5 Herbal Medicines To Help You Beat Stress
Looking for a way to relieve stress? There are many herbal medicines with stress-relieving properties that could be worth trying. Below are five prime examples.
CBD
CBD comes from the hemp plant. It is essentially the ingredient within cannabis that makes you relaxed, but without the high. Studies have found CBD to be very effective at reducing cortisol levels (the hormone that makes you stressed). On top of this, it can improve sleep quality and even provide pain relief. There are a few different ways to consume CBD including as an oil from a tincture, as a pill, as a vape liquid or even as a gummy sweet. You’ll find not shortage of products online.
Valerian
The root of the valerian plant has long been used as a herbal medicine. It is most commonly ground up and turned into tablets or capsules, however it can also be drunk as a tea. Many people find valerian to be effective at relieving anxiety, and there are many supplements available aimed at anxiety relief. In larger doses, valerian is also known for being a potent sleep supplement – if you suffer from stress-related insomnia, it could be worth trying valerian-based sleep products. Valerian root is thought to be very safe and any side effects are rare.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a herbal remedy that can also be effective at providing anxiety relief. It contains kavapyrones that have a similar effect to alcohol – making you feel calm, relaxed and happy, but without the fuzzy drunken feeling. Kava tea is one of the best ways to consume this herb, although you can also take it in other forms like tablets and tinctures. It is worth noting that kava has been banned in some countries for its potential risk of liver damage – however most studies suggest that it is safe, providing that you’re not consuming it too regularly.
Passionflower
There are several touted health benefits of passionflower including its ability to reduce seizures and improve sleep quality. However, its most reliable benefit is its ability to reduce stress levels. Passionflower is sometimes recommended to patients looking to reduce pre-surgery anxiety as it does not interfere with anaesthesia. The most popular way to consume passionflower is to boil the flower in a tea. There are passionflower teabags that you can buy online if you haven’t got access to freshly picked flowers. Other forms of supplement containing passionflower can also be purchased online.
Lavender
The aroma of lavender alone is known to help calm people down and promote sleep. Lavender sprays, candles and oils are sometimes used in bedrooms to help create a calming atmosphere and reduce insomnia. However, it’s also possible to consume lavender in the form of a tea to help promote sleep or simply relieve stress. The most common way to prepare lavender tea is to brew it from its buds. There are lavender teabags that you can buy to do this, or you can use freshly picked lavender.
