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Ever since I can remember, I have experienced stress and anxiety. It may be attributed to childhood trauma, family-related issues as a kid or overstimulation – but regardless of how it began, it still affects me to this day. Now, it looks a bit different… Now, my stress and anxiety stems from being an overstimulated parent that juggles homeschooling, being a first-generation gentle parent and her own healing journey.
Over the years, I have managed my stress and anxiety in a number of ways (some healthy, and others… not so much). Some of my former stress and anxiety management “techniques” included a variety of prescribed medication, therapy, yelling, exercise, diet, meditation, music, painting, and numbing out with household chores, alcohol and other substances. Needless to say, some of these were helpful while others proved to be harmful, perpetuating the stress and anxiety issues.
What I found works best for me is a combination of therapy, meditation, yoga, exercise, nutrient-dense foods, journaling and herbal remedies.
One of my favorite ways to use herbs on a daily basis is through teas and infusions. I have a cabinet in my kitchen with glass jars filled with a variety of herbs that I commonly use, including 5 very special herbs that reduce stress and anxiety.
5 Amazing Herbs That Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Oatstraw
I have to begin this list with an absolute favorite. I spent years trying different herbs that would make me feel calm during panic, but also sleepy, making them hard to use in the middle of the day. I never knew there was an herb that could improve my stress response, feelings of chronic burnout and overall wellbeing – that was until I was introduced to oatstraw.
Oatstraw is a nutrient-rich herb that also has so many benefits for the nervous system. It’s gentle and nourishing properties make it excellent for daily use – plus, it does not cause drowsiness, making it excellent to take at any time of day (compared to passionflower or valerian, which are both sedatives). Oatstraw is especially helpful if you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or exhausted – despite the amount of sleep you’re getting. If you like to drink coffee (like me), and still feel tired, burnt out, depleted and stressed, this is an excellent herb for you. Some of the benefits may be seen immediately, while others may take a few weeks to notice. The amino acid profile and long list of vitamins and minerals that oatstraw contains, make it a healthy addition to your daily routine.
My favorite way to consume oatstraw is as an infusion. Take 1 cup of oatstraw and add it to a quart-sized mason jar. Then, fill the jar with boiling water, place the lid on it and let it steep for 4-8 hours (I tend to make it at night and let it steep overnight). This infusion is good for 2-3 days, kept in the refrigerator. To add flavor to the infusion, I typically add a spoonful of spearmint.
Lavender
Lavender is one of my favorite herbs that reduce stress and anxiety. I love the color, the way it looks and how it smells. Lavender is scientifically known to reduce anxiety by simply smelling it – but drinking it as a tea takes relaxation to another level.
Used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, lavender is a trusted go-to herb for anxiety, stress and insomnia. It is great for those that have a surge of worry or stress right before bed, and find it difficult to get to sleep. It can be used in many different forms, including essential oils, teas, and even in bath products.
My favorite way to consume lavender is in an evening tea blend. I make a blend of spearmint, lemon balm, chamomile and a bit of lavender. It is so nourishing and delicious. Just make sure your water is not boiling as it can give lavender a bitter taste.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is one of the first herbal remedies that I discovered truly helps me manage my stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Scientifically, it helps the body adapt to stress and has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The effects of ashwagandha extend far beyond stress reduction; it is also commonly used to reduce inflammation in conjunction with turmeric and ginger root. Reducing inflammation in your body is crucial to feeling well physically and mentally.
I prefer to take ashwagandha via tincture or supplement form, and have found that taking it in the evening or during the day when I’m stressed is extremely helpful.
Chamomile
Peter Rabbit’s mom gave him chamomile tea after a long day of running from Mr. McGregor – and it was for a good reason. Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and anti-bacterial herb that is known for having a calming effect on the body. It can be helpful for stress, sleep, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and inflammation.
It’s all around one of the most powerful, universal herbs that reduce stress and anxiety. I use chamomile daily in a tea form. I also make my little ones a cup of chamomile tea before bed, or when they’re feeling anxious, or having stomach problems such as indigestion, nausea or gas. Be aware that those with allergies to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed may be allergic to chamomile.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and a nervine that has a calming effect on the body. In fact, it has been referred to as one of the best nervines. It contains compounds that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by reducing stress hormones in the body. One study was conducted on individuals with chronic anxiety, where they were given lemon balm daily for 15 days. At the end of the study, the results concluded that 70% of the individuals had a full remission of anxiety symptoms. Lemon balm is seriously that amazing.
Lemon balm is excellent for those that feel overstimulated, overwhelmed and are prone to panic attacks. It can be uplifting and calming for parents that are mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, and may be prone to parental burnout.
Personally, it is my favorite for relieving the type of anxiety that makes you feel wired and panicky, as it works relatively quickly and is very effective. Whenever I feel that I am reactive to my kids, overstimulated, or “tapped out” mentally, I reach for lemon balm and it works wonders. Lemon balm can be brewed into a tea (my favorite way), or may be found in a stress-relieving supplement.
There are more…
There are truly so many herbs that help anxiety and stress. I could easily add 10 more to this list. But I chose these ones for a specific reason – these are the herbs that have helped me tremendously in my health and parenting journey. These are the exact herbs that have reduced the amount of time I spend stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or overstimulated. While I still do other things to help manage these issues such as exercise, meditation, journaling, therapy, nutrition and quality sleep, these herbs have served as direct and quick reliefs for my anxiety and stress.
Where to purchase?
As a lover of Amazon – I have to say that I don’t recommend buying herbs from there for a variety of reasons. If you want to use herbs as a healing tool, make sure you’re buying high-quality herbs that still have their medicinal properties. I have some of my tried-and-true places listed below.
Click HERE if you want to buy high-quality, already prepared tinctures for sleep, anxiety and stress.
Click HERE if you want to buy organic, high-quality herbal teas at a reasonable price.
Note: This is not medical advice and I am not a doctor. It's important to note that while herbs can be effective, they should not be used as a substitute for medication or therapy. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new herbal supplement.
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