Herbal medicine has been an important part of many cultures around the world for millennia. Witches are well aware of the importance of greenery through history. Some are well known for using herbs as their main tools in their practices. Nowadays, purchasing or even growing medicinal plants is quite a simple process and can be very beneficial for most people.
In this article, I would like to focus particularly on some plants that come in handy for those who deal with anxiety as well as stress and insomnia. Most of the herbs I will mention are quite easy to find in different forms and many are even great to grow in your own yard if you wish to. I will clarify that all the information below is to try as a supplement to other treatments. It should never replace medical treatments backed by science. If you are under any medical treatment or think you need it please consult it first with a doctor.
Now, here’s a list of some great flowers and greenery for anxious and stressed people:
1. Chamomile.
Chamomile is a popular flower and has been used as a traditional remedy for a long time. In Ancient Egypt, people offered chamomile to their Sun Gods because the flower reminded them of the sun. It was associated with the god Ra for its healing powers.
Its flowers help with sleep and relaxation, but are also great for reducing inflammation and menstrual pain. It’s mostly consumed as tea which comes in many tea blends and formats. You can also find or make some chamomile extract or even skin creams.
Chamomile is one of the best plants to include in your garden. Magically, it is one of the best herbs for friendship, luck, money and healing. For those interested in kitchen witchcraft, there are many delicious recipes that include chamomile.
2. Linden
Linden’s sweet flowers are not only great for a delicious tea but they also help to relieve various symptoms. Among these symptoms are high blood pressure, calm anxiety, and soothe digestion problems. It’s also great to reduce mild pain and has diuretic effects. Linden tea is particularly good for those who have migraines and headaches. You can also make some linden water spray and use it whenever you need it. To do so, make some Linden tea and pour in a diffuser with some vodka so it lasts longer. You can also add essential oils and draw runes outside of the diffuser using a red marker. It can be a calming auric spray to quickly soothe your nerves and ease the tension in any room.
3. Valerian
Valerian is an herb native to Asia and Europe. Nowadays, it can be found in many places quite easily. Its roots are very often used to help those who struggle with anxiety, sleep problems and depression. Valerian root is also especially good for those who suffer from insomnia because of its ability to improve the quality of sleep. Valerian root is mostly used to make tea, tints or oils.
Valerian can be also powdered and placed in sachets for protection and purification, and you can have it under the pillow as a sleep aid. You can combine it with crystals such as Lepidolite and Blue Lace Agate.
4. Lemon Balm or Melissa
Prior to the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift one’s spirits, help heal wounds, and treat venomous insect bites and stings. Nowadays lemon balm is combined with other calming herbs to help promote relaxation.
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa, is great for reducing anxiety. It also improves sleep, alleviates gut problems, and can be used to treat some infections.
Lemon balm tea has been historically used to alleviate pain and to treat digestive problems. Brewed as tea also has a mild calming effect, making this beverage great for those who need to calm their nerves or have a good night’s sleep.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It’s classified as an adaptogen, which means it can help your body to manage stress.
It also boosts brain functions. It reduces blood sugar levels and helps fight some symptoms related to depression and anxiety.
Ashwagandha is mostly consumed in tea or as a powder (also known as churna) that can be mixed with milk or honey.
6. Passion Flower
Native to southeastern parts of the Americas, passionflower is a flowering type of vine. It’s really good for treating insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, pain, and more. Drinking a coup of Passion flower tea before sleep will act as a mild sedative. Passion flower tinctures, oil or scents are also great for those with anxiety or those who suffer from migraines.
Passion flower might not be as strong as other herbs such as valerian or lemon balm. However, you can add it to a tea blend with other calming herbs to boost its powers. It’s also delicious.
7. Lavender
Lavender is probably one of the most well-known flowers for witches around the world. It’s a beautiful flower. It has many uses, which make it an ideal plant to add to your garden. It’s a personal favorite of mine and a go-to plant when it comes to anxiety, stress and sleeping disorders.
Among many other properties, lavender is great for de-stressing as well as combating headaches and having better sleep. It is also a really good herb for protection spells as well as for cleansing.
You can make yourself a nice cup of lavender tea, as well as use lavender oils or tints. You can also keep a lavender sachet under your pillow for better sleep (you could also add Amethyst to the sachet to improve rest). Try lighting some lavender scented candles when you find yourself in a particularly stressful situation.
Lavender flowers are also a great ingredient for many sweet recipes, for those who like bringing their practice into the kitchen.
Honorable Mention: Thyme
Thyme is an evergreen plant belonging to the Labiate family (which also includes rosemary and lavender). It’s native to the Western Mediterranean area.
Stuffing a pillow with thyme or making a thyme sachet to place under your pillow can be great for those who have sleeping problems due to nightmares. It also attracts good health.
This herb is also great for many rituals and spells so I recommend you to check it out. It’s also really easy to take care of it if you are interested in planting some thyme in your garden.
As you can see, there are many great herbs to combat anxiety and stress. I would suggest trying some in different forms and see what works best for you. Some people prefer to make and drink infusions such as tea. Others may prefer to use oils, candles or even integrating some of these herbs in relaxing baths. And of course you can also look for recipes that include some of these herbs.
As long as you research their toxicity before ingesting them or touching them, don’t be afraid to try many options. It takes experimentation beforen you find what works the best for you and what you feel most comfortable with. Remember that if you are under medical treatment you should never use this as a main treatment but mostly as an extra.
[…] Once the Moon Water is ready, you can combine it in a diffuser with relaxing non-toxic herbs like Lavender and use it as a spray for your room. You can also drink it before bed, perhaps as a relaxing chamomile tea (or some other relaxing herb). […]
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