10 Natural Herbs for reducing Anxiety and Stress

Stress is a response to emotional or physical pressure. This can make you feel angry, frustrated or upset and can also cause many unusual thoughts in your mind. During stress, our body releases free radicals causing many diseases.

Anxiety is one of the reactions to stress. It is a severe stage of stress that is caused by a persistent mental health disorder.

Symptoms

A person suffering from stress and anxiety can undergo many psychological and physical symptoms. The most frequent symptoms are:

1. Unnecessary worry and undesired thoughts.
2. Tension
3. Insomnia
4. Headache
5. High blood pressure
6. Hyperventilation
7. Morning fatigue, sickness, dizziness, and weakness
8. Unusual feelings (too hot or too cold)
9. Confusion and loss of concentration
10. Rashes and itching on the skin
11. Sweating
12. Chest pain
13. Mood swings
14. Loss of sex urge.
15. Nervous habits
16. Memory difficulties
17. Unsatisfactory judgment
18. Indigestion
19. Increase or decrease in appetite
20. Behavioral changes

Ayurvedic View for Stress and Anxiety

According to Ayurveda tridosha (Vata, pitta, and Kapha)of the body are responsible for the healthy functioning of the body. The vitiation in these tridosha leads to a condition in the body. In Ayurveda, stress is known as Sahasa. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, it is a disturbing action of the nervous system which is usually managed by the Vata dosha. This dosha has many properties like being light, cold, and subtle, which keeps the body and mind calm. But the imbalance in Vata dosha causes the disturbance in the nervous system and cause stress and anxiety.

Ayurveda provides various herbs which help to reduce stress and anxiety naturally without causing side effects.

The Natural Herbs for reducing Anxiety and Stress

1. Brahmi
2. Tulsi
3. Lavender
4. Ashwagandha
5. Chamomile
6. Ginger
7. Curcumin
8. Lemon balm
9. Valerian
10. Kava Root

1. Brahmi

Brahmi herb is known for its effective result on the nervous system. It possesses powerful anti-anxiety properties. It increases the serotonin level which supports relaxation. It makes the body fight stress and improves the cognitive function of the body. Brahmi helps to calm the body, induces peace, and reduce restlessness.

You can take it by heating half a teaspoon of Brahmi powder in half a cup of water or milk. Leave this for steep for 2-3 minutes. Filter it and drink. For a sweet taste, you can add honey in it.

2. Tulsi

Tulsi is a strong antioxidant. The long term stress cause inflammation and an increase in the level of free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. As tulsi has antioxidant activity, so it fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. That’s why tulsi is an effective herb to decrease anxiety and stress. According to Ayurveda also, the consumption of tulsi on daily basis makes your brain calm, relax the body and prevent the presence of stress-related conditions. Tulsi also has other benefits to the body, it lowers the blood sugar level and also supports the health of the heart.

You can chew some tulsi leaves daily or you can make the tulsi leaves tea. Mix some of the tulsi leaves in one or half cup of water. Boil it for10 minutes on medium flame. Then filter it and drink.

3. Lavender

Lavender is also an effective herb used to relieve anxiety and stress. It reduces the level of stress hormone which is cortisol. Along with its anti-anxiety and anti-stress property, it also generates the positivity in a person. It also acts as a sedative and regulates the emotions of a person.

You can inhale the vapors by adding 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil in 3-4 cups of boiled water. You can also massage the mix 1 to 4 drops of this oil over the pulse points on the body. You can also add 5-6 drops of lavender oil in water while bathing.

4. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that provides various health benefits to us. It has the rejuvenating property that promotes the body to fight emotional and physical stress. It lowers the level of stress hormone i.e. cortisol. This hormone increases when an individual is in stress and have anxiety. Ashwagandha supports the nervous system and makes a person stress and anxiety-free. It also promotes the healthy functioning of the immune system.

You can add half a tablespoon of ashwagandha powder in lukewarm milk, mix it and drink about 1/2 hour at night before going to sleep.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is an effective herbal remedy to calm the body. It not only calms and relaxes the body but also relieves anxiety and stress. It contains some herbal constituents like phenolics (flavonoids, quinones, phenolic acids) and antioxidant composites which make it a useful remedy. This herb helps to calm nerves, relax muscles, and lessen anxiety. It also promotes healthy digestion and decreases stress caused due to headaches and loss of appetite. The most common way to use chamomile is its tea form.

For making chamomile tea, you can mix 2-3 teaspoons of dehydrated chamomile flowers in 2-4 cups of warm water and left it to mix for 2 to 4 minutes. Filter and drink it. If you want sweet taste you can add honey into it.

6. Ginger

Ginger is an aromatic and odorous herb, which is a useful natural remedy to reduce stress and anxiety. It contains Gingerol which is an antioxidant and helps to neutralize the free radicals and toxic chemicals produced by our body when we are in stress. It also helps to reduce the stress which occurs due to the disturbed stomach.

You can consume it as a ginger tea. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger in 2-3 cups of the water and boil it for 10 minutes. After that filter and drink it. You can add honey or lemon juice for taste.

7. Lemon balm

Lemon balm has anti-anxiety effects. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Its effects get increased when mixed with other calming herbs, such as valerian, chamomile, and lavender. It helps to improve mood, produce calmness.

You can drink it in tea form, it provides calmness in a few minutes.

8. Valerian

Valerian herbs can also help to treat anxiety and stress. It is an effective natural remedy to promote peace and feelings of calmness.

You can drink Valerian Root tea for its effective result or you can take it as a supplement

9. Curcumin

Curcumin is a main constituent of turmeric. It reduces the stress level due to which it also prevents harmful damage to the brain. It also supports mental health by fighting stress, anxiety, and depression.

10. Kava Root

Kava roots have a calming effect. It relieves anxiety, insomnia, and stress.