5 herbs that may calm a racing mind

Key Points

• Herbal teas can be a soothing and comforting way to unwind and settle a racing mind.
• Chamomile, kava, passionflower, ashwagandha and lemon balm are herbs that may help calm a racing mind. 
• These 5 herbs may help balance cortisol levels, regulate the GABA system and calm the nervous system. 

When life gets busy, our mental load may become harder to manage. Our minds can go into overdrive and it may be hard to switch off. Fortunately, help is available in the form of gentle herbs containing unique properties that help calm a racing mind. We asked Naturopath, Ebony Nash for her top five.

How to calm a racing mind naturally

If you’ve ever experienced a racing mind, you’ll know it can be exhausting. Your body may be perfectly still, while your mind is doing its own thing, jumping from one thought to another in an uncontrollable flow that can make it difficult to focus and concentrate. This mental restlessness may be associated with heightened stress, mild anxiety and poor sleep.

Fortunately, numerous practices may help calm a racing mind, including slow breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and other forms of exercise. Herbs are another good way to help calm a racing mind naturally, so let’s look at some of the herbs Ebony recommends.

Passionflower helps regulate the GABA system in the brain, calming the nervous system

5 herbs that may calm the mind 

If you’re keen to learn how to calm a racing mind using herbal remedies, Ebony recommends the following five herbs. They may be available as herbal teas, tinctures, essential oils, tablets or capsules.

“When preparing herbal teas, simply add the suggested amount, often between one heaped teaspoon and one tablespoon, to boiling water and allow it to brew for your preferred time,” Ebony says. “The longer it brews, the stronger the flavour and scent becomes. Incorporating calming teas into your daily or nighttime routine can be a soothing and comforting way to unwind and settle a racing mind.”

1. Chamomile

Traditionally used as a sedative to help improve sleep, calm the nervous system and reduce mild anxiety. Apigenin is a flavonoid found in chamomile and may help calm a racing mind. Chamomile may also help balance cortisol levels, which may accompany a racing mind.

How to take it: Chamomile is very versatile: you can make a herbal tea from the flowers of the chamomile plant, ask your healthcare professional to make a herbal tincture, take capsules, or inhale the essential oil from Roman or German chamomile.

2. Kava 

This herb is traditionally used in the South Pacific to help alleviate excessive worry. The active ingredient in kava is kavalactones, which may be a useful short-term remedy to help calm a racing mind. 

How to take it: The most common way to take kava is in capsule or tablet form. 

3. Passionflower

This herb has sedative effects and works by regulating the GABA system, a neurotransmitter in the brain. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and contains compounds that may help reduce mild anxiety.

How to take it: Like chamomile, passionflower is a versatile herb and you can take it in a tablet, herbal tincture or make a tea. 

4. Ashwagandha

This herb, also known as withania, may help calm a racing mind by potentially increasing serotonin, a mood-stabilising chemical the body naturally produces. It may also help reduce stress levels associated with a racing mind by helping to balance cortisol.

How to take it: You may like to make a herbal tea, take a tincture or try capsules or tablets.

5. Lemon balm

Like passionflower, lemon balm regulates the GABA system, inducing calming effects. It may also help with mild anxiety and has a soothing effect that may help promote sleep.

How to take it: Lemon balm is an easy herb to grow for beginners, and you can make a herbal tea or ask a healthcare professional about capsules. 

Herbs to calm a racing mind are available as teas, tinctures, capsules, tablets and essential oils

Precautions when using herbs to calm a racing mind 

“Never exceed the dose on the product’s packaging and always purchase from a reputable supplier,” says Ebony. “Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal medicine to ensure it is appropriate for your needs.”

Stopping the mental rollercoaster

If you’re trapped on a mental rollercoaster of racing thoughts and would like to stop the ride and get off, you may find some relief with these gentle herbs that calm the mind. If you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing, consult your healthcare professional. 

Related:

• Adrenal fatigue: debunking the myths
• Do hormones impact your energy levels?
• Understanding the different types of stress

Ebony Nash is a friendly and nurturing Naturopath who takes a gentle and holistic approach to understanding her client’s goals. She is committed to guiding and empowering her clients using herbal medicine, nutritional support, mindset practices and lifestyle recommendations. Ebony has a passion for treating the underlying drivers of thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances naturally.

Reviewed by the Healthylife health experts November 2023.