Recipe for Herbal Stress Relief

According to a 2007 APA survey, one-third of Americans live with extreme stress levels and 48 percent of adult Americans feel that their stress levels have increased significantly over the past five years. Stress can lead to major health problems, poor work and family relationships and low productivity at work. The use of herbs for stress relief dates back more than 5,000 years. These days herbal remedies are a significant part of health treatments for people who prefer to choose an effective alternative option.

Effects of Stress on the Body

• When you are suffering from stress a number of changes take place in the body. If the stress is unpleasant (distress) your heart rate begins to increase, blood vessels dilate and metabolism decreases. To give you added energy, glucose is released into your bloodstream. The body also produces a hormone called cortisol that increases blood pressure and decreases immune response. Along with these changes the muscles become tense, pupils enlarge and breathing and sweating increases.

Herbs for Stress

• A number of herbs are recommended for stress and can help to reduce tension, relieve anxiety and nervous headaches, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels and aid muscle relaxation and restful sleep. Herbs recommended for stress reduction include ginseng, St. John's wort, chamomile, valerian and lemon balm.

Herbal Tea for Stress

• To make a soothing herbal tea to combat the day-to-day symptoms of stress you will need some dried ginseng root (Panax or Asian ginseng is the most effective type) and some dried lemon balm. The tea is simple to make: all you need to do is put a teaspoon of each herb in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Allowing it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes will draw the active compounds into the water. Then strain the tea and drink while it is still warm. Add honey or sugar to sweeten. You can drink this tea three to four times a day and if you drink it an hour before your usual bedtime it will aid restful sleep.

Side Effects

• Side effects of ginseng may include excitability, nervousness, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, skin rash and digestive problems. If you experience any of these side effects you should stop using ginseng immediately and contact your physician.