Four Herbs to Reduce Stress

by Elizabeth Renter / June 5th, 2013 


Stress can come from work and school, or home and family life. It can be the crushing stress of a pressing deadline or past due bills, or it may be that constant low-grade stress of not be able to get everything done in a day’s time. No matter where the stress comes from, however, it can be seriously damaging.

You don’t have to have a stress headache to be experiencing the physical effects of mental stress. As a matter of fact, stress puts you at risk for far worse than an occasional headache. Depression, heart disease, and even infectious diseases are more common among the seriously stressed.

Managing stress isn’t as simple as taking a vacation, though that might help temporarily. No, managing stress requires ongoing effort. A proper diet, regular exercise, and meditation are a good place to start. But there are also herbs that can provide effective stress-busting benefits.

4 Stress-Reducing Herbal Remedies
Here are 4 herbs you can use to reduce stress.

1. Valerian Root - This herb has been used for centuries as a mild sedative. It works great if stress is keeping you up at night or you need a way to wind down that doesn’t involve a glass of wine.
2. St. John’s Wort - Another popular stress-buster, St. John’s Wort is probably the most popular choice. It can usually be found in a tea at most grocery stores. It combats stress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Ashwagandha - Also called Indian Ginseng, ashwagandha can combat stress at the cellular level while also regulating cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”. Steer clear of this one if you are pregnant, however.
4. Chamomile - This is the go-to end of the day tea for many people. Chamomile tea’s relaxant properties are so well known that one of the most popular mainstream tea companies calls their chamomile tea “Sleepy Time Tea”. This isn’t a plug for that particular tea, but the herb is effective at reducing stress levels.

Managing stress is often easier said than done. We frequently look for quick solutions because when we are stressed, we are often also strapped for time. The key to relieving stress, no matter which herb you use, is taking the time to breathe, relax, and enjoy some downtime. Taking care of your physical and mental health puts you in a better place to handle stressors in a more effective manner.