Stress is an intrinsic part of human life. Most of you may feel fatigued and tensed on certain days. You may worry about work, health, kids, relationships and finances among other things. Some relaxation and a good night’s sleep can help most people overcome the stress. However, intense stress for prolonged periods of time can have a detrimental effect on your body and mind. It can increase your risk of chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Unwanted stress can impact every aspect of your lifestyle.
Close to 70 percent of Americans report experiencing stress on a regular basis. About 33 percent of them believe that they suffer from intense stress almost every day. Traditional relaxation techniques do not benefit them, and they need to look beyond such methods. You can talk to your doctor and request prescription medications that help you sleep better. You can rely on stress relieving herbs as well. They are usually derived from medicinal plants and have been in use for several centuries. Some of the popular choices include…
9 Powerful Stress Relieving Herbs
Kava Kava
kava kava stress relieving herbKava Kava is extracted from Kava shrub native to certain islands of Pacific Ocean. The roots of the plant possess immense medicinal value. Their active components can help lower anxiety and stress. They can also improve mood and promote good night’s sleep. These stress relieving herbs are generally safe, although occasional side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and liver damage may occur.
Catnip
catnip relieves stressCatnips are aromatic plants that belongs to the mint family. They are used to treat insomnia and anxiety as well. They can calm the brain and the digestive tract. Side effects associated with these stress relieving herbs may include headaches and vomiting.
Valerian
valerian rootValerian is a perennial plant native to Europe. Root extracts of the plant can help can also help treat insomnia and stress. You will be able to sleep well and rejuvenate. The herbs are available as tinctures, dry powders, teas and fluid extracts. They are generally safe, although pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid these stress relieving herbs.
Chamomile
chamomile is a stress relieving herbChamomile is extracted from the white and yellow flowers of the German Chamomile plant native to certain parts of Europe. The supplements are available in form of teas, capsules and liquid extracts. Controlled studies have shown that low doses of the herb can relive stress and anxiety while high doses can promote sleep in insomnia patients. It may, however, worsen your asthma symptoms. Hence, individuals with allergies should use stress relieving herbs such as chamomile cautiously.
Passion Flower
passion flowerPassion flower is a popular herb in the western world. It is native to the Americas, and has been used traditionally to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia. The infusions, teas and tinctures are made from above ground parts of the plant. It is generally considered safe and nontoxic, although occasional allergic reactions may occur.
Skullcap
skullcap stress relieving herbSkullcap also makes into the list of stress relieving herbs. The leaves of the plant possess immense medicinal value and have been used to treat stress and anxiety. It is commonly available in powder and liquid extract form. High doses of the supplement can lead to irregular heart rate and mental confusion. It is, therefore, prudent to use the herb cautiously.
St John’s Wort
st hohns wort stress relieving herbThis is one of the popular stress relieving herbs. It is extracted from the yellow flowers of the St. John’s Wort plant native to Greece. The teas, tablets and liquid extracts can directly impact the mind and help relieve stress and anxiety.
Lavender
lavender is apopular stress relieving herbLavender extracts are also one of the stress relieving herbs used in aromatherapy. The oils are extracted from the fresh flowers of the plant. Lavender oil massages and baths can help slow down the nervous system, promote relaxation and sleep, and reduce stress. It is safer and nontoxic in most cases. However, headache, nausea and vomiting may occur in some patients.
Ginkgo Biloba
stress relieving herbs ginko bilobaGingko biloba also belongs to the family of stress relieving herbs. It is made from flavonoids and terpenoids extracted from the plant. The herb is known to improve blood circulation and activity of certain neurotransmitters. This can help relieve stress and anxiety as well.
Stress relieving herbs can be found at most natural foods stores. You may also find some online dealers who offer a wide selection. You should, however, remember that the Food and drug Administration does not regulate production and distribution of stress relieving herbs in the United States. It is your responsibility to find a credible manufacturer and vendor. Healthcare professionals also warn that more research is needed to establish the medicinal benefits of certain stress reveling herbs. The side effects have not been established clearly as well. It is, therefore, prudent to consult your doctor before using stress relieving herbs to overcome stress and related conditions.
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