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Natural Herbs for Stress

Stress can cause mental and physical problems. Natural herbs, when used with other treatments such as exercise and a healthy diet, can help lower your stress levels. It's a way to protect your health from the effects of stress without putting harmful chemicals into your body. Always ask your doctor before you take natural herbs, especially if you're taking medication.

  1. Types of Herbs

    • Adapatogenic herbs, tonic herbs and nervine herbs each help your stress in different ways. Adapatogenic herbs, or rejuvenating herbs such as ginseng and licorice, help your body adapt to things that cause you stress or help you resist stress. Tonic herbs nourish your body, including certain cells, tissues and organs. They also build your immunity. Some tonic herbs are ginseng root and panax ginseng. A few tonic herbs are adaptogens. Nervine herbs such as black cohosh and chamomile heal your nervous system.

    Chamomile and Passionflower

    • Chamomile is a natural herb used to treat many ailments, including stress. It can work as a mild sedative to soothe your nerves and ease irritability so you can relax and get the rest you need. Chamomile can be taken as a tea, essential oil, capsule or extract. Passionflower is another natural herb used to combat stress. Depression from stress may also be helped by taking passionflower. It has a mild sedative effect that comes mainly from the plant leaves and stems. It can help you when you're nervous or tense without causing addiction.

    Kava and Valerian Root

    • Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that can help relieve stress, tension and relax your muscles. The stress relief comes from the chemical in kava called kavalactone. If you're feeling stressed when you go to bed, kava may help you sleep. Kava shouldn't be taken with alcohol or antidepressants. It also shouldn't be taken for long periods because it can harm the liver. Make sure the kava you take is of the best quality to get optimal benefits. Valerian root is a natural herb that can be used to treat occasional nervousness or stress. It may calm your mind and relax your muscles. Valerian root may also help you sleep better because it has sedative properties.

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