8 Ancient Herbs to Erase Stress and Anxiety Naturally
If you often experience anxiety in the form of worrying, racing thoughts, and other common symptoms, consider treating your condition with herbs instead of medication. Many cultures have been using herbs as a natural anxiety treatment for thousands of years, and they work quite well if they are used properly. Learn which herbs are best for your needs and how to use them in the safest and most effective way.Here are eight herbs for stress and anxiety that might just surprise you.
1. Blue vervain (verbena hastata)
You may not know this potent treat, but the ancients sure did. It was a favorite herb for many civilizations, including Roman, Celtic, and Native Americans. Blue Vervain has many actions, including cleansing your liver, reducing sugar cravings, sweating out a fever, relaxing your muscles, balancing female hormones, and calming your nervous system. But it’s best used for the overachiever, perfectionist type who specifically carries tension in the neck and shoulders. This ally will vastly reduce stress and neck pain, along with getting you out of your head and back on track to changing the world.
2. Lemon balm.
This herb is native to the Mediterranean, and has a long history of using as an anxiety remedy. Lemon balm is used throughout the world to calm the nervous system and digestive tract and to reduce blood pressure. The herb extracts have medicinal ingredients that seem to have a calming effect on the mind, and it's one of the most popular herbs used to treat anxiety.
Studies have shown that the calming effect of Lemon balm is often reported when combined with other anti-anxiety herbs. This natural herb is also found effective against a number of ailments including stomach discomfort, colic, cold sores, restlessness, and dyspepsia.
3. Slippery elm (ulmus fulva)
The inner bark of the elm tree has been a medicinal favorite of the Native Americans for centuries. Packed with nutrients, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, slippery elm can give a real boost to nervous system function. But its real value comes from the presence of mucilage in the bark, which soothes and coats all mucus membranes, including the digestive tract. If you’re one of the many people who hold stress in their stomachs, then slippery elm can teach you how to quite literally let go and get back on your game.
4. Ingest lavender.
- Lavender is also used to treat digestive problems and abdominal pain.
- Do not give lavender to boys who have not yet reached puberty. It may interfere with hormones that cause normal growth to occur.
5. Wood betony (stachys officinalis)
Another ancient herb that’s fallen out of favor, wood betony is the premiere headache herb. When you’ve got too much energy circulating the noggin, betony will pull you right back down into your body. It’s good for nervousness, anxiety, hysteria, or the occasional stuck-in-your-head syndrome. It will pull you away from your thoughts and back into your body, where you can take action, instead of mulling it over all day long.
6. Chamomile.
Chamomile flowers are often made into tea that is used to treat mild anxiety and stress and settle an upset stomach. Chamomile is best used to great situational stress after a long day, rather than long-term anxiety
7. Ashwagandha.
8. Valerian.
Valerian is a flowering plant whose roots are said to have sedative, calming properties and aid in the treatment of anxiety-induced insomnia. It is used around the world to reduce stress and promote sleep