Natural remedy to settle common exam nerves in students of all ages

Like all Feelgood Health products, A+ TestCalmer is developed with care by our practising Clinical Psychologist, is 100% natural and manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards. Individual ingredients are well-researched and have been specially chosen for their high safety profile in remedies for children and adolescents.

• Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) is used as a natural calming remedy which acts as a safe, soothing and non-addictive nerve tonic.
• Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is well-known as a general tonic and energizer. This herb is also excellent for improving academic performance and supporting healthy memory functioning during tests. Rosemary is known to promote healthy cerebral blood flow and cognitive functioning. Recent studies have found that Rosemary contains acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, chemicals that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain that promotes memory function. A deficiency in acetylcholine has been linked to memory impairment.
• Centella asiatica is found in Africa and Asia and is a favourite food of elephants. As they say - elephants never forget! This herb is used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system and improve circulation to all areas of the body. Research has demonstrated the beneficial effect of Centella asiatica on maintaining healthy memory, concentration and mental performance levels, making it an excellent supplement for students and scholars, especially when faced with tests and exams. Centella asiatica is also very effective in promoting calmness and peace.
• Anacardium (6C) is a homeopathic ingredient most useful for stress and nerves in children and in those who lack self confidence. Anacardium can be very successful in treating a feeling of inadequacy and an irrational fear of failure.
• Gelsemium (6C) is an excellent homeopathic remedy for stage-fright before an interview or public performance or nerves in anticipation of a stressful event like a test. This remedy is also useful for treating the physical manifestations of nervousness, including trembling, excessive perspiration, stomach upsets and nausea. Gelsemium is said to prevent mental dullness and the mind going “blank” due to anxiety.

Caution:
Safety during pregnancy and nursing has not been established. Not recommended for children under 6 years.

Note: Recommended for use along with StudyPlus capsules.

It’s normal for anyone to feel a bit nervous or anxious about an upcoming test or other stress-inducing event. For many, speaking in front of a group or class is the most anxiety-inducing activity imaginable! For others, written tests might be the worst. A little bit of nervous tension can actually encourage peak performance when it comes to the actual event, but too much stress or anxiety will interfere with concentration, memory and performance.

Nervousness about a test may also cause physical symptoms like an uneasy feeling of "butterflies" in the stomach, digestive troubles like nausea and diarrhea or tension headaches. Many people experience sweatiness, trembling and even heart palpitations as the test or oral task approaches.

Try the following to help your child keep in control of pre-test nerves:

• Take advantage of normal stress to motivate early preparation for a test. Reacting in a pro-active and positive way to anxiety will decrease stress and improve confidence.
• Have your child speak about their feelings and anxiety; either with you, a teacher, tutor or school guidance counsellor.
• Many students find that good preparation for tests done well in advance (rather than the night before!) will reduce their anxiety and feelings of panic. A student who has prepared well and knows the material will feel more confident and will often only experience mild nerves before a test.
• Think positive! Anyone who continuously thinks negative thoughts like “I’m never any good at tests” or “I just know I’m going to fail” will make themselves feel worse and increase anxiety and a feeling of helplessness. Positive messages from teachers and parents as well as in your child’s own thoughts will improve confidence. Encourage your child to replace negative messages with “I’ve worked hard and will do my best” or similar thoughts.
• Remember and remind your child that nobody is perfect! Almost everyone will have failed at something in their life and most people have struggled with a problem during a test that seemed so easy or obvious afterwards. The trick for your child is not to let every mistake get him/her down - next time is a brand new opportunity to do well!
• Relaxation methods like breathing deeply, doing a creative hobby or exercising between study sessions will help a lot to decrease stress and anxiety. See 'The Calm Within' relaxation CD compiled by our Clinical Psychologist.