In last month’s issue, I shared with you some of the plants you could use to decrease inflammation that can cause pain in our bodies. Our hope is that this information could be used as a reference as you find your own way to a healthier you. This month, we will share with you some plants that you could use to help with anxiety. But first, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. 

If we take a moment and really look at our behaviors as humans, one could say that much of our lives is one of participation and learned behavior. We typically do what others do and follow the masses as we were taught to do by our parents, caregivers and society itself. That is, until we choose a different path, one that is unique to us. If we are fortunate enough to make the connection that what we eat not only impacts our own health, but the world around us as well. 

Most of the foods we eat affect us incrementally, in either a healthy or unhealthy manner, and it’s important for us to realize and understand this. Equally so, our environment, relationships, livelihood and life situations all play critical roles in our overall mental and physical health. Making the shift to eat and live more responsibly is a huge commitment, one that should not be taken lightly and in my opinion should be embraced incrementally as well.

There are some natural remedies that can calm anxiety. As we have stated before, not all remedies will work for everyone, so it’s up to you to do your own research and see what works best for you. The following teas, herbs and extracts are all products carried by EarthShack and have been found to help with anxiety: passionflower, ashwagandha, chamomile, eleuthero, hawthorne, peppermint, lemon balm, rose, lavender, blue vervain and green tea are just some of the many teas that could help with anxiety. These plants can also be taken in herb or extract form as well. (Additional Herb/Extracts) hemp CBD extract, gingko biloba, valerian root, kava kava, California poppy, St. John’s Wort and skull cap. 

For more ideas on how to decrease anxiety along with list of foods to avoid that could increase anxiety, visit EarthShack.org/herbiary. In next month’s issue, we’ll focus on sleep. 

EarthShack is located in the Amish Market and at Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea, in Mullica Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-210-7662, email [email protected] or visit EarthShack.org.