The stress of everyday life can put a strain on our minds and body. As we get older, we become more susceptible to the effects of physical and mental stress. Our bodies can grow tired from our daily routine, leading to muscle or back pain. A new life challenge such as a loss of a loved one can create anxiety. The combination of stress and anxiety can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems.
In old civilizations like China, India, and Greece herbal remedies are part of the history and local traditions. Natural herbs like cannabis, lavender, and chamomile are just a few effective ways to ease anxiety and stress and restore balance in your system without the harmful side effects of prescription drugs.
Listed below are the essential herbal remedies to de-stress your body and mind.
Cannabis
Long-term stress and inflammation can lead to further health issues. Cannabis has been at the forefront of the health and wellness industry for providing relief to those suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, depression, insomnia, seizures, and anxiety. Ingesting low doses of cannabis has been noted to reduce symptoms of stress by helping induce the release of endorphins into our systems. Its therapeutic abilities alleviate anxiety, induce better sleep quality, minimize inflammation and pain to help you clear your mind and make you feel better about your body.
If cannabis is part of your wellness routine, storing it properly should be your top priority. Source a high-quality weed humidor designed to maintain a perfect 62% humidity level for your cannabis to remain fresh, free from molds, and retain its potency.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as an effective herbal remedy for centuries. Sourced from daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family, it has been ingested as a natural cure for multiple health issues. Chamomile tea is one of the most well-known forms, where the flowers are dried and infused with hot water in a pot. It can calm your jittery nerves, relax tired muscles, reduce stress and anxiety, and help those suffering from irregular sleep patterns like insomnia.
Chamomile also aids in gut health, improves digestion, and soothes headaches. When applied to the skin, chamomile can reduce skin irritation and inflammation. Add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in 2 cups of hot water and let it steep for a minimum of 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy your calming cup of chamomile tea.
Lavender
Lavandula or more popularly known as lavender is a natural remedy for jitters and anxiety. It is a flowering plant from the mint family and named after its vibrant hue, native to Africa, Europe, and Asia. Lavender is most commonly used as an essential oil for aromatherapy. Research shows that a person massaged with lavender oil feels more relaxed and calm. It also works as a natural sedative and induces sleep by minimizing the levels of cortisol, which is the hormone responsible for anxiety and stress.
Add 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil in your bath, or in 2 cups of boiled water to inhale the relaxing vapors. When mixed with another carrier oil such as almond oil, virgin coconut oil, it can be used to massage aching muscles and acupressure points on your body.
Kava root
Kava is used for its sedating effects throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Hawaii, Palau, Polynesia, and some parts of Micronesia. In the West, it is exported as herbal medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. The root of the plant is developed into a drink that works as a natural sedative and anesthetic. It can alleviate the symptoms that come with chronic anxiety without giving off that ‘fuzzy’ or drowsy feeling.
Kava’s calming qualities relieve restlessness and sleeplessness and other anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tightness or spasms. Kava extract has been developed into a capsule or tablet form for a more controlled and measured dosage.
Valerian
Valerian is a herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. This natural sedative is made from the root. It is commonly used to treat sleep disorders, like insomnia. The extract comes in oil form and is used in food and beverages. It is consumed orally to minimize the symptoms of psychological stress.
It is handy in calming your nerves and helps you sleep. Compared to other pharmaceutical drugs, it is not addictive and does not make you feel groggy or drowsy in the same way sleeping pills can make you feel the morning after.
Tulsi
A close relative of the culinary basil you put on your favorite pasta dish, tulsi or holy basil is a traditional herb used in Ayurveda that is found locally in India and South East Asia. It is called an adaptogenic herb, which means it is able to adapt to your body’s stress levels and positively boost your energy.
Chronic stress can lead to unwanted inflammation making your body more susceptible to other illnesses. When consumed on a regular basis, it not only provides relief to stress and anxiety but has a positive effect on one’s physical and psychological being. Boil ¼ cup of tulsi leaves with 2 cups of water. Strain and add a teaspoon of lemon juice for maximum effectiveness.
Final thoughts
Our lives can sometimes be compared to the scariest roller coaster ride in an amusement park. It is full of ups and downs and moments that can make our minds and bodies tired and stressed out. A visit to the doctor could mean a long list of medications that can result in adverse reactions to your health, combined with dependency and addiction.
Herbs such as cannabis, lavender, and tulsi are good examples of treating anxiety and stress the natural way. They do not come with the harmful side effects of prescription drugs. Herbal remedies create a calm mind and body which enables us to lead a healthy life which we can share with our loved ones for many years to come.
