We’ve all felt it at one point or another – that fiery feeling in your chest when you get angry or frustrated. Your palms start to sweat, your breathing quickens, and you feel like you’re about to explode. At times, it seems our emotions have a mind of their own, sweeping us up in their torrent and leaving us powerless to mood swings. But there are natural ways we can gain more control over our inner state through herbal remedies that can help calm inflamed emotions.
Understanding the Root Causes
Before seeking herbal relief, it’s helpful to gain some insight into what may be triggering those feelings of anger. Often there are underlying stressors, both internal and external, that are activating our stress response system on a regular basis. We live in a fast-paced world that bombards us with stimulation at all hours of the day. Our primitive “fight or flight” mechanism evolved for short bursts during times of genuine danger, but in modern life, we subject it to constant low-level activation through prolonged stress, lack of downtime, overcommitment, and an inability to say no.
On top of that, we each carry emotional baggage from past hurts that can make us more sensitive. Unresolved conflicts, traumatic memories, and feelings of low self-worth all contribute to lower thresholds for irritation. Learning to process these internal triggers through mindfulness, journaling, therapy or other practices can help decrease some of their power over us. Getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and making time for relaxation are also important for regulating our responses. When the root causes are addressed, herbal remedies can provide that extra support for more balanced emotional well-being.
Herbal Remedies for Anger and Mood Swings
Certain plants contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and calming phytonutrient compounds with a long history of traditional use for easing angry, stressed, or volatile feelings. Here are some top botanical options to consider:
- Chamomile – This beloved floral herb has been used as a gentle sedative for ages. It contains the terpenoid compounds apigenin and bisabolol which bind to GABA receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. Chamomile tea is soothing and easy to enjoy daily or before bed.
- Lemon balm – A member of the mint family with a lemony fragrance, lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid that has antidepressant and anti-stress effects. It interacts with the same GABA and glutamate receptors affected by anxiety medications. Capsules, tea or even a few fresh leaves in water can take the edge off the anger and lift the mood.
- Ashwagandha – Often called Indian ginseng, this popular Ayurvedic herb supports the adrenal glands and has been clinically shown to decrease cortisol levels associated with stress. It balances the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contains withanolides that block excess production of neurotransmitters like serotonin to reduce irritability. Powdered root in water or capsules is a useful remedy.
- Holy basil – Also known as tulsi, this sacred plant of India is an aromatically uplifting adaptogen. Holy basil contains ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid that counteract stress-induced damage in the brain. It may calm anger by supporting the sympathetic nervous system response and regulating neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin. Fresh leaves brewed as a daily spice tea can keep mood swings at bay.
This is just a sampling of the many calming botanical options worth exploring. Speak with a natural health practitioner for personalized guidance on selecting the right herbal remedy and dosage that suits your own emotional needs and constitution. Combining herbal medicine with lifestyle changes and emotional processing provides the most holistic approach for finding inner peace.
How to Incorporate Herbs into Daily Life
Once you’ve chosen some calming botanicals to try, here are a few easy ways to incorporate them into your daily routine for steady anger and mood support:
- Tea blends – Create custom relaxation blends using some fresh or dried herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, and holy basil. Steep in hot water for 5-15 minutes and sip throughout the day or evening.
- Tinctures – Herbal tinctures offer convenient dosing of potent remedies. Place the recommended amount under your tongue for absorption and then swallow. These can go anywhere for on-the-go support.
- Capsules/tablets – Pre-made capsules or tablets of herbs like ashwagandha allow simple oral consumption without the need to prepare tea. Take with meals.
- Bathing – Adding 10-20 drops of essential oils like lavender or clary sage to a warm bath relaxes muscles and allows the scents to lift mood through aroma.
- Aromatherapy – Pure essential oils in a diffuser or candle create an atmosphere conducive to reducing anger and stress hormones when inhaled. Lavender, Roman chamomile, and bergamot are soothing choices.
- Topicals – Massage a few drops of calming essential oils diluted in a carrier oil onto shoulders, neck or temples, or apply a calmative salve before bed.
With dedication to daily herbal self-care, you nurture your capacity for inner stillness and gain more power over emotional triggers. While modern life continues to bombard us with stimulation, herbal wisdom empowers us to take control of our inner landscape through natural, low-risk remedies.
In conclusion, herbal medicine has much to offer those seeking relief from anger and mood volatility. Addressing emotional wellness and stress management through lifestyle changes paired with the support of anti-inflammatory, calming botanicals provides a self-empowering approach. With patience and consistency, you can gain freedom from the tyranny of everyday emotional reactions and discover greater peace within.
