society South Zonal Branch explored the efficacy of ashwagandha root in reducing adult stress and anxiety. Findings support this as an effective happiness herb for a calm state of mind.
Lemon Balm
This European native plant is part of the mint family, lemon balm or Melissa is best known to induce calm and relaxation that's been used since the middle ages in healing according to Mount Sinai's health library. As an added bonus, lemon balm has properties that help aid digestion. You can use lemon balm leaves in a soothing tea or take as a supplement.
Saffron
Saffron, one of the most exotic and expensive herbs, may help balance your mood and promote calm. A 2020 study found that the antioxidants in saffron safranal and crocin have natural anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. While you can use saffron as a spice in food, it is also available as a supplement.
Wild Oats
This tall plant, commonly found in Europe, reaches heights of up to 1-1.5 meters with grass-like stems and leaves commonly found in the fields and meadows of Europe. Wild oats can also soothe frazzled nerves and relax your body while strengthening your resistance to stress, according to Herbal Reality. That’s because the herb acts as a nervine that could calm overstimulated nerve cells in order to allow them to recover and reignite a sense of tranquility.