Everyone experiences anxiety or stress once in a while, but some--whether it is because of jobs, personal situations, relationships or expectations--feel almost daily stress. Stress wreaks havoc on your physical and emotional well being. While there are drugs and medications available to you if you suffer from stress, anxiety or nerves, you may not want to take them for personal or medical reasons. Herbs have long been used for both physical and emotional support and are safe and effective when used properly.
Valerian Root
Valerian root can be taken in extract form for the treatment of anxiety or stress. Valerian root acts as a sedative to reduce heart palpitations and stress, according to the Find Depression Treatment website. Valerian root capsules or supplements can be taken up to three times a day for anxiety in 150mg-capsule doses, states the Holistic Online website. Valerian root can be taken in hot water as a tea. Blend 1 tsp. with 1 pint of water heated to a boil. Drink 1 cup every day.
Passion Flower
Passion flower has long been used to treat nerves and relieve tension. Mixing about 1/2 tsp. of the herb in 1 cup of water heated to a boil and ingested every few hours. It will help promote calm and reduce anxiety. Passion flower may help lower blood pressure and reduce hyperactivity and nervous tension, states the Native Remedies website.
American Ginseng
American ginseng promotes calm in the nervous system and increases your resistance to stress, according to the Holistic Online website. According to the Find Depression Treatment website, ginseng is believed to help promote balance in your body and improve function of the adrenal glands, which control stress levels in the body.
Lavender
For thousands of years, the scent of lavender has promoted a sense of calm in those using the scent in dream pillows, teas, sachets and lotions. As a natural relaxant, lavender is noted for its ability to restore a sense of well being and calm to many. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender has been shown to slow nervous system activity and aid relaxation and ease restlessness and has also been used in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with dementia to promote calm. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests 1 to 2 tsp. of the herb infused with 1 cup of hot water one to three times a day.
Damiana
Damiana, commonly found in Latin America, has been used by native peoples in that region for generations to restore healthy balance between mind and body. It also has been used as a nerve tonic and a treatment for anxiety and mild depression, according to the Find Depression Treatment website. Capsules, tea blends, tablets and tinctures containing damiana purchased at vitamin and health food stores and should be taken according to the package's directions.
Member Comments