Have you ever had an anxious gut feeling about something or felt nervous and experienced butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly remind us that the brain and gut are interconnected, and play a huge role in how we feel physically as well as emotionally. This relationship, called the Gut-Brain Connection, is built on communication via the nervous system, which in turn greatly affects what we feel and how we feel.

Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate supportive and natural rituals into your everyday life to keep yourself in balance.

Herbalist Tips to Soothe The Mind & Body

Drink Nervine Teas

It may seem like common knowledge, but a simple cup of tea does wonders on the mind and belly. Herbs like chamomile, lavender and lemon balm are some of the best choices to soothe and calm an upset belly and an anxious mind. These nervine herbs, rich in nervous system soothing essential oils, support everything from relaxation to healthy digestion. In the language of herbalism, all of our tea blends are infusions or tisanes, which are hot water extractions of herbs, offering herbal support. For overall mind and belly wellness, we recommend making these herbs part of your daily self-care routine.*

Support the Microbiome

Since the health of our gut has a unique relationship with neurotransmitters — the chemicals in the brain that can influence mood, it makes sense to prioritize a healthy and diverse gut. Bitter herbs, fermented foods and probiotics support diversity and challenge our system to stay healthy and engaged. Happy bacteria = happy and healthy humans. We like making kombucha mocktails with a 1:1 ratio of herbal tea, like lemon balm, and mixing it with ginger kombucha. Yum, what a delicious way to take your herbs and feed your flora!

Get Back to Your Roots

In holistic medicine, root foods ground and nourish our nervous system. Naturally sweet, a characteristic trait of healing foods, they are also rich in prebiotic starches and beneficial carbohydrates that are easy on digestion. So, if occasional anxiety has you feeling all over the place, try this simple tip for grounding and nourishing both the belly and mind. Our favorites are freshly roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips or pickled burdock, which has the extra gut-loving support of a ferment.

Get Into the Garden

When occasional stress or anxiety threatens your day, relief can be as close as the plants growing outside your door. Whether you’ve got a garden bed, or a few pots on your stoop, growing aromatic herbs can be a helpful resource. Chamomile, lemon balm, lavender and peppermint can be consumed as herbal teas or be incorporated into healing bouquets, botanical baths, herbal teas, or simply rubbed between your hands to release their aromatic qualities for soothing the belly and mind. Additionally, getting your hands into soil has its own affects mood and overall health.