How To Fight Anxiety and Stress With These 9 Powerful Herbs
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.
Stress can be toxic to the body, and one of the best ways to naturally alleviate stress is by using herbs.
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?
Before we go into what the best herbs are for stress and anxiety, let us first identify stress and anxiety symptoms.
Because the truth is knowing what the symptoms of stress are is the first step to controlling stress.
However, recognising these symptoms may be more challenging than you think, especially as a mom.
Some of us are so used to being stressed that we can’t even tell that we are stressed until we are at a tipping point.
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
That said, here are a few herbs that help with stress and anxiety.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most commonly used herbs for relaxation.
It can be used as a tea or diffused as an oil. THIS Is my favorite lavender essential oil.
Research suggests that it works best when you diffuse it, and lavender has similar effects as the prescription anti-anxiety medication lorazepam.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. which promotes relaxation and believed to help with treat anxiety
Several studies show that lavender oil may offer some anti-anxiety benefits.
Keep reading; 7 Powerful time management tips you need to try today
2. Passionflower
Passionflower has many natural relaxation properties.
It also works as a sedative, and many people use it as a sleep-aid.
Passionflower is delicious as a tea, and its bright, flowery aroma can instantly improve your mood.
You can add dried passionflower to boiling water to create an herbal tea.
I am confident that you’ll be able to find dried passionflower or pre-packed teas in many health stores.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb for stress relief, and it is known for its mild sedative effect.
Drink it as a tea before bed and feel its calming effect improve your bedtime routine and help calm that stress and anxiety.
So next time you are wondering what to drink to calm nerves, pour yourself a good cup of chamomile tea.
4. Kava
Kava is a Polynesian plant that is known as an ingredient in a calming brew.
The kava plant roots contain compounds called kavalactones, which are known to help with anxiety.
This drink is enjoyed in place of alcohol in the South Pacific, and it is also considered a safe and pleasant beverage.
Recent research has continued to find evidence that kava is effective for anxiety.
What’s more, another review of a specific kava extract concluded that it could be used as an alternative to certain anxiety drugs and other antidepressants.
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.
A word of caution: Consult your doctor if you plan on taking kava, as it may interact with some medications.
Also, make sure you read the labels of the kava products you’re interested in to confirm the kavalactone content in each dose.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng is an “adaptogen herb” and can help build up the body’s immunity to stress.
There are several types of ginseng. Asian ginseng is considered the best, but red ginseng has significant antioxidants that lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
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
Like ginseng, licorice root can boost the immune system to help protect the body from the effects of stress.
Licorice tea is another popular option that may have stress-relieving benefits.
Licorice tea is said to help in promoting stress relief and reducing feelings of 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.
But first, a warning: If you have blood pressure issues, you should consult a health professional to help you monitor your use of licorice root.
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7.Rhodiola
Rhodiola is another super herb that can revive your body after a period of stress.
It has been found to improve healthy habits, relieve anxiety, and some people believe it has anti-aging properties.
Research shows that it increases your body’s resistance to stress and helps you handle stressful situations better.
This help also helps with fatigue.
The adaptogenic nature of Rhodiola makes it a popular supplement for fighting fatigue and other symptoms associated with stress.
This herb seems to be another great solution to motherhood stress 😀; it is undoubtedly ticking the boxes.
8.Holy Basil
Holy basil is a herb common in Indian culture and used to help people through stress.
If you’re experiencing a stressful time, you may want to try Holy Basil for restoration.
Many people believe that Holy Basil has a balancing effect on the spirit thus, helping with stress and anxiety.
9.Ashwanga
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that helps fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
This herb has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress., 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.
To Sum Up
Using natural herbs instead of medication to help your stress levels is a better option.
But bear in mind that finding the right herb to reduce your stress levels may be a practice of trial and error.
If you find yourself in stressful situations often, developing an herb ritual for stress relief may be a good idea.
Try winding down with a lavender or chamomile tea before bed, and Incorporate ginseng and golden root into your regular herb consumption.
Another option is to try an oil diffuser to spread stress-reducing scents throughout your home.
Anxiety and stress are unavoidable, with all the ups and downs of life, but these natural remedies will be sure to help you relieve anxiety and give you a peaceful night’s sleep.
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 )
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