In the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ we find an effective remedy to calm nervous people: talbina. Olive oil is added to this barley soup, which is eaten at breakfast along with dates.
In addition, linden herbal tea is recommended, to be taken in the evening at a rate of two bowls per day. Be careful, however, not to let the linden steep for more than a quarter of an hour, or you risk the opposite effect.
Finally, valerian is also recommended to calm the nerves; you can take two capsules each afternoon.
What the science says: stress and anxiety, linden, valerian and calming herbs
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Stress and anxiety
Chronic stress raises blood pressure and inflammation, and contributes to the onset of many illnesses (Arthritis Res Ther, 2010); conversely, calming herbs (CNS Drugs, 2013), physical activity and good sleep reduce anxiety. The first remedy remains that of the heart — dhikr, prayer, trust in Allah — which the professor places above any other. Precaution: anxiety that takes over daily life, panic attacks, or persistent waswas warrant psychological support consistent with your values.
Linden, valerian and calming herbs
Valerian improves sleep quality according to several meta-analyses (Am J Med, 2006) (J Evid Based Integr Med, 2020); linden contains anxiolytic flavonoids (J Ethnopharmacol, 2008), and a network review compares herbs against anxiety (passionflower, lemon balm, lavender…) (Pharmacol Res, 2022). Precaution: do not combine valerian, passionflower or hops with sleep aids and anxiolytics without medical advice; avoid before driving; take as a course of a few weeks rather than continuously.
