8 Herbs That Relieve Stress Naturally

Stress is a major challenge in today’s fast-paced world, and managing it is crucial for maintaining overall health. While lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, meditation, and quality sleep are essential, nature offers some powerful remedies in the form of herbs. These herbs contain nutrients and compounds that help support your body’s ability to cope with stress.

In this article, we’ll explore eight powerful herbs that can help reduce stress naturally, along with their key nutrients and stress-relieving benefits.

But first, what is stress?

Stress is the body's natural response to any demand or challenge that disrupts balance. It can be physical, emotional, or mental. When faced with a stressful situation, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare you for the "fight or flight" response.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being.

Where Does Stress Come From?

Stress can come from various sources, and each person’s stressors are different. Common causes include:

• Work-related Pressure: Deadlines, heavy workloads, and job insecurity can create intense stress.

• Financial Concerns: Worries about bills, debt, and financial stability can be overwhelming.

• Personal Relationships: Conflict or emotional tension in relationships can contribute to ongoing stress.

• Health Issues: Dealing with chronic illnesses, injuries, or the health of loved ones can be a significant stressor.

• Major Life Changes: Moving, changing jobs, or family changes (new baby, divorce, passing of a close relative, etc) can disrupt normal routines, put extra demand on us and cause stress.

• Environmental Factors: Noise, pollution, or living in a chaotic environment can affect your stress levels.

The good news is that stress can be managed and reduced, especially with the help of natural remedies like herbs that support relaxation and balance. Below, we’ll discuss eight herbs that can help relieve stress and restore calm.

8 Herbs That Relieve Stress Naturally

1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms are adaptogenic fungi known for their calming effects on the body. They help regulate stress hormones, reduce fatigue, and promote overall relaxation by balancing the body's response to stress.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a renowned adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress and normalize cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This herb is packed with antioxidants, iron, and alkaloids that support overall well-being and reduce stress.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Withanolides: Active compounds that reduce cortisol and improve stress resistance.

• Antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress caused by anxiety.

• Iron: Supports energy levels and combats fatigue caused by chronic stress.

How to Use:

Ashwagandha is available in capsule or powder form. Regular use can help regulate stress hormones and improve resilience against emotional and physical stress.

3. Lavender

Lavender is well known for its calming and soothing properties. It contains essential oils that promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted by stress.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Linalool: A compound in lavender that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

• Flavonoids: Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the nervous system.

• Terpenes: These aromatic compounds promote a sense of calm and reduce stress levels.

How to Use:

Lavender essential oil can be diffused, added to a bath, or applied topically. You can also enjoy lavender tea for internal relaxation.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is famous for its mild sedative and calming properties, making it a go-to herb for managing stress. Its bioactive compounds help to calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Apigenin: A natural compound that binds to certain brain receptors, reducing anxiety and inducing sleep.

• Flavonoids: Anti-inflammatory agents that support relaxation.

• Antioxidants: Combat oxidative stress caused by chronic anxiety and stress.

How to Use:

Chamomile tea is the most common way to consume this herb, although it is also available in tinctures and capsules.

5. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that helps improve your body’s resistance to stress. It enhances mental performance, reduces fatigue, and boosts mood by balancing cortisol levels.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Rosavin and Salidroside: Active compounds that improve energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.

• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage caused by stress and anxiety.

• Glycosides: Help improve mood and reduce mental fatigue.

How to Use:

Rhodiola can be taken as a supplement in capsules or tinctures. It’s especially useful for people who experience stress-related fatigue.

6. Passionflower

Passionflower is known for its ability to calm the nervous system. It increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Flavonoids: These compounds reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.

• GABA: Increases the brain's calming effects, making it easier to manage anxiety and stress.

• Alkaloids: Help improve sleep quality by relaxing the nervous system.

How to Use:

Passionflower is often consumed as tea, tincture, or supplement. It’s especially effective for promoting calm before bedtime.

7. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its stress-relieving and immune-boosting properties. It helps regulate cortisol levels and supports overall mental clarity.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Eugenol: Reduces stress-induced oxidative damage and inflammation.

• Caryophyllene: A compound that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and stress reliever.

• Beta-caryophyllene: Has mood-stabilizing properties that can improve mental well-being.

How to Use:

Holy Basil is commonly consumed as a tea, though it is also available in capsule form. Drinking Tulsi tea daily can help reduce stress and promote a sense of balance.

7. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. It helps reduce feelings of stress and improves mood by boosting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is linked to memory and relaxation.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Rosmarinic Acid: Increases GABA activity in the brain, leading to a calming effect.

• Citral: A compound that enhances mood and reduces anxiety.

• Tannins: Provide anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe stress.

How to Use:

Lemon Balm can be enjoyed as a tea, tincture, or supplement. It’s often combined with other calming herbs like chamomile for enhanced effects.

Nutrients and Benefits:

• Triterpenes: These compounds help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

• Polysaccharides: Support the immune system and combat the effects of stress on the body.

• Beta-Glucans: Promote overall health and resilience by regulating immune response and reducing inflammation.

How to Use:

Reishi mushrooms can be consumed in powder, capsules, or in tea form. It’s best to take them consistently over time to see their full stress-relieving effects. Adding Reishi powder to smoothies, soups, or coffee is a great way to incorporate this powerful mushroom into your diet.

How do WE use it?

We make tonics and elixirs DAILY and would never go a day without them. Refer to our Tonic & Elixirs eBook for tips. You can also start simply blending it into your favorite, warming drinks, or make “iced tea” with it on hot summer days by adding ½ tsp of our ready-to-use, bioavailable extract to water with lemon juice and your favorite sweetener. 

…and relax : )

 

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Final Thoughts

Incorporating these eight herbs into your daily routine can naturally reduce stress and promote a calmer, more balanced life. Each of these herbs contains unique compounds and nutrients that not only help manage stress but also support overall mental and physical well-being. However, it’s important to use them consistently and in combination with a healthy lifestyle for the best results.