8 natural treatments for anxiety and fatigue

Here are eight easy recipes for natural herbal teas and treatments, including a sleep pillow and a couple of calming aromatic baths, to help you or a loved one relax, fall asleep easily and sleep well, plus an invigorating spray to combat fatigue.

• 10 ml (2 tsp) dried catnip
• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water

1. In a teapot, steep catnip in boiling water for five to seven minutes. Strain and drink.

2. Serve yourself catnip tea three times a day.

• 10 ml (2 tsp) dried hops
• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water

1. In a teapot, steep hops in boiling water for five to seven minutes. Strain and drink.

2. Serve yourself hops tea three times a day.

• Boiling water
• 15 ml (3 tsp) dried chamomile or lemon balm

1. In a small pot, pour boiling water over chamomile or lemon balm. Steep 10 minutes, strain and drink an hour before bed.

2. Once you start falling asleep more easily, cut the amount of herbs in half.

• 59 ml (4 tbsp) sweet woodruff
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon balm
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) lavender
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) chamomile
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) hops
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) rosebuds
• 10 to 15 drops chamomile essential oil
• 10 to 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 to 15 drops clary sage essential oil
• 10 to 15 drops marjoram essential oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) powdered or freshly grated orrisroot
• 1 small zippered pillowcase

1. In a large bowl, mix the woodruff, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, hops and rosebuds. In a separate small bowl, mix the essential oils with the orrisroot. Stir this mixture into the large bowl.

2. Fill the pillowcase, zip it and add it to your bed pillows for sweet dreams.

• 1/2 handful lavender
• 1/2 handful chamomile
• 1/2 handful rose petals
• 1/2 handful dry powdered milk
• Double-ply square of cheesecloth

1. Place the lavender, chamomile, rose petals and powdered milk on the cheesecloth and tie the ends to make a bag.

2. Place under the spigot of the tub while the water is running. Start with warm water but allow it to cool before getting in. The cool water helps lower your body temperature, important for sleep.

3. Soak for 15 minutes while listening to relaxing music or a relaxation tape.

10 drops lavender, rose, geranium and/or bergamot essential oil

1. Add the essential oils to a cool bath.

2. Soak for 15 minutes while listening to relaxing music or a relaxation tape.

• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Juniper essential oil
• Grapefruit essential oil
• Clary sage essential oil
• Ginger or peppermint essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil

1. In a clean small spray bottle, mix two parts eucalyptus, two parts juniper, two parts grapefruit, one part clary sage, one part ginger or peppermint and two parts rosemary essential oils. Shake to mix.

2. You can use this spray in a variety of ways. Spritz an entire room when you feel tired and need to keep reading. Spray a cloth, hold it up to your nose and breathe deeply. Rub into your hands. Use in a diffuser or humidifier.

• 1 teacup boiling water
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) dried rosemary leaves
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp)  dried ginseng root
• Honey (optional)

1. In a teacup, make an infusion of boiling water, dried rosemary leaves and dried ginseng root.

2. Sweeten with a bit of honey, if you like, and drink as often as necessary.

Lavender rub for insomnia: Massage a single drop of lavender essential oil into each temple before going to bed.