4 Herbs for Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Stress affects us all in one way or another. It can come from external sources like finances, work and relationships, or internal sources like disease and poor health in general. But, no matter what the cause, there are numerous ways  of coping with stress and preventing the worst of its effects. There are even herbs for anxiety and stress that can be used for complete natural treatment.

First, identify the cause of your stress. Many of us feel the effects of stress before we even realize something is bothering us. Maybe you’ve been putting off dealing with a problem and it’s rearing its ugly head by plaguing you with headaches. Perhaps, however, you’ve been depressed or anxious and it all ties back to financial stressors. Once you pinpoint what it is that’s bothering you, you can take steps to reduce its potential damage.

Eliminating the stressor isn’t always possible, but finding your own way of feeling a little better is. While you may be able to distance yourself from a person or situation that causes you stress, sometimes they are a part of your life. In cases like this, you have to minimize their impact.

You can do this through things like meditation, regular exercise, eating right, and maintaining appropriate boundaries in stressful relationships. Further, you should take a moment to analyze the way you think and perceive things around you and re-frame the negative events and occurrences that happen in your life.

But in addition to all of that, there are many herbs for stress and anxiety that can be put to use. Used in teas, as supplements or in topical massage oils, these stress-busting herbs can further reduce stress in your life.

Herbs for Anxiety and Stress

• Lavender – Fresh lavender or even lavender essential oil is known to reduce irritability and help promote a relaxed state of mind. Put a little in your bath or keep it around the house to set a calming environment.
• Chamomile – This is a good choice particularly if your stress is causing you to lose sleep. Chamomile taken as a tea can help you wind down after a particularly hectic day and get you ready for a good night’s rest.
• Licorice Root – In addition to simulating relaxing chemicals in the brain, licorice root is said to normalize blood sugar and even regulate your adrenal glands. It also helps you cope with general stress. Check out some other licorice benefits. Licorice also contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone.
• St. John’s Wort – Among the most popular herbs for anxiety and stress, St. John’s Wort has also been used during the  Renaissance and Victorian periods for various mental conditions and depression. It can be found in supplements or used in a tincture.

Often we can combat stress without any external solutions, through simple mindfulness and the realization that nothing is worth losing our health over. But, when you need help, choose a natural solution.

For more solutions, check out these 8 ways to de-stress the brain.

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