Herbs for Musicians

This week’s word is: anxiolytic.

An anxiolytic is a substance, such as an herb or a pharmaceutical, that reduces anxiety.

Anxiety is the body’s response to stress. It is psychosomatic because it involves symptoms in both the mind and the body.

When we experience anxiety, we have racing and worried thoughts, a feeling of restlessness, and an inability to focus. We may be irritable or have trouble falling asleep. Physical symptoms can include sweaty hands, shortness of breath, an elevated heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, shaking, and numbness in the hands and feet.

If these symptoms are severe, they may indicate a panic attack, which can also include chest pain, nausea, increased blood pressure, hotness in the face, a fear of losing control and a feeling of impending doom.

Anxiety is no fun, but it is something that most people experience at one point or another.

As a musician, I have experienced anxiety – and even panic attacks – more times than I can count.

One of the most common triggers for my anxiety has been auditions and performances. I also get anxiety when I have too much on my plate and start getting stressed about getting things done.

One year in high school, I was preparing for a saxophone audition for the All-State concert band. For three days before my audition, I could not move my head. My shoulders and neck completely seized up and squeezed my nerves. I had a severe headache, and no amount of Advil or shoulder massages helped.

I wish I knew about herbs back then. Maybe they might have helped.

Since becoming an herbalist, I have used herbs to help me deal with anxiety. Before a performance or an audition, I might drink a tea made with anxiolytic herbs. I have also sniffed the scent of lavender essential oil. The aroma also works well to calm the body and mind. What is great about anxiolytic herbs is that they can help ease the anxiety without the side-effects associated with beta blockers.

When we are anxious, the body tenses up. Think about the body being in “fight or flight mode.” The mind is trying to quickly decide which action to take, and the muscles are getting ready to bound into action, either fighting or fleeing. But when we don’t have an actual physical threat to fight or escape from, the tension is not released and only builds up more.

I talked a little about herbs that help with anxiety in my last newsletter, when I talked about anti-spasmodics. Anxiolytic herbs work by relaxing or sedating the body.

Everyone will react to anxiolytic herbs differently. Some herbs are mild, and others are stronger.

When you try anxiolytic herbs, it is important to test them first. Don’t take them right before you have to drive or use machinery, for instance, until you know how you will react. You may also want to wait until the evening before using them to see how sleepy you get. You may also try different dosages. A full dose of an herb might be too much, but lower amounts may ease anxiety without causing a problem for you.

Herbs that I personally find mild are: chamomile, lavender, linden, lemon balm, motherwort, and tulsi (Holy Basil.) Herbs that I find strong include: hops, passionflower, skullcap, and valerian.

Do you know that feeling of heaviness you get in your muscles after having an alcoholic drink or two? This is the feeling I get when I take the herbs in this latter group, and it is a feeling I don’t like. I make an effective sleep aid using these herbs. My husband uses it more than I do, but if I do use it, I do not use a full dose because I find it so strong. I would definitely not be doing anything important or remotely dangerous after taking these herbs!

Another well-known anxiolytic herb is California Poppy. I have not yet used it, but it is related to the opium poppy yet without the narcotic or addictive properties.

Some anxiolytic herbs may also help with depression.

It is always important to talk with a doctor if you are experiencing anxiety often or on a regular basis, or if your symptoms are severe. If you are on a mood-stabilizing drug, always check with your doctor first before using herbs because some herbs may interact the drugs or change the way they are metabolized in the body.

Remember to do research and speak to a doctor about your particular situation before using herbs. The herbal education I provide does not substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

Herbs will not make up for a poor lifestyle. We must first take care of ourselves through a healthy lifestyle with a proper amount of sleep, nutritious food, regular exercise and avoiding harmful substances as much as possible.

I made a video this week of creating an herbal tea for calming and relaxation made with anxiolytic herbs. Unfortunately, something happened, and I lost it when transferring it to my computer.

Instead, I will write out the recipe for you.

Cool, Calm, and Collected Tea:*

*This tea recipe is for personal use only. It is not to be copied or shared without credit or used for any commercial purposes.

4 parts Chamomile; 2 parts Linden; 1 part Lavender

A “part” is a measure. A measure could be a tablespoon or a cup, or anything in-between. As long as the measure stays the same, it doesn’t matter what size the measure is.

Measure out the herbs, then stir together until they are evenly mixed.

I like to steep 1TBS of the blend in a mug of just-boiled water. Cover the mug while the herbs are steeping to keep the volatile oils from escaping into the air.

A little more about how I made the blend:

The chamomile has the biggest pieces, so less of it fits in a measure. I also find it to have the mildest taste of these herbs. So, I used the most of this one. Linden leaves and flowers are in finer pieces. It also has a pretty mild taste, but because the pieces are smaller, more can fit in a measure. To me, lavender has a strong taste, so I didn’t want as much of it. The unopened buds are also small in size, so more fits in a measure. I used less so the flavor would not overpower the blend.

In addition to being a very relaxing tea, this tea is also tasty. Linden has a honey-like flavor, and the chamomile and lavender both have fruity, floral flavors.

I will be opening registration for my summer course “Basic Herbalism for Musicians” on April 1. Early registrants will receive a set of recipes for herbal teas which I have created as a thank-you from me. While all herbal teas do have medicinal properties, all the teas I have created are designed for flavor as a first priority!

Reach out to me if you have any herbal questions! Let me know if this is helpful, or if there any improvements I can make to this newsletter! And if you know someone who might benefit from this newsletter, please forward it!

Your Herbal Ally,

Heather

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