Monday, September 19, 2011

How to Use Herbs to Relieve Stress

By Maria Andersen


If you look at all the different methods for relieving stress, you will find that herbs have been around for hundreds of years. Today, people may be more likely to expect their doctor to write them a prescription for a drug for a problem like stress, but many people are seeking simpler solutions. If you are suffering from symptoms of stress that are extreme, you should, most certainly, visit your medical practitioner and get a prescription. Aside from that, there are many instances where alternative or natural remedies - among them herbs - will be sufficient.

Many people use passionflower as their herb of choice for stress relief. Since it is also a natural sedative it can help with sleep problems as well. The fact that it is an antioxidant-rich herb is one more reason to give this beneficial herb a try. You should always exercise caution with herbal remedies just as you would when taking a prescribed medication. It's really not wise to go out for a drive or working on heavy machinery after taking passionflower no matter how mild its effects may be. If you don't take the right amount of the herb you could experience some side effects you'd rather skip. If you happen to be pregnant or are nursing, it's a good idea to avoid taking this herb. This herb can be used as an alternative to tranquilizers as long as it's used with caution and in moderation.

Perhaps the most famous of all stress reducing herbs is chamomile. It can be found in all kinds of concoctions, tinctures, potions, and teas. The use of chamomile as a medicinal herb goes back to ancient Egypt, and it's been used in many cultures since that time. Chamomile is a generally safe herb to take, with no known side effects, though one precaution that you should note is that you shouldn't take this herb if you're currently taking a blood thinner such as Verteporfin. Chamomile has, on rare occasions, been known to trigger allergic reactions.

Aromatherapy uses a wide range of stress reducing herbs and essential oils and is quite effective for relieving stress. Believe it or not, you really can find almost instantaneous relief from stress simply by breathing in the right fragrances. You should experiment with essential oils to find out which ones relieve stress for you, but some of the ones that often work for people include lavender, clary sage, lemon grass, sandalwood and sage. Try a few different methods of bringing these oils and herbs into the air around you.

Herbal remedies have been around for centuries and will continue to help people deal with physical and emotional issues. Herbs can effectively help you control your stress once you find the one that is right for you.




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