[toc]Stress is taking a toll on people nowadays by causing ailments like coronary heart disease. Stress is fatal as it can result in chronic diseases. To avoid stress, you need to make lifestyle modifications as well as attitudinal changes. Herbal remedies are a wonderful way to harness nature’s curative powers for reducing stress levels.
Herbs which can relieve stress include Kava, Chamomile, Valerian, Passionflower, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Green Tea and St. John’s Wort. Most of these herbs are adaptogens that tone down the body’s response to physiological and emotional stressors of daily life. Living in a stress filled world is not easy but herbs can definitely lend a helping hand and improve the quality of life for a stress ridden person.
9 Herbal Remedies For Stress Relief
Chamomile
Chamomile is known botanically as Matricaria Recutita. This herb is very effective in soothing the mind and relaxing the body. Highly stressed out people are often unable to get sleep at night. Chamomile is a nervine herb which calms the nervous system and wards off stress related insomnia. Due to these reasons, it is a very effective herbal cure for relieving stress in persons.
This herb is also an adaptogen which moderates the body’s response to stressors. You can brew tea from the dried leaves of this herb and consume it for best results. Chamomile oil can also be used to give the stress ridden person a soothing massage and relieve him or her of tensions and worries.
Valerian
Valeriana Officinalis is the botanical name by which this herb is also known. This is an effective and safe herbal aid for erasing mental worries and sleeplessness caused due to stress. Elevated stress levels make a person unable to rest. Valerian root is a natural sedative and the extract of this herb’s root gives sound and restful sleep in the night.
Valerian root extract also helps to calm the person and make him or her feel more relaxed both mentally as well as physically. Researchers have found Valerian root extract to be as effective as a medication called Valium for relaxing the body and soothing the inner mind. This herb is also available in the form of capsules.
Passionflower
Known botanically as Passiflora Incarnata, Passionflower is a herb with curative powers. This herb relaxes the person and makes him or her calmer. A flavone called chrysin found in Passionflower relieves anxiety and has been found as effective as anti-panic medication known as Xanax, according to researchers.
Passionflower tea can be consumed in order to ensure that the person becomes less agitated and more in control of his or her emotions when facing a stressful situation. This herb can also be taken in extract, supplement or tincture form for a beneficial outcome.
Kava
Piper Methysticum or Kava is a herb native to the South Pacific Islands, specifically Fiji. This herb has been used to make ceremonial drinks and salads in Asian countries. Due to the presence of substances called kavalones, Kava is a herb that can relieve stress and make a person feel more calm and relaxed.
Kava leaves can be had in the form of salads. They can also be added to dishes and gravies. You can also make drinks using the leaves of this herb and consume these for good results. Juice extracted from Kava leaves can also make a person feel less stressful.
Lavender
The botanical name of this herb is Lavandula Augustifolia. Lavender is well known as a remedy for countering elevated stress levels. Lavender oil can be diluted with another oil such as Almond oil, Olive oil or Almond oil and massaged all over the body to relax the limbs and soothe the mind. Lavender oil can be used for steam inhalation as well using as a vaporizer.
You can also add a few drops of Lavender oil to your bath water and take a nice, relaxing bath to control stress levels. Lavender oil is aromatic and fragrant. It is even used for aromatherapy due to its stress relieving properties.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is known botanically as Melissa Officinalis. This herb is soothing and it calms the inner mind with ease and rapidity. Lemon Balm contains active ingredients called terpenes which induce a relaxing influence on the body and the mind. Lemon Balm is thus very effective in countering stress and anxiety.
This herb can be combined with Valerian to treat high stress levels in a person. Lemon Balm tea has a relaxing and pleasing aroma as well, which helps the stressed out person to cope better. Lemon Balm can also be had in the form of an extract for good outcomes.
Green Tea
Green Tea is extracted from the herb known botanically as Camellia Sinensis. Green Tea is full of antioxidants and it refreshes and relaxes the body. Green Tea also lowers cholesterol problems and improves the health of the heart.
As physiological responses to heightened stress levels include an abnormal heart rate and stress on the heart, Green Tea can be very efficacious in countering the physical impact of stress on the body. You can drink 4 to 5 cups of Green Tea in a day without any side effects. Consistently drinking Green Tea will equip your body to fight stressors with ease and efficiency.
St. John’s Wort
The Latin name of St. John’s Wort is Hypericum Perforatum. This herb is also called Klamath Weed. St. John’s Wort contains an active ingredient called hypercine which relaxes the body and prevents depression and mental agitation. You can take this herb in the form of a supplement or as an extract for best results.
The oil made from this herb can also be used for head and neck massages to alleviate stress. This herb decreases adrenal activity in the face of stressors as well, making it a reliable herbal remedy for stress relief.
Skullcap
Skullcap has been used as a herbal remedy by Native Americans since ancient times. Stress, anxiety and insomnia have been treated quite effectively using the dried leaves of this herb. This herb is called Skullcap because of its helmet shaped flowers. Scutellaria Lateriflora is the Latin name of this herb. Skullcap has flavonoids such as scutellarin and baicalin which give this herb natural sedative properties.
It has been found to be as effective in countering stress as benzodiazepine medication used to treat tension and anxiety. This herb is also called Blue Pimpernel and Helmet Flower. This herb can be taken in extract form for stress relief.
