Want to know a secret? Taking medications is not the only way to fight stress and anxiety.
It is also, without a doubt, not the best way either.
For starters, the side effects of medications are countless.
Herbs, on the other hand, are one of the best natural remedies for anxiety.
They are not only a natural option, but they can also give you immediate relief from anxiety.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Are you having anxiety over a situation?
I can completely relate., stress affects us all.
It’s no surprise that anxiety and stress have somehow crept into our lives in one way or the other.
Just being a mum comes with its kind of stress, which is completely unavoidable.
It starts with the feeling of being overwhelmed, and then anxiety creeps in with the stress.
The truth is we are all in a never-ending battle with life’s ups and downs, so it is very easy to get caught up in it all,
Even just thinking about our kids, family, the future, managing finances, plus our day to day life and activities is enough to cause stress and anxiety.
What Are The Main Causes Of Anxiety And Stress?
The thing is, while a little stress here and there is a part of life and causes no harm, too much stress is unquestionably bad for your health.
It can invite other severe medical conditions into your body and make you sick. Examples of such conditions include; High blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, psoriasis, gastrointestinal problems, obesity, etc.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of the causes of anxiety and stress, these are the most common external causes;
- School stress
- Work stress
- Finance stress
- Illness
- Stress from global events
- Emotional trauma
- Side effects of medications
- Relationship stress
Usually, the first common reaction to stress and anxiety is medications.
But Wait,
Before you reach out for any medication, let us look into the natural solutions that are very effective and helpful.
Did you know that people who use anti-anxiety medication have a 36% increased mortality risk? (source)
Not to worry, there’s a solution.
And even better, you can use these herbs in different ways.
For example, you can either make these herbs as teas or use them diffused as an oil.
The benefits of teas are countless;
For example, Teas are known to soothe your nerves.
Tea has zero caffeine in them, which is great as it won’t interfere with your sleep.
And there are a lot of options to help you relieve your anxiety and also help with relaxation.
Next time you are thinking, ‘what can I drink for stress & anxiety‘ a cup of tea can come to the rescue.
Enough about teas; let’s dive right into the herbs to help with that stress or anxiety.
What are The Best Herbs For Stress and Anxiety?
Stress is a more generalized term that describes a feeling of being overwhelmed.
This can result from any number of factors including, but not limited to:
•Work
•Family/relationships
•School
•Lack of sleep
Pressure to meet the demands and expectations of others or society, in general, can also contribute to an overwhelming feeling which you may identify as stress.
Stress often results in feelings such as agitation, uneasiness, nervousness, irritability, and upset stomach.
Symptoms Of Anxiety And Stress
Everyone handles stress differently, so symptoms vary from one person to another.
However, these are the most common symptoms.
Physical Symptoms That Stress and Anxiety Can Cause
- Chest pain
- Frequent colds and Infections
- Low energy
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Aches & pains
- No sexual desire
- Unable to sleep
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
Emotional Symptoms That Stress and Anxiety Can Cause
- Low self – esteem
- Always moody
- Unable to relax
- Feeling overwhelming
- Constant worrying
- Racing thoughts
- Poor Judgement
Herbs For Stress And Anxiety
1. Lavender
This herb is known for its ability to relax the mind, calm emotions, and reduce stress.
It’s also well-known as a natural remedy for sleep issues because it eases anxiety associated with insomnia.
Lavender works by stimulating portions of your brain related to calming effects.
Try putting lavender oil on your pillow or mixing drops in water before bedtime to wind down at night.
You can also put some lemon balm essential oil in your cupboard so you’ll have it on hand when needed –
just smelling it helps to reduce stress and promote restful sleep!
Several studies show that lavender oil may offer some anti-anxiety benefits.
THIS Is my favorite lavender essential oil.
Keep reading; 7 Powerful time management tips you need to try today
2. Passionflower
This herb has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia and other sleep problems because it reduces anxiety and calms the mind without diminishing mental clarity as some sedatives do.
Valerian root and passionflower work very well together to address sleep, stress and anxiety – you can try drinking valerian root tea or taking valerian supplements before bed along with passionflower tea or capsules at night.
Some people find that they can reduce their dosage of prescription medicine and still sleep better and feel more relaxed using herbal remedies like these.
3. Chamomile
similar to lavender, chamomile is a good herb for calming the body, mind, and spirit.
It’s gentle enough to be used by children (for example in chamomile tea) and also works well when combined with valerian root or kava root for sleep issues.
So next time you are wondering what to drink to calm nerves, pour yourself a good cup of chamomile tea
4. Kava
This herb has also been called “nature’s valium” because it reduces anxiety, calms the mind, and boosts mood.
It improves sleep quality by blocking receptors in the brain that cause arousal.
The best way to use kava root for anxiety is with a formula containing other calming herbs like passionflower
This herb works great in combination with valerian root to address both stress and insomnia, or just for occasional relaxation.
The kava plant roots contain compounds called kavalactones, which are known to help with anxiety.
Kava can be taken as a tea but be sure to find kava teas that list the kavalactone content and ingredients, so you know how much kava you are getting.
5. Ginseng
giseng is a well-known adaptogen, which means that it helps the body to deal with stress and avoid damage from chronic stress.
It can be a great herb to help your body fight anxiety and promote relaxation.
Ginseng is available as a supplement in when capsule form or as a tea – try drinking this tea before bed if you have trouble sleeping it reduce levels of stress hormones
Research has shown that ginseng also helps fight fatigue and promotes energy.
Ginseng can be eaten raw or cooked; you could also take it as a tea or add it to different recipes.
A great idea would be to add some ginseng in soup or sauce recipes.
Related : 18 practical ways to self-care
6.Licorice Root
This is an herb that’s popular in traditional Chinese medicine because it can help treat anxiety, fatigue, and digestive issues related to stress.
It works by countering the effects of cortisol on the body, helping you deal with feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Licorice root is also helpful for treating high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and other health conditions related to chronic stress.
Start by drinking one cup of licorice tea twice a day or taking 1-2 tsp. of licorice root extract twice daily before meals.
You can apply licorice cream topically to your hands before bedtime if they are feeling particularly tense or sore – this is a great way to relieve nighttime anxiety!
In addition to this, Licorice root has some antiviral properties and a lot of other additional health benefits asides from anxiety and stress relief.
What’s more, Licorices can be used to add additional flavor to some foods and beverages.
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7.Rhodiola
one of my favorite herbs to take for anxiety, this has been used in traditional Scandinavian herbal medicine for centuries to fight fatigue and boost mood.
It works by reducing the impact of cortisol on your body so it can be helpful for people dealing with chronic stress or adrenal fatigue-related issues.
Rhodiola Rosea also increases oxygen flow to the brain which helps alleviate mental fog and poor concentration, enhances memory and brain function so it’s great to help with mental clarity and concentration
Try taking this as a supplement as needed to relieve tension and restore balance when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges!
This adaptogenic herb supports the adrenal glands and reduces feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and stress.
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Rhodiola Rosea helps to boost the immune system, supports cardiovascular health, and is an effective antioxidant.
Research shows that it increases your body’s resistance to stress and helps you handle stressful situations better.
This help also helps with fatigue.
This herb seems to be another great solution to motherhood stress ?; it is undoubtedly ticking the boxes.
8.Holy Basil
This herb is popular in traditional Ayurvedic medicine because it helps treat insomnia, stress-related mental imbalances, and digestive issues.
It also alleviates fatigue and supports normal blood sugar levels, making it great to take during the day if you’re feeling stressed out or anxious.
You can find holy basil extract as a supplement and use it all day long to reduce the negative effects of stress.
9.Ashwanga
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that helps fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
it is known as the holy grail for stress-relieving herbs.
Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s commonly knowns as Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
It is a famous herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine that is effective for different diseases, for example, memory loss, Parkinson’s, dementia, stress-induced disorders, etc.
Studies showed that taking Ashwagandha root extract over two-month significantly improved stress resistance and enhanced people’s overall quality of life with chronic stress history.
Ashwagandha is another powerful herb that I consider a must-have in any natural anti-anxiety arsenal, It is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to promote relaxation, relieve stress and anxiety.
It also improves memory and helps to boost your immune system – it’s helpful for fighting off viruses related to stress, like the common cold!
Try taking ashwagandha extract as a supplement throughout the day or making this herb part of your evening routine by drinking ashwagandha tea at night before bed.
To Sum Up
Using natural herbs instead of medication to help your stress levels is a better option.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to try some of these powerful herbs.
The power of nature is a wonderful thing and can help us feel better in our lives when we need it most. These 9 herbs are just the beginning for fighting anxiety and stress – which one have you tried?
Related : 5 ways to cope with the covid virus anxiety.
Want more? download this FREE MINI PDF EBOOK ; A simple guide to fighting stress and anxiety with essential oil.
Enjoy the full benefits of essential oils.
Other Ways To Fight Stress
Here are a few other ways to fight stress.
- Adjust your sleep routine
- Reduce sugar consumption
- Squeeze in exercise
- Use essential oils
- Practice stress management techniques.
These herbs will certainly help lift your energy levels and calm your mind.
So go ahead and try one today.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Disclaimer; These are all-natural herbs but always check with your doctor first if you are considering using any form of alternative medicine ( including herbal teas )
