A wide range of herbs are used to treat stress, notes MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. They can be used in tea or placed in a pillow so the scent of the herb wafts out. Using herbs is a natural way to avoid prescription medications used to treat stress. Some herbs do have side effects that can impact overall health. Always consult a doctor before using herbs as a naturopathic treatment at home.
American Ginseng
American ginseng is an herb taken to relieve stress and boost function of the immune system, notes MedlinePlus. This herb is safe for short-term use but is possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. The possible side effects of American ginseng include a fast heartbeat, a spike in blood pressure or a decrease in blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, and breast discomfort. Rare side effects include liver damage, Stevens-Johnson syndrome rash or a strong allergic reaction.
Kava and Chamomile
The herbs kava and chamomile are used in teas to release stress. Kava is made from the roots of a pepper plant that originated in Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. Kava should not be used by anyone with liver disease of Parkinson's disease, notes the All About Life Challenges website. Chamomile tea is created from the stewed chamomile herb. Chamomile tea induces relaxation and stress relief, notes BHIA.org.
Lavender
The herb lavender is used to relieve stress symptoms. This herb is used in aromatherapy. It is also placed in pillows or sachets to help achieve calm before sleep, in massage oils and in bath salts to provide a relaxing aroma, notes BHIA.org.
Passion Flower
The passion flower herb helps eliminate stress and lessen the impact of emotional trauma, notes BHIA.org. It is also effective at quelling insomnia due to anxiety. Passion flower is a vine native to the southeastern area of America. Passion flower herb slows the pulse and has long been used by Native Americans as a natural cure for anxiety, notes Vitamins-Supplements.org.
Saint John's Wort
Saint John's Wort is another herb that is used to decrease stress. It also increases the ability to relax, notes Stress-Anxiety-Depression.org. This herb works to increase the sense of well-being to help enjoy life fully.
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