Q. You have had several questions about stage fright, so I’d like to share my experience. I am a professional singer and my daughter gives public presentations as part of her job.
We both swear by valerian! It does the trick for nerves if you take it 15 minutes prior to performing or speaking.
A. Valerian has traditionally been used, alone or with lemon balm, to ease anxiety or even help fight insomnia. A laboratory study suggested that these herbs can help overcome anxiety (Phytotherapy Research, Feb., 2006). Valerian has also been used for digestive problems and menstrual cramps, though it is not often used for those purposes now. There is more information on valerian and other herbs in the Herb Library at PeoplesPharmacy.com.
