Certain herbs have sedative properties that affect the nervous system, the digestive system or the circulatory system. You can use herbs to combat stress caused by work, family, fatigue or internal problems. Concoct herbal remedies from the bark, leaves, flowers or roots of different plants. Ingest herbs only in approved forms and doses.
Ginseng
Michael Tierra notes in his alternative medicine tome, "The Way of Herbs," that ginseng is "considered the king of all tonics." It provides stimulation to the nervous system that helps the body to overcome stress and fatigue. Tierra recommends red ginseng in 5 to 10 g doses.
St. John's Wart
According to the Tang Center at the University of Chicago, St. John's Wart has been used since the Middle Ages to ease a variety of nervous conditions. It is not effective in treating cases of severe depression, but it is proven to ease stress and anxiety. Take 2 to 4 g per day.
Valerian
Spicy and slightly bitter, valerian can be mixed into teas or tinctures to combat stress. Valerian is commonly used to treat insomnia, though clinical research does not prove its effectiveness with sleep disorders. However, valerian does provide a calming sensation and effectively combats stress. Make a tea using valerian root, ginger and licorice and ingest daily.
Chamomile
Soak chamomile flower heads in hot water and ingest the herbal infusion to take advantage of its calming properties. Chamomile relaxes all major body systems and is often used for indigestion as well as stress. You can also ingest chamomile as a tincture in 10 to 30 drop doses.
Kava Kava
Kava root is popular in Polynesian cultures for is sedative, calming properties. Ingest it as an herbal infusion or a tincture. According to Tierra, regular ingestion of large doses of kava root may cause dry skin, bloodshot eyes or excess fatigue. Limit use to once weekly.
References
- Tang Center: St. John's Wart
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra; 1998
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