9 Herbs with Natural Calming Properties
Whether you realize it or not, you encounter various stressors each day, ranging from time-sensitive deadlines and sitting in traffic to financial difficulties. While a little stress is completely normal and actually good for the body, mild stress with no outlet can have a serious impact on your health.
Fortunately, there are countless natural ways to reduce these feelings of mild panic and worry, like calming herbs. Medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years, namely in Ayurvedic Indian medicine, to heal and balance the body without the adverse side effects that are common of many traditional solutions.
Nine of these herbal solutions can also be used to help you relax mentally and physically:
1. Ashwaganda Root (Withania somnifera)
Crowned the “King of Herbs,” Ashwaganda root is an adaptogen. In other words, it helps the body adapt to stress. This revitalizing tonic may allow you to overcome and manage the effects of stress by calming the nervous system and boosting mood.
2. Holy Basil Leaf (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Tulsi
Another adaptogen, Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi in Indian, is deemed the “Queen of Herbs.” This medicinal herb promotes calmness and relaxation without causing drowsiness. By making you more resilient to stress, Holy Basil may also encourage mental clarity and lower associated side effects, including exhaustion and forgetfulness.
3. California Poppy Flower (Eschscholzia californica)
The California state flower, the poppy flower, is a calming nervine, which means that it is a gentle tonic used to soothe the nervous system, relax the body and occasionally support a good night’s rest.
4. Passionflower Leaf (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower has been used since the 16th century as a sedative. It not only has the potential to reduce stress and calm the nerves but also to relax the muscles and promote a more restful slumber.
5. Kava Kava Root (Piper methysticum)
One of the more euphoric calming herbs, Kava Kava root induces pleasantness to ease tension of the mind and body. If your sleeplessness stems from anxiety, then this herb may assist with a restful slumber.
6. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian root is a nervous system and muscle relaxant, giving it a range of potential in easing temporary anxiety, supporting restful sleep and even soothing an upset stomach, a common side effect of stress.
7. Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis)
While Lemon Balm is one of many calming herbs that contains sedative elements, it can also increase alertness. This herbal solution may ease the nervousness and exitability that accompanies stress and encourage sleep by providing anxiety relief. As a member of the mint family, it also has the potential to support digestion.
8. Chamomile
The stress-relieving elements in the Chamomile plant have made this one of the most popular calming herbs for unwinding. Commonly used in “sleepy time teas,” chamomile is a go-to for those looking to relax and sleep well, even children.
9. Ginger
Ginger has long been a calming home remedy, especially for the stomach. This aromatic herb maintains healthy digestion and alleviates queasiness.
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