Herbal Remedies for Surrender: Letting Go, Trust and Emotional Ease

The idea of “surrender” can mean different things depending on the circumstances: spiritual letting go, emotional release, acceptance or even easing anxiety and resistance. Surrender in a more inner, emotional sense is also letting go of control, embracing trust and softening resistance. Here are some of my favourite herbal allies that can support that process.

1. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

• Why: Promotes clarity and emotional resilience. Known as an adaptogen, it gently helps the body and mind surrender stress.
• Use: Daily as a tincture. Great for grounding and to find your centre again.

2. Lime Flower

• Why: Soft, heart-opening and deeply calming (especially for children). Helps with emotional surrender - like grief, sadness or swirling anxiety.
• Use: Almost honey-like. Lovely at night as a tincture.

3. Chamomile

• Why: Gentle support for nervous system relaxation. Helps when you need to soften your grip and release control.
• Use: Tincture before bed or during stressful days. Calming but not sedating.

4. Blue Vervain

• Why: Especially good for those who hold tension in the jaw/neck/shoulders, often related to control and overthinking. It encourages relaxation and mental/emotional surrender.
• Use: Tincture on its own or in a blend.

5. Skullcap

• Why: Nervine relaxant, ideal when the mind just won’t let go. Encourages rest and trust.
• Use: Tincture before rest or meditation.

6. California Poppy

• Why: Gently sedating, heart-soothing, supports emotional release and peace.
• Use: Tincture especially at night.

7. Rose

• Why: Opens the heart. Helps with emotional vulnerability and surrendering to love or grief.
• Use: Tincture. Very gentle, very soulful.

8. Passionflower

• Why: Helps calm circular thoughts and mental resistance. Useful when surrender means letting go of obsessive thinking.
• Use: Tincture, especially in the evening.

Bonus: Flower Essences for Energetic Surrender

• Rescue Remedy (Bach Flower) – For sudden overwhelm or emotional emergency.
• Star of Bethlehem – For grief and trauma that needs gentle release.
• Sweet Chestnut – For deep emotional surrender when you’ve reached your inner limit.
• Willow – If surrender feels hard because of resentment or bitterness.

For those seeking natural support in times of emotional release or nervous system regulation, the herbal remedies below offer evidence-based and traditional benefits. Browse the selections to find what aligns with your needs.