Natural Herbs for Relaxation

Chamomile

• Chamomile is a wild plant with small white and yellow flowers. For centuries, the French have used it as a source of the amino acid tryptophan which helps relieve insomnia. Chamomile tea relaxes the body, soothes muscles and induces sleep. Ask your doctor if you can take chamomile, since it can cause allergic reactions if you're susceptible to hay fever. Chamomile also comes in pill form.

Evening Primrose

• Europeans have used evening primrose, in tea or oil form, for centuries to relieve muscle pains. The flower's polyunsaturated fatty acids can also reduce the pain of premenstrual stress syndrome. Use it as a massage oil to induce relaxation and sooth sore muscles, take it as a supplement, or drink as a tea to help relax your mind.

Passionflower

• Since the 16th century, the Spanish have used this herb, named after the Passion of Christ, to treat anxiety, nervousness and colic. You can take it as a supplement, tea or oil.

Licorice

• Relaxation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of licorice. Nonetheless, licorice is an herb that supports the adrenal system, aids in smoking cessation, regulates blood pressure and acts as a sedative. Licorice comes in the form of supplements, oil and tea. In China, it's an ingredient in almost every herbal formula used for the endocrine system.