The Best Herbs for Stress

Stress is a beneficial response in our lives, keeping us safe from harm and alerting us to danger. However, an overload or accumulation of stress can lead to exhaustion, depletion and breakdown in the mind and body. Certain herbs can be beneficial in facilitating our ability to adapt to stress, heal, deal and recover. They can balance the nervous system, tamping down the "flight or fight" response and enhance physiological coping mechanisms.

Relaxing Herbs

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is considered a nervine that induces relaxation and acts as a tonic to the nervous system. According to David Hoffman in "Medical Herbalism," lavender can be used to treat states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can relieve stress-related headaches and promote sleep.
Oats (Avena sativa) is one of the best herbal remedies to nourish the nervous system when it is under stress. Oats can be used with other relaxing herbs to decrease nervous system stress associated with fatigue and depression.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the most widely used herbs in the world to induce relaxation and reduce stress. It is especially beneficial in anxiety- and stress-related conditions as it relaxes the nervous and digestive systems.

Balancing Herbs

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), according to Hoffman, is one of the most relevant herbs available to soothe the nervous tension while revitalizing the central nervous system. It is specifically indicated for balancing stress symptoms related to exhaustion, weakness, hysteria, agitation, seizures, anxiety, insomnia and nightmares.
Linden (Tilia platyphyllos) can balance stress that is specifically associated with high blood pressure. It has a relaxing action on the nervous system as well as the circulatory system.

Sedating Herbs

Valerian (Valerian officinalis) is mainly indicated in states of stress with an anxiety component, nervous sleeplessness and tension in the body. It is a mild muscle relaxant that effectively treats pain and muscle spasm as well as relaxing tension in the gastrointestinal tract. Its sedating qualities can help promote normal restful sleep. Planet Botanic considers valerian the "Mother Teresa" of stress in the plant kingdom. Valerian can nullify stress and induce a deep sleep without side effects the next day of grogginess upon waking.

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is a sedating, hypnotic herb that can be helpful to use in stress-related conditions like mild cases of insomnia, anxiety and muscle tension. Kava is native to the South Pacific Islands and has apparently been used there for centuries as a cure-all to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. An overview presented by the University of Maryland Medical Center states that kava kava elevates mood, well-being, and contentment, and produces a feeling of relaxation. Kava kava may have harmful effects on the liver and should not be used in high doses for long periods of time or by people with conditions related to liver damage.