Stress has become an integral part of modern life, but it is very important to get rid of it before it takes a toll on your healthy life. People use conventional medicines to get an instant relief from stress symptoms, but they do not realize the fact that those medicines do not treat the underlying causes of stress and therefore, the symptoms are sure to resurface again.
Herbal remedies, on the other hand, treat the root causes of stress and have long lasting effects. Listed below are the best herbal remedies for stress.
9 Herbal Remedies For Stress
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile, usually taken as a tea, contains a nerve relaxant called glycine that can soothe and relax your nervous system. Under stressful circumstances, chamomile boosts your immune system, soothes your digestive tract and promotes the feelings of relaxation.
It also has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent infections. For relieving your stress, use two teaspoons of the dried flowers for making a cup of chamomile tea. Generally, one cup of this tea every day should be effective.
Rhodiola Root
Also called golden root, rose root, rhodiola rosea, this herb is an adaptogen that helps your body in maintaining physiological balance during times of physical or mental stress. This herb has been used for centuries for reducing the effects of the cold weather, stress and depression.
This herb increases the blood-supply to the muscles and brain and enhances your mental and physical abilities to combat stress. It is available in the form of tea, tincture and encapsulations. For proper dosage and instructions about using this herb, consult a doctor or a herbalist.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha contains many antioxidants that are beneficial to the body as a whole. It is one of the most recommended herbs in India and America. It promotes general wellness, but it is also useful in treating stress disorders. It improves your overall energy levels, promotes mental clarity and even prevents memory loss in old age people.
It comes in the form of oil, powder, decoction, ghee and herbal wine. Herbalists prescribe 1-2 grams of the whole herb, taken every day in the form of capsule or tea. Tea can be prepared by boiling Ashwagandha root for 15 minutes. Drink a cup of this tea 3 times a day. If you choose tincture or fluid extracts, use 2-4 ml three times a day.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a very good anti-anxiety herb which helps in calming the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA. It reduces muscular tension, promotes better mood, improves sleep and can also relieve irritability in some people.
To treat stress and anxiety, lemon balm is sometimes used in combination with other calming herbs like chamomile and valerian. Lemon balm tea is used to treat stress. To prepare the tea, steep 1.5 to 4.5 g of dried lemon balm in a cup of boiling water. Drink this tea up to four times daily, according to your needs.
Oat Straw
Oat straw is the stalk and leaves part of oats that has high nutritious value. Also called as Avena sativa or Groats, Oat straw contains many active compounds which fight the chemical and biological effects of stress on your nerves throughout your body.
It stabilizes your blood sugar and calms your nerves. It is an excellent cleansing herb that improves your metabolism and digestive system. It also contains Vitamins A, B-complex, C, E as well as the minerals like  potassium and magnesium which strengthen your nervous system.
This herb is very effective during anxiousness and panic attacks and is also proved to lower your cholesterol when used as tea. Oat straw can be used in the form of tea, infusion or tincture. Recommended dosage is 1/2 to 1 tsp. of the liquid infused over boiling water, once or twice a day.
Aromatherapy Herbs
Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to reduce your stress. It is more effective when you use herbal oils. It relaxes your muscles, releases tension and elevates your mood. The essential herbal oils used for aromatherapy are generally made from the herbs as well as flowers and plants.
Lemon grass, sandalwood, chamomile, rosemary, lemon, geranium, lavender and clary sage are some of the essential oils used in aromatherapy for treating stress and anxiety. For treating stress, aromatherapy can be used either through inhalation or application.
Note that essential oils are very concentrated, you should only use few drops of them in aromatherapy. If you are applying it on your skin, you should dilute it with another oil.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an ancient herb used to eliminate stress from your body. It is very effective in treating stress related problems like anxiety and insomnia. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules and tea. For treating stress, the root of the plant is used either directly or in the form of a drink.
You can make a tea by soaking 1-2 teaspoons of dried kava powder in a cup of hot water, followed by steeping for 30 minutes, then strain and drink it everyday. Note that this herb must not be taken in excess quantities.
Green Tea
Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants called catechins and an important amino acid called theanine which relieve stress and promote relaxation. Catechins help your body deliver adequate glucose to the cells which make you less likely to feel irritable, stressed, depressed or tired.
Theanine is believed to increase certain brain waves that promote a relaxed state of being. For an effective relief from stress, drink green tea containing at least 50 mg of theanine in one cup. You can take 1-4 cups of green tea everyday.
Siberian Ginseng
Another adaptogen herb that is really effective for stress relief. It strengthens your nervous systems and increases your resistance to combat stress, anxiety and depression. It improves your energy levels and reduces irritability and fatigue.
It is also shown to diminish cholesterol as well as decrease blood pressure in heart patients. It can be used in the form of tincture, tablets or decoction. Tincture dose is 25 to 60 drops three times a day. Tablets can be taken three times a day in a dose of 1 g. You can also take 1/2 cup of the decoction several times a day, according to your symptoms.
Tip
Herbal remedies for stress will be more effective if you can make some lifestyle changes like improving your diet, exercising regularly and having enough sleep.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
