Herbs have been used for centuries as a way to assuage symptoms and provide cures for a wide range of ailments. Though they may work more slowly than pharmaceuticals, herbs can have a profound effect on the body over time as we incorporate them into our diets, taking them with regularity when appropriate. Herbal formulas come in many forms, including teas, tinctures, extracts, oils and capsules. In the case of stress-related conditions, the natural healing that herbs can afford means fewer side affects, if any, and a greater fortification of the body's ability to fend for itself.
Herbs for Stress
Stress affects us both mentally and physically as it depletes the body of nutrients, lowering our resistance to illness. This can lead to all sorts of problems, both physical and mental. Depression, anxiety, anger and fear are some of the psychological symptoms of stress. Symptoms include muscular aches and pains, headaches, migraines and heart palpitations. Herbs that deal with the symptoms of physical and mental stress help eliminate the negative affects so that we can regain balance and prevent our systems from being compromised.
St John's Wort / Hypericum
Used in the Middle Ages as a tonic for the nervous system, St. John's Wort continues to be a popular herb for dealing with depression while nurturing and fortifying the nervous system. It is popularly used throughout Europe as an alternative to anti-depressive drug prescriptions.
Hawthorne Berries
Hawthorn berries are beneficial for building cardiovascular strength. They are often used to calm the heartbeat, regulate high blood pressure and calm the breath in cases of stress.
Feverfew and Willowbark
These two herbs help to calm the digestive system as well as to alleviate symptoms of insomnia due to stress. Feverfew was used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as a remedy for migraine headaches. This was later discovered to be due an abundance of "parthenolides," a substance which helps to regulate the body in its reaction to stress. Willow bark contains "salicin," which also helps to alleviate pain in the muscles and joints.
Valerian
Valerian is often recommended as an herb for counteracting insomnia. Because of its sedative properties, valerian has been used since early Greek and Roman times as an antidote to anxiety and restlessness. It was widely used in the 16th century to treat nervous conditions and sleeping disorders, and during World War II valerian was popularly used in the UK to alleviate the stress from constant air raids.
Oat Straw
Calming to the nervous system, oat straw is an excellent herb for treating depression and nervous exhaustion. It also helps nourish the nerves, inviting better sleeping patterns and helping to eliminate headaches as well as the symptoms of menopause.
Chamomile and Peppermint
These herbs, when brewed as teas, are beneficial to the digestive system and also help to calm the mind. Peppermint is often used in aromatherapy to calm headaches and neurological pain.
