Stress and anxiety seem to be natural by-products of life, especially now in this high-tech, always-on-the-go society. But constantly suffering from stress and feelings of anxiety can take a serious toll on your health, including heart issues and a weakened immune system. Although many of us would like to change our lifestyles to reduce stress, it’s just not always possible in the world we live in.
Herbs for Anxiety and Stress
To safeguard your health, herbs can go a long way in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, treating and preventing a wide variety of issues. Below is a list of some of the most productive herbs for lowering stress.
1. Kava
You can consume up to 120 mg daily (although 60 mg is enough for most people) to treat your feelings of anxiety. Kava helps to relax and calm you and makes for a great tea before bed.
2. Gingko Biloba
Available in an extract, tablet, and tincture form, gingko biloba has shown to be incredibly effective in treating anxiety.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm works as an effective antidepressant, and initiates a feeling of calm throughout the body. You can easily make a tea out of lemon balm, and drink it every day to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Lemon balm can also be taken as a tincture, or a few leaves can be added to your drinking water. This herb should not be used by those with a thyroid issue.
4. Nettle Leaves
Nettle is great for whole-body restoration, as well as reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. This is typically taken as a tincture; one full dropper up to three times per day.
5. Eleuthero
This herb works similar to ginseng and improves concentration and overall mental awareness. This herb is commonly used to treat depression and nervous breakdowns.
6. Valerian
Valerian helps to reduce tension throughout the body; in fact, it relaxes the body so much you should only use it right before bedtime. Start with a very low dose of the tincture, never taking more than 900 mg in one day (although 400 mg is enough for most people).
7. Skullcap
This herb makes for a great nightcap, helping over-active minds relax and fall asleep. Of course, skullcap also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Just ½ a dropper of the tincture before bedtime is all you will need.
8. Motherwort
Another herb that’s extremely efficient in reducing anxiety, motherwort can be taken as a tincture whenever you are experiencing high feelings of stress or anxiety (or even suffering from a panic attack). 10-20 drops of fresh tincture will do the trick. This herb should not be used if you suffer from depression or heavy menses.
9. Adaptogenic Herbs
This class of herbs help your body increase its resistance to stress and anxiety. You can take an adaptogenic herb every day for up to 12 weeks, but then make sure you take a break for 1-3 weeks. Rhodiola and ashwagandha are two of the most common adaptogenic herbs used to treat stress.
Final Words
Stress and anxiety are hard to avoid in life, but keeping this list of herbs handy will help you to treat it in a natural and wholesome way. Find the herb(s) that works best for you and you’ll start to enjoy life more as you reduce your level of stress.
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