Natural Herbs that Reduce Stress

Camille & Bret McClellan
Nov 3, 2015
3 min read

Welcome to the Age of Stress and Anxiety. Nowadays, finding time to calm a busy mind is tough. “I will meditate tonight.” “I will figure out a way to squeeze yoga into my busy schedule.” “I will strive to balance work and my personal life.” “I will give myself some ‘me time.’” These are just some of the things we tell ourselves every day. However, no matter how determined we are, we often fail to make it all fit.

There is no doubt that lifestyle changes and better habits can beat stress. But for some of us who struggle with a busy schedule, there are other ways to destress. One effective way is to use herbal formulas from traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. These herbs have been used for centuries for relief from chronically-heightened stressful states. Here are some of them:

1. Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng)

Panax Ginseng has been used in China for over 5,000 years. It is also one of the most studied medicinal herbs. This widely-used herb has many purposes. It is known to ward off depression and promote a sense of calmness. It also provides much-needed energy which is why it is used in most energy drinks.

2. Holy Basil

Holy Basil is a relative of the garden-variety basil we use in our pasta. It comes from the lowlands of India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate stress. It also gives relief for ailments such as headaches, colds, digestive problems and inflammation. Plus, recent studies show that Holy Basil is also a rich source of antioxidants that can reduced blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

3. Rhodiola (Golden Root)

Rhodiola is a versatile herb which is relatively new to the Western market. Its popularity is still growing but it has been used in Asia and Scandinavia for centuries. This inexpensive herb is used to enhance mental performance. It is known to treat stress, depression and fatigue.

4. Ashwangandha

Ashwangandha is one of the restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Since the ancient times, it is used as a mood stabilizer and a mental performance enhancer. Many people believe it can reduce the effects of stress on the physical body.

5. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi literally means “supernatural.” In traditional Chinese medicine, these mushrooms are used to calm a person’s spirit. They are also helpful in reducing anxiety, fighting insomnia, combatting fatigue and lowering blood pressure.

6. Schizandra

Schizandra is sometimes called “five flavors berry” for its unique taste. It tastes sour, bitter, sweet, salty and acrid all at once. It is an herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for a wide variety of purposes. It promotes healthy liver function, strengthens the immune systems, relieves anxiety, boosts energy and promotes mental clarity.

7. He Shou Wu

This herb has an interesting story behind its name. He shou wu is named after a Chinese man who was known for his old age, impotency and alcoholism. One day, in a drunken stupor, he fell asleep in the forest and awoke beneath two intertwining herbs. He believed that the herbs were a sign. So, he ground up the root and took it. Legend says that after doing so, he developed incredible vitality. He grew his hair back and became young again. He then married and fathered many children. Because of this legend, the restorative herb is typically used as a tonic to delay the aging process. There is no proof that the story about the herb is true but recent studies discovered that he shou wu calms the nervous system, promotes hair growth, improves memory and aids in learning.

Often, when relief from stress is provided, individuals feel motivated and are able to start making better lifestyle choices. At McClellan Natural Health Wellness and Nutrition, we can kick away your stress through natural methods that work. Together we can explore other options aside from Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. We can also try aromatherapy, emotional balancing and many others. Take the first step to reclaiming your health! Schedule your free consultation by calling 770-865-7232. You may also send us a message at camille@mcclellannaturalhealth.com.