Among the natural ways to fight stress, it is worth reaching for some herbs. What herbs are effective in relieving stress and soothing nerves? You will read about it in the article below.
This showy shrub often appears in gardens as a decoration. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, it also has important health properties.
Berberis edible fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and elements beneficial to our health, such as: vitamin C, vitamin E, tannins, berberine, berbamine, mineral salts, carotenoids and organic acids.
These substances stimulate the nervous system, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and have a positive effect on concentration and mood. Therefore, this herb is a great ally in the fight against stress, neurosis and sleep problems.
St. John’s wort, which grows in meadows, was once used as a remedy for melancholy. Nowadays, it is widely used in medicine and pharmacology. St. John’s wort is rich in xanthones, flavonoids, rutin, organic acids as well as vitamins A and C.
It has calming and antidepressant properties – a substance present in St. John’s Wort, called hypericine, inhibits the breakdown of serotonin, whose deficiency in the body leads to bad mood, anxiety and depression. This is why St. John’s wort is often used in pharmacology to make antidepressants.
It is worth bearing in mind that St. John’s wort increases the body’s sensitivity to light. Therefore, when consuming this herb, it is better to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and give up the solarium.
Valerian, or valerian, is a common remedy for sedation. It is also famous for making it easier to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep.
The substances to which it owes its positive effects are mainly valtrate and essential oil. These components lower the activity of the central nervous system, reduce tension and feelings of anxiety, thus inducing a pleasant state of relaxation.
In addition, thanks to substances such as free monoterpenes, organic acids and mineral compounds, valerian also relieves hypertension, menstrual pain, dandruff and seborrhea.
As the name suggests, Chinese citronella is naturally found in the Far East.
This herb has a whole host of health properties such as relieving stress, enhancing mental balance, improving memory and concentration. Its action reduces the production of cortisol (known as the stress hormone) in the body. Thus, it prevents feelings of anxiety, fear, tension and irritability. It also helps with sleep problems.
When taken regularly, it has a positive effect on the body’s resistance to difficult external stress factors.
Lavender can be applied both externally and internally. The scent of lavender alone can have a relaxing effect and put us in a good mood.
Lavender essential oil can be used to prepare an aromatherapy session, e.g. by pouring a few drops into a scented fireplace or sprinkling the walls of the shower cabin before taking a bath.
To fight stress, sleep problems and to soothe nerves we recommend lavender infusions, as well as pharmacological preparations containing lavender extract.
main photo: unsplash.com/Luke Barnard
