Herbs and supplements for confidence

Recommendation

Rationale

Notes

Hops
(Humulus lupulus)
(500 mg)

Dried hops flowers are recognized for their mild sedative and anxiety-calming properties.

A single application is usually recommended. People with pollen sensitivities might experience an allergic skin rash after handling the flowers.

Lycopodium
(6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C potency)

This homeopathic remedy is useful for anxiety or low self-confidence. Appropriate candidates also feel self-conscious, are afraid of failure, exhibit weak memory, and have trouble reading and writing.

Take a single dose and monitor response. Dosage frequency varies significantly based on condition and individual.

Royal jelly
(50–100 mg/day)

This thick, milky substance is fed to the queen bee in a bee colony. Some experts believe royal jelly may improve stamina and energy.

Not suitable for people with bee or pollen allergies.

St. John’s wort
(Hypericum perforatum)
(500–1,050 mg/day)

Often used as an antidepressant because of its purported ability to facilitate the brain’s exposure to neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

St. John’s can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
(300–500 mg/day)

Valerian is useful for calming anxiety and dealing with stress, possibly because valerian root weakly binds to brain receptors, causing a sedative effect.

Valerian is usually taken before bedtime. It is not known to impair reaction time, concentration, or the ability to operate machinery.