5 herbs for happiness

Chamomile

My friend Sorrell at the Chamomile Clinic has sent me something to share with you: her five herbs for happiness.

  1. Lemon balm – a truly balancing herb, whether you are anxious or depressed this herb can bring back a sense of balance into your life and it tastes delicious as a herbal tea.
  2. Valerian – a great sedative for anxiety and insomnia with no hangover effects
  3. Chamomile – a safe remedy for children, it soothes them to sleep, has a reputation for preventing night terrors and helps relieve grumpy tantrums
  4. Peppermint – traditionally known as a herb for grumpy old men (but if you hadn’t noticed women are grumpy sometimes too), it will work to settle an upset stomach too.
  5. Skullcap – for the overactive mind that can’t switch off, this herb can help those who don’t let go so easily from the troubles of the day, or just need a break from their own thoughts when times are tough.

I’ve tried 2, 3 and 4 myself and they definitely helped me calm down and sleep better. You can contact Sorrell by email for more tailored advice and recommendations, or find a herbalist near you via the NIMH.

And for those of you who don’t believe in all that herbal medicine gubbins, Sorrell has shared her Mindapples five-a-day with us too:

  1. taking at least 10 minutes a day to be alone and meditate, or practice self-hypnosis
  2. drinking some herbal tea
  3. enjoying a soak in a warm bath with my favourite essential oils
  4. tending to the garden
  5. smiling at a stranger everyday – spread the happiness

Thanks Sorrell!