As a jiu jitsu practitioner, achieving a state of flow during training can be crucial for success. This is a state of mind where you are completely immersed in the moment, focused on the task at hand, and able to perform at your best. However, achieving this state can be challenging, especially when dealing with stress, anxiety, and nervousness.

Fortunately, there are many natural herbs that can help promote a state of calm and relaxation, making it easier to achieve a state of flow during jiu jitsu training. Here are the top 10 natural herbs that are most effective for promoting a state of calm during jiu jitsu training:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL and SLEEP formulas, is a herb from the Asteraceae family. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems. The main source of chamomile is in Europe, but it is also grown in some parts of Asia and North America.

Pros: Chamomile is known for its calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with digestion.

Cons: Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those who are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the Asteraceae family. It can also interact with some medications, including blood thinners and sedatives.

2. Passionflower

Passionflower, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL and SLEEP formulas, is a flowering vine from the Passiflora family. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The main source of passionflower is in South and Central America, but it is also grown in some parts of North America and Europe.

Pros: Passionflower has calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with digestion.

Cons: Passionflower can cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people, especially when combined with other medications. It can also interact with some medications, including blood thinners and sedatives.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL and SLEEP formulas, is a herb from the Solanaceae family. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The main source of ashwagandha is in India, but it is also grown in some parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Pros: Ashwagandha has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also improve cognitive function and physical performance.

Cons: Ashwagandha can interact with some medications, including sedatives and thyroid hormones. It may also cause digestive problems in some people.

4. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is a herb from the Lamiaceae family. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The main source of tulsi is in India, but it is also grown in some parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Pros: Tulsi has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with digestion.

Cons: Tulsi can interact with some medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications.

5. Lavender

Lavender is a herb from the Lamiaceae family. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The main source of lavender is in the Mediterranean region, but it is also grown in some parts of Asia and North America.

Pros: Lavender has calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It can also help relieve headaches and pain.

Cons: Lavender can cause allergic reactions in some people. It can also interact with some medications, including blood thinners and sedatives.

6. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL and SLEEP formulas, is a herb from the Lamiaceae family. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The main source of lemon balm is in Europe, but it is also grown in some parts of Asia and North America.

Pros: Lemon balm has calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It can also improve cognitive function and reduce stress.

Cons: Lemon balm can interact with some medications, including thyroid medications and sedatives.

7. Rhodiola

Rhodiola, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL formula, is a herb from the Crassulaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The main source of rhodiola is in Russia and parts of Asia, but it is also grown in some parts of North America and Europe.

Pros: Rhodiola has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also improve cognitive function and physical performance.

Cons: Rhodiola can interact with some medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants. It may also cause digestive problems in some people.

8. Kava

Kava is a herb from the Piperaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The main source of kava is in the South Pacific, but it is also grown in some parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Pros: Kava has calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It can also relieve pain and muscle tension.

Cons: Kava can interact with some medications, including antidepressants and sedatives. It may also cause liver damage if used for prolonged periods of time.

9. Valerian

Valerian, found in Primal Pharm's CHILL formula, is a herb from the Caprifoliaceae family. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The main source of valerian is in Europe, but it is also grown in some parts of Asia and North America.

Pros: Valerian has calming properties and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It can also relieve muscle tension and pain.

Cons: Valerian can cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. It can also interact with some medications, including sedatives and antidepressants.

10. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a herb from the Ginkgoaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The main source of ginkgo biloba is in China, but it is also grown in some parts of Asia, Europe, and North America.

Pros: Ginkgo biloba has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also improve cognitive function and memory.

Cons: Ginkgo biloba can interact with some medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants. It may also cause headaches and digestive problems in some people.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many natural herbs that can help promote a state of calm during jiu jitsu training. These herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving cognitive function. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions with medications before using any of these herbs. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplements or herbs.

By incorporating these natural herbs into your routine, you can enhance your jiu jitsu training and promote a state of calm and focus that will help you perform at your best.

References

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2. "Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam." US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2001, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679026.
3. "Ashwagandha: An ancient medicinal herb for modern times." Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30599720.
4. "Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons." Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/.
5. "Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for the management of anxiety disorders." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24715565.
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8. "Astragalus membranaceus: A review of its protection against inflammation and gastrointestinal cancers." American Journal of Chinese Medicine, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28236611.
9. "Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis." American Journal of Medicine, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16490442.
10. "Panax ginseng: A systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions." Drug Safety, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20701427.