Calming Support Herbal Tea Blend (collection)

Chamomile: widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. 

Lemon Balm:  by increasing gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a mood regulator which works by stopping neurons from becoming overexcited, and low levels of GABA can lead to restlessness and anxiety.

Tulsi (holy basil): known to calm the nervous system, be helpful for anxiety, insomnia and alleviating stress. They are also known to relax frayed nerves, tonify the central nervous system and calm the mind.

Lavender: works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep. Lavender interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness.

Eleuthero: considered to be an adaptogen, which are substances that help the body function normally under stress. Eleuthero also increases catecholamines (such as norepinephrine and dopamine) in the parts of the brain responsible for managing stress. The exact way it influences their levels and activity is unknown. Eleuthero may also affect levels of a brain chemical called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF helps nervous tissue grow and reorganize itself, and it protects the brain from damage. Levels of BDNF may be low in anxiety and depression.

Chamomile: widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. 

Lemon Balm:  by increasing gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a mood regulator which works by stopping neurons from becoming overexcited, and low levels of GABA can lead to restlessness and anxiety.

Spearmint: the leaves of this plant contain menthol, which has a relaxing, sedative effect on the body. It's believed that spearmint promotes relaxation and alleviates stress by interacting with GABA receptors in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter involved in reducing nerve activity

Passion Flower: passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.

Catnip: an aromatic plant that contains antioxidants and volatile compounds like nepetalactone, thymol, and pinene that may have medicinal benefits. Catnip may help relax the body before bed and promote rest. Its calming properties come from its nepetalactone and nepetalactone acid compounds.

1 - 2 teaspoons for 6 - 8 oz of hot water.  

For Blend # 1, you can drink 2 cups per day at the onset of stress/anxiety. The second cup should be when you are getting settle prior to bed. 

For Blends #2 & #3, these are best for night time for those who have trouble sleeping, just 1 cup. Please start with 1 tsp to see how your body will react. Some people need less while some do better with 2 tsp. 

I recommend starting with 1 tsp. for the first few cups, let your body and palette adjust.

TO PREPARE:

*Take 1 - 2 tsp of the herb blend, you can either use a loose leaf steeper or just put the herbs in a cup. 

*Bring water (I prefer distilled) to just the boiling point, pour in your cup and let brew for at least 10 - 15 minutes. If you don't have a steeper, use a small strainer and pour brewed tea over another cup. 

*Add a little honey for sweetness if desired. 

*You can compost the used herbs or reuse again but the flavor will be weaker. 

You can also make a small batch and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Anything longer and the potency will fade. 

Though herbal teas are used by many, there are situations that may not be safe or suitable. First, always be sure to speak with your doctor or herbalist and let them know what medications/herbs you are taking or might take. 

There are also many herbs said to not be used by pregnant women or with certain medications and are still being used with no contradictions. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Chamomile: Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage. If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile. Drinking a lot of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting. Chamomile may cause drowsiness, so DO NOT take it and drive.

Tulsi (holy basil): Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant.

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. If you are taking sedatives (for insomnia or anxiety) or medications to regulate your thyroid, ask your doctor before taking lemon balm.

Catnip: Catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. There has been one report of a child experiencing stomach pain, irritability, and sluggishness after taking catnip leaves and tea. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to use take catnip during pregnancy.

Eleuthero: Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Eleuthero might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use eleuthero.

Lavender: While lavender tea is generally considered safe, there are a few precautions and considerations to keep in mind: Moderation is key: It is important not to consume excessive amounts of lavender tea during pregnancy. Stick to one to two cups per day.

Spearmint: pregnancy: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. But spearmint is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy. Very large doses of spearmint tea might damage the uterus. Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy.

Valarian Root: pregnant and nursing women to avoid taking valerian. Some people may have a paradoxical reaction to valerian, feeling anxious and restless after taking it instead of calm and sleepy. For most people, valerian does not appear to cause dependency. Nor does it cause withdrawal symptoms for most.

 

Warning: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

These blends are used at the consumers own risk. The Natural Equine tries to provide all the information needed to be sure you, the consumer, chooses the right herb blends. Though I am certified, you, the consumer, are responsible for doing your own research. Please consult your doctor, herbalist or naturopath for any questions or concerns. 

Herbs take time to fully work. Drinking the anti-inflammatory herbal support blend works best if consumed 2 - 3 times daily for at least 1 month to gain the benefits. I always recommend stopping herbs after the recommended time for a good week or two and see if some of the symptoms you felt have gone away. It's a good time to let the body reset itself and see if somethings may have actually healed. 

You may even be able to lesson the amount of cups per day; from 3 cups to 1 cup.