Ahhhhmazing Herbs for Relaxation Ahhhhmazing Herbs for Relaxation
Our Birds & Bees Teas were originally created for all stages of pregnancy and beyond, but all of our herbal blends are family friendly (i.e. not just for mamas) and almost all contain some amazing herbs for relaxation. Because who in the family doesn’t need a little peace, quiet and stress-free time every once in awhile?
There are so many helpful herbs for relaxation and stress relief. But several of our favorites—chamomile, lavender, skullcap and linden—found their way into the most relaxing of our Birds & Bees tea blends, Easy Naps & Calm Nights. This is the blend that can help mamas get to sleep on those restless preggie nights and it can be equally soothing for your little ones who may be having a hard time sleeping or winding down.
So, what’s so special about our favorite herbs for relaxation?
Chamomile
Having a cup of chamomile tea before bed is probably one of the most recognized herbal suggestions for a sleep remedy around. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a mild sleep aid and medicinal herb for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Some of the oldest mentions of the curative properties of chamomile date back to ancient Egypt, where the herb was dedicated to their gods as a cure for “the fever”. The term chamomile comes from the Greek word “chamomaela” or “ground apple” to describe its refreshing apple-like scent. We use calming chamomile in our tea blends for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender
The aroma of lavender is quite unmistakable. Found in cosmetic and perfume containers in Ancient Egyptian tombs, lavender may have been one of the first herbs used for scenting. Ancient Romans discovered lavender’s healing and antiseptic properties and used it as an insect repellant as well as a remedy for indigestion and headaches. During the Middle Ages, Queen Elizabeth’s favorite tea was said to be lavender because it eased her migraines. And in World War I, lavender was used for dressing soldiers’ wounds when medicine was in short supply, probably because it was both antiseptic and calming. But you don’t have to imbibe or apply lavender; simply the scent of fresh or dried lavender or lavender oil can settle nerves and induce calm. We use lavender in our tea blends for its sedative, anti-depressant and tension-relieving properties. (And, boy, does it make some of our teas smell good!)
Skullcap
The common name for skullcap is derived from the Latin “scutella” or “little dish”, referring to the plant’s inverted calyx cup, which looks like a military helmet and somewhat like a skull. It’s been used in herbal medicine as an anti-spasmotic, nerve calming tonic and sedative. It’s known to relax muscle spasms, relieve pain and promote rest. In folkloric traditions, women wear skullcap to keep their husbands to be charmed by other women. We use skullcap in our tea blends for its amazing relaxation properties.
Linden
Linden is thought to move stagnant chi, calm the nerves and promote rest. It’s also known as an anti-depressant and antispasmodic and can help calm irritated respiratory pathways and overactive digestive tracts. It promotes relaxation in adults, helping to calm anxiety, and is a safe herb to help calm cranky or sleepless little ones. Linden is hugely popular as an herbal tea in Europe where it is often promoted for relaxation and digestion.
All of the herbs for relaxation discussed here are safe for pregnancy and safe to sip as an ingredient in any of our Birds & Bees tea blends. But just because you see these relaxing herbs in other herbal tea blends doesn’t mean the entire tea is safe to sip during prenatal or postpartum months. Read the ingredients on any herbal tea packaging carefully, and ask your birth professional, midwife or a trained herbalist if you have questions about what is safe to sip.
What are your favorite ways to relax?
Sources:
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The post Ahhhhmazing Herbs for Relaxation appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.
Our Birds & Bees Teas were originally created for all stages of pregnancy and beyond, but all of our herbal blends are family friendly (i.e. not just for mamas) and almost all contain some amazing herbs for relaxation. Because who in the family doesn’t need a little peace, quiet and stress-free time every once in awhile?
There are so many helpful herbs for relaxation and stress relief. But several of our favorites—chamomile, lavender, skullcap and linden—found their way into the most relaxing of our Birds & Bees tea blends, Easy Naps & Calm Nights. This is the blend that can help mamas get to sleep on those restless preggie nights and it can be equally soothing for your little ones who may be having a hard time sleeping or winding down.
So, what’s so special about our favorite herbs for relaxation?
Chamomile
Having a cup of chamomile tea before bed is probably one of the most recognized herbal suggestions for a sleep remedy around. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a mild sleep aid and medicinal herb for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Some of the oldest mentions of the curative properties of chamomile date back to ancient Egypt, where the herb was dedicated to their gods as a cure for “the fever”. The term chamomile comes from the Greek word “chamomaela” or “ground apple” to describe its refreshing apple-like scent. We use calming chamomile in our tea blends for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender
The aroma of lavender is quite unmistakable. Found in cosmetic and perfume containers in Ancient Egyptian tombs, lavender may have been one of the first herbs used for scenting. Ancient Romans discovered lavender’s healing and antiseptic properties and used it as an insect repellant as well as a remedy for indigestion and headaches. During the Middle Ages, Queen Elizabeth’s favorite tea was said to be lavender because it eased her migraines. And in World War I, lavender was used for dressing soldiers’ wounds when medicine was in short supply, probably because it was both antiseptic and calming. But you don’t have to imbibe or apply lavender; simply the scent of fresh or dried lavender or lavender oil can settle nerves and induce calm. We use lavender in our tea blends for its sedative, anti-depressant and tension-relieving properties. (And, boy, does it make some of our teas smell good!)
Skullcap
The common name for skullcap is derived from the Latin “scutella” or “little dish”, referring to the plant’s inverted calyx cup, which looks like a military helmet and somewhat like a skull. It’s been used in herbal medicine as an anti-spasmotic, nerve calming tonic and sedative. It’s known to relax muscle spasms, relieve pain and promote rest. In folkloric traditions, women wear skullcap to keep their husbands to be charmed by other women. We use skullcap in our tea blends for its amazing relaxation properties.
Linden
Linden is thought to move stagnant chi, calm the nerves and promote rest. It’s also known as an anti-depressant and antispasmodic and can help calm irritated respiratory pathways and overactive digestive tracts. It promotes relaxation in adults, helping to calm anxiety, and is a safe herb to help calm cranky or sleepless little ones. Linden is hugely popular as an herbal tea in Europe where it is often promoted for relaxation and digestion.
All of the herbs for relaxation discussed here are safe for pregnancy and safe to sip as an ingredient in any of our Birds & Bees tea blends. But just because you see these relaxing herbs in other herbal tea blends doesn’t mean the entire tea is safe to sip during prenatal or postpartum months. Read the ingredients on any herbal tea packaging carefully, and ask your birth professional, midwife or a trained herbalist if you have questions about what is safe to sip.
What are your favorite ways to relax?
Sources:
Pin this post!
The post Ahhhhmazing Herbs for Relaxation appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.
