Below is a complete list of herbs for stress relief. Before outlining our herbal stress remedies, we briefly explain what stress is.
As a former clinical psychotherapist, if I had a dime for every time I heard someone say, “I’m stressed!”…
Stress is a bit like the weather. Everybody talks about it but nobody is doing anything about it.
We don’t even quite know how to define it.
It’s often a synonym for anxiety or depression, for physical demands. It could be bad or a badge of honor.
Let’s just call it a 21st century affliction, that is a nonspecific response, demand or sensation to someTHING.
Whatever it is, it wreaks havoc. It causes anxiety, depression, insomnia, physical illness. In fact, stress may be the greatest risk factor for serious diseases including cancer & heart disease.
So natural remedies for stress could target anxiety, depression, insomnia, physical after effects or some combination of preceding.
Lemon Balm is a mild natural stress remedy. Really good as a tea perhaps mixed with other mints. You can also take 50 drops of tincture, 3 - 4x daily.
Ashwaganda is one of the herbs for stress relief because it reduces anxiety, boosts immunity & helps you cope with symptoms of stress. Follow manufacturer’s direction.
Siberian ginseng helps resist against stress-related ills & boosts the immune system. Take 20 drops of tincture, 3x daily or 10, 400 mg capsules.
Panax ginseng acts similarly to another natural stress remedy, Siberian ginseng. Take as directed. Do not combine with caffeine, if you’re pregnant, have hypertension or diabetes or are taking prescription blood thinners.
Kava kava is an herbal stress remedy that eases anxiety & relaxes muscles. Take 20 drops of tincture, 2 - 4x daily or 6 500 mg capsules. Do not exceed recommendations. Do not take if pregnant, nursing & do not combine with alcohol or drugs.
Lavender is known for its soothing properties and as a tonic to support the nervous system. Even its aroma has a calming effect. You can buy lavender essence candles & burn away. You can also drip 30 drops of tincture in a warm bath or add 15 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 ounce of massage oil and rub in.
Valerian is one of the better known herbs stress for relief & a strong herbal sleep inducer. Good for night time use. Take 40 - 60 drops of tincture before bed.
Schisandra, as an herbal stress remedy, counters stress & fatigue like ginseng but is gentler & safer. Take 6, 500 mg capsules daily or 20 drops of tincture 2x daily or drink 2 - 3 cups of tea a day.
California poppy reduces anxiety & induces sleep. Take 40 drops of tincture, 2x daily or 2 - 3 cups of tea.
Passion flower has soothing properties and is a good general nerve tonic. Also known as a natural aid for the nerves as supported by clinical trials. Take 30 drops of tincture, 4x daily or 2 - 3 cups of tea.
Reishi eases anxiety & insomnia & strengthens the immune system. Take 5, 400 mg capsules or 3, 100 mg tablets or 2 - 3 tsp tincture, 2 - 3x daily.
Chamomile is an age old relaxant, soother. I drank lots of chamomile tea as a kid flavored with a good bit of honey. Drink several cups a day or 30 drops of tincture 3 - 4x daily.
St. John’s Wort has also been shown to support stable mood. Especially good for depression. Take 50 drops of tincture, 2 - 3x daily or one 300 mg capsule, 2 - 3x or drink 2 - 4 cups of tea.
Gotu kola helps you cope with stress & fatigue & eases anxiety. Take 30 drops of tincture, 2x daily or 8 400 mg capsules or drink 2 - 4 cups of tea daily.
Notice how many of our herbs for stress relief can be taken as soothing, nourishing teas. So, stock up on these natural herbal stress remedies. Drink warm in winter & fall and refresh with iced teas in summer & spring.