Herbs for Stress Management

By | February 16, 2019


What would it look like if everyone got along work and was civil? Well, we live and work with so many types of people—some who act nice and some who behave with antagonism towards others in the workplace. If you are dreading going to work because you must deal with uncivil coworkers, bosses or employees, it may take a toll on your health and well-being. Stress has such a negative impact on most people.

Dawn Westmoreland

Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.

Years ago, when I retired from the Air Force, I began learning about medicinal plants or herbs that could help with my own wellbeing. Twenty years of being in the Air Force had taken a toll on me and I wanted to learn how to manage my stress levels so I could feel more peace in my life. I will share some of my favorite herbs or medicinal plants I use daily.

Please seek medical advice from your care provider before using herbs for your health. Some herbs may interfere with medicine you may be taking or not be appropriate for you.

One of my favorite herbs is Chamomile. This herb is a very calming herb that has helped me relax, sleep better, and support an upset stomach. You can go to most grocery or health food stores and purchase Chamomile tea. Another one of my favorites is Lemon Balm, which I grow in my garden. It has a lemon flavor and I often will pick some of the leaves and steep boiling water over it in my cup.

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For me, it’s therapeutic growing my own herbs to use for myself. I enjoy drying or picking herbs to use for herbal teas. Some herbs are truly wonderful! For example, adaptogenic herbs act as a tonic. They support the organs and systems affected by stress and help your mind and body to be more resistant during stressful times.

It is safe to take adaptogens for long periods of time. It may take weeks or months to realize their full benefits. Herbal adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola Rosea, Schisandra and more. They are commonly taken as tinctures and capsules although some are good in tea and even as food.

Often, I will make an herbal tea and drink it throughout the day. Herbs can be ingested as a tea, tincture, capsule and other ways. Every year, I plant Holy Basil, which is an adaptogenic herb. It will often reseed in my garden.

All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance. The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. But scientific research shows that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress.

What I like a lot about herbs and medicinal plants is that many of them do not have harmful side effects. They can be a safer solution to wellbeing and managing your stress levels. That is a good thing

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