5 Remedies For Stress Relief

Stress is a very common health condition. Over 33% people in the United States alone are affected with it. It is generally caused by lack of sleep, excessive workload and unfortunate personal circumstances like divorce. Common symptoms include fatigue and headache.

Though stress is not itself a disease, if it is not treated properly, it can lead to several diseases, such as gastritis and even heart diseases. Following is a brief rundown on top five herbal remedies that are commonly used to relieve stress.

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Remedies for Stress Relief

Rhodiola Rosea

Also known as common root or rose root, rhodiola rosea contains seventeen different types of amino acids, safranal, dendrolasin, tyrosol and salidrosides. It is mainly due to the tyrosol content that makes this herb very effective in relieving stress.

It calms and stimulates the central nervous system in the body. It also relieves fatigue caused by stress. The standardized extracts of rhodiola rosea can be taken in the dosage of 200-600 mg per day.

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Ginseng

Ginseng possesses adaptogenic properties, which can be very helpful in relieving stress. It contains ginsenosides that improves your body’s ability to handle stress more efficiently. It also helps in mitigating the adverse effects caused by stress. It is generally taken in the form of tincture or tablets. The recommended dosage for non-standardized extracts is 2-3 ml of dried root tincture or 1-4 gram in the form of tablets. Standardized extracts should be taken in lower doses, generally 200-500 mg per day.

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Chamomile

One of the active components in dried and fresh chamomile flowers is glycine, which can bring a very soothing effect on the nerves. It relaxes your muscles and helps in stress reduction. You can take it in the form of tinctures, 4-6 ml daily between your regular meals. In capsule form, the recommended dosage is 2-3 grams a day.

Alternatively, you can also prepare a herbal tea by mixing one teaspoon each of peppermint and chamomile in 8 oz. of boiling water (peppermint is used to add flavor). However, those who are allergic to plants belonging to the daisy family should avoid this herb.

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Kava

Kava contains kavain, which acts on the nervous system to produce soothing anti-stress effect. It also acts as a muscles relaxant. However, it can cause a little drowsiness, and so, it must be used at bedtime. Most herbal practitioners generally advise their patients to massage their back, neck and head gently with kava extracts right before sleeping at night. Alternatively, you can use it in the form of a herbal tea or as supplement capsules. The recommended dosage is 150-300 mg per day, divided in smaller doses for 3 times.

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Lavender

Lavender contains a volatile oil whose main components are geraniol, cineol and borneol. Due to these components, the strong-scented flowers of lavender bring a very soothing effect to the nerves. You can mix 3-4 drops of its oil in your bath tub and soak in it for twenty minutes.

Alternatively, lavender oil can also be massaged on the chest and forehead, preferably at bedtime. It relaxes your muscles, soothes your nerves and relieves stress. Oral dosage of lavender is usually not advisable.

Though the above-mentioned herbal remedies are used very commonly to relieve stress, you must take it under the supervision of an experienced herbal practitioner to rule out any side effects.