The Top (Legal) Herbs to Relieve Stress
Life is riddled with stress. Some of the complications of stress are poor health, heart attack, stroke, marital strain, increased conflicts in our relationships, lowered work production, and the list goes on. Stress is probably the single largest cause of absenteeism in the work force. While not all stress is bad stress, it is the purpose of this article to examine herbs and the ways we can use them to aid in the reduction of stress that causes harm.
Herbs have been used for hundreds of years for calming effects. They have been inhaled, bathed in, brewed, ingested, worn and viewed. Often times people have been known to drink alcohol to relieve stress, when alcohol is actually a depressant. Alcohol depletes the body of B and C vitamins and inhibits its use of calcium raising the risk of bone fractures – The Complete Book of Natural & Medicinal Cures. It also increases high blood pressure and the likelihood of insomnia. This is not referring to an occasional drink but to excessive and regular use of alcoholic beverages.
What are some of the better known herbs that can benefit mankind in bringing about a relaxed nature?
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Passionflower – The five petals and five sepals of the flower have been told to represent the most faithful disciples of Christ. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. The early American Indians used the crushed leaves in a tea or a poultice. The tea would relax them and soothe their nerves. We have long employed its use for tension, fatigue, insomnia and even hyperactivity of children.
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Chamomile or camomile – When I lived in the south Bronx I often drank chamomile tea after my karate practice to wind down as sparring would leave me feeling on edge. Soon my sensei was enjoying the drink as well. It’s gentle properties help to calm the digestive system and relieve the jittery feelings of an adrenalin rush. The sedative Apigenin is found in chamomile.
In Herbal Simples by Dr. W.T. Ferni, you can find written “No simple (herb)in the whole catalog of herbal medicines is possessed of a quality more friendly and beneficial to the intestines than Camomile flowers.”
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Lavender – Some add it to a sachet under their pillow to induce relaxation, or their nightly bath water. Adding lemon balm or melissa helps to promote sound sleep according to Dr. Duke. If using essential oils first dilute them with a carrier oil before massaging and do not ingest them. Some lavender, such as Spanish lavender, will actually have the reverse effect, so be sure to ask first warns Dr. Duke. The calming lavender oil will slow the nerves and help to relax the body with a slightly anesthetic effect.
Liked it
mkd1788 | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
very useful and detailed description..
BC Doan | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Beautiful article..complete and full of information that is so useful for this time of the year, or any time of the year! I love herbs! Buzzed..
jaysonv | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
wow..great post..very interesting..
AlmaG | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
That’s very interesting! Camomile scent makes me feel sleepy. It’s a true stress reliever because it allows your body to rest.
Jenny Heart | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
All great ones. I’ve used a few of these you have listed. They are helpful in reducing stress.
Louie Jerome | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting and informative article.
Christine Ramsay | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
A very good article. I have tried some of these herbs and have found them to be really beneficilal.
Christine
Glynis Smy | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
I have several of these in my garden and use them all the time. There are a few you have mentioned that I will have to investigate, thanks.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Very useful information. Some of these herbs are very helpful in relieving certain illnesses. Thanks, sister! You’ve me given you “I liked it”
Joe Poniatowski | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Since catnip grows wild all over our farm, I might look into that – this is the first time I’ve heard that it can be for humans, too.
Moses Ingram | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for this great post.
valli | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Nice information.
Ruby Hawk | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Several of these I have used. It’s a good idea to use herbs and wild plants anytime we can. They are truely rich with vitamins amd are good for you. Sassafras tea is another good tonic that is a good pick me up.
Judy Sheldon | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
mkd1788, thank you for your support.
Icy, BC Doan, thanks so much for your support. I love herbs too! Can you tell?
Jaysonv, thank you for reading and leaving a nice comment.
AlmaG, chamomile, or camomile is calming.
Jenny, God gives His children all the best.
Louie, I enjoyed researching this one. Thanks for your support.
Christine, I’m glad you have tried some of them. They are beneficial.
Glynis, let me know what you think after you investigate more.
Chan, thanks for the comment and the like it!
Take care.
Joe, I love catnip tea. I sleep more soundly after a cup.
Moses, thanks for your support.
Valli, thanks and take care!
Ruby, I’m going to have to look into sasafrass.
papaleng | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
Well-researched and very interesting post. My wife is very keen on taking herbal teas. I;ll share this post with her.
Judy Sheldon | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
Papaleng, so am I. Thanks for stopping by and I am sure she will find at least one herbal to interest her.
Merry Christmas, take care & God bless!
Alexa Gates | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
I think maybe i should get some lavendar i’ve been getting very stressed out lately! Great article!
Judy Sheldon | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
Alexa, try some herbs. I know you have a lot going on and getting a good nights rest has got to help!
Take care, God bless & Merry Christmas!
CA Johnson | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
This is wonderful information. I didn’t know these herbs were so useful. Thanks for letting us know. I hope you have a great holiday.
Judy Sheldon | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
CA, thanks so much for your support. Have a very merry Christmas!
devsir | Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Interesting and informative.
Judy Sheldon | Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Devsir, thanks so much for your support.
Take care & stay well.
Verniel Cutar | Dec 30, 2009 | Reply
Excellent post, Judy! I think it’s safe to say that herbs are indeed performs wonders for the body. They can do more for the body all medicines combined. Of course, the help of a doctor is needed…but if you want to remedy stress, sleeping pills and prescription drugs do not provide a long term solution.
Great info you have here!
Verniel Cutar | Dec 30, 2009 | Reply
I want to correct my typing error there: “I think it’s safe to say that herbs indeed perform wonders for the body”.
Good day!
jaysonv | Dec 30, 2009 | Reply
wow.. i didn’t know that.. great post very informative..thanks for sharing this.. take care..
Advance Happy New Year to you..
John Mancho | Jan 1, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the tips. Happy New Year!
Judy Sheldon | Jan 1, 2010 | Reply
Verniel, thanks for your support. Don’t worry about the typo. It happens to me all the time.
Jaysonv, many herbals provide health benefits that are far safer than medications. We should examine them closer.
John Mancho, thanks so much for your support.
Happy New Years and God bless!
deep blue | Jan 9, 2010 | Reply
Well researched post. You are a patient writer, thanks for sharing.
Athlyn Green | Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
Very good information, Judy. Well done!
Mukundan | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Great work. Interesting article. Liked ur post very much. I have written an article on Benefits of Baking Soda . When you get time please visit and comment. We shall maintain a good commenting – relationship.
Judy Sheldon | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Deep Blue & Athlyn, thanks so much for your support.
Mukundan, I definitely will check that out. I wrote an article too about baking soda, listing over 40 uses so I am curious to see if you found any that I overlooked: http://www.gomestic.com/Cooking/Chemistry-in-the-Kitchen.55150
Take care and God bless.
Tmrobotix | Jan 20, 2010 | Reply
Nice article however MAO inhibitors are not forgiving in use.
There’s a full list with food NOT to eat when taking MAO inhibitors.
You can check the list here:
http://azarius.net/pages/maoi_page/?lang=7
Take care when using MAO inhibitors!
Judy Sheldon | Jan 20, 2010 | Reply
Tmrobotix, you are so right. This is why I always recommend working with your physician. I know that licorice & St John’s Wort increase blood pressure.