Stress is the biggest enemy in this current digital age. What stress does is release cortisol hormones which weakens the immune system. Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and the the list goes on and on. Millions of people see their doctors every year for mental health issues, and stress is a leading cause. The most common causes of stress are money, career and relationships. Working adults are affected most often, but anybody can suffer from stress, even children and animals!
Nature, as always, has a solution for everything, including stress.
Here is a list of the best anti-stress herbs that have a number of benefits for our health as well!
1. Mint
Apart from its fresh taste, mint also has many beneficial properties.
Mint tea contains substances that act as natural muscle relaxants. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a suitable ingredient in a tea that warms and helps us relax.
2. Lemon balm
With it's lemon scent, lemon balm give us a instant relaxing feeling when we get a whiff of its leaves.
Studies have found that this type of tea can directly affect the level of stress hormones in the blood. At the same time, it improves mood and provides energy, but without stressing the nervous system like caffeinated drinks!
3. Yarrow
Yarrow is a widespread herb that you often see along roadsides, in fields and meadows, in scrubs and by yards at different altitudes.
It's anti-inflammatory and blood-stopping properties are very widely used. It acts as a pain reliever, purifies the blood and liver, supports the bile, detoxifies the body, improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. White yarrow has good antioxidant power, restores healthy sleep, increases appetite and protects the gastrointestinal tract. It is used also for headaches and migraines.
4. Аshwagandha
The roots of the ashwagandha plant, also known as Indian ginseng, are commonly used for tea.
For thousands of years, ashwagandha tea has established itself as a cure for fear neurosis. It is especially popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Known as one of the most antioxidant-rich teas. In Ayurveda, it is recommended for toning, for insomnia and inflammations of a different nature.
5. St. John's Wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub native to Europe. It gets its name from the fact that it often blooms on the birthday of the biblical John the Baptist.
In fact, St. John's wort is a real natural miracle: it can improve your mood, regulate the work of the digestive system, help restore injured or burned skin. St. John's wort has been shown to have natural antidepressant properties, reduce mood swings and relieve anxiety. The herb is a popular natural solution that doctors and psychiatrists often prescribe to patients with St. John's wort capsules instead of chemical-based drugs to calm the nerves.
6. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is one of those healthy autumn fruits that we have the opportunity to take advantage of right now. It can be used even by the most picky preferences - it is consumed in the form of fruit or tea.
Hawthorn completely supports heart activity, successfully lowers blood pressure, helps with stress and insomnia, relieves the discomfort of a swollen belly and gas, it is recommended for overweight people or those who simply wish to lose 2-3 kilograms or to detoxify their body.
7. Common motherwort
Common motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Lilacaceae family that reaches a height of 1.4 meters. In Chinese medicine it is one of the most common medicinal plants. It can be found in fields, grasslands and riverbanks.
The herb is known for its sedative effect and for this reason it is used to strengthen the nervous system. It is particularly suitable for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Reduces excitability and normalizes thyroid gland function. It is also used for problems with the cardiovascular system, as it has a beneficial effect on the muscles of the heart. The glycosides contained in it have a positive effect on high blood pressure. The herb is suitable for use in cases of angina, tachycardia and arrhythmia. The plant can be used to treat flatulence, fatigue, difficulty urinating, stress and headaches. It is very useful for women's problems in "those" days. Common motherwort relieves the pains of painful menstruation, helps to make menopause easier and prevents uterine infections.
Common motherwort is a very strong herb, with a strong effect on the body. It's dosage is strictly individual for each patient and depends on his personal characteristics such as weight and age.
8. Passionflower
One of the most typical uses of passionflower is for the therapy of anxiety and agitation. Studies claim that the plant helps with insomnia and anxiety. It is supposed to increase the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, which can help you relax and sleep well.
In depression. Passionflower is a plant that patients could rely on for mild depressive conditions. Research shows that passionflower treatment of mild to moderate depressive conditions is of shorter duration than treatment with conventional medications.
If you want to be more relaxed and in tune with nature, here are some herbal combinations that make great anti-stress tea:
Stress killer:
Hawthorn - flower with leaves,
mint, lemon balm,
balkan savory, white leaves
birch, horsetail, St. John's wort
Chill and relax (personal favorite):
Mint, lemon balm, St. John's wort
Calmness:
Dandelion root, Mint leaves, Lemon balm leaves, Thyme, Lavender flower, Common motherwort
