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Back in the day, when our ancestors were being chased by lions, having a stress response, aka a cortisol spike, was a lifesaver! This reaction would give them an instant burst of energy, allowing them to run faster and escape the lion's clutches. However, this cortisol spike would also interfere with other parts of the body, like digestion, because who needs to digest food when you're being chased by a big kitty?
Fast forward to today, and we no longer have to worry about being chased by lions, but we still have that same stress response for things like work deadlines, traffic jams, and even just thinking about the never-ending pile of dishes in the sink. This constant state of stress can be a real pain in the neck (literally!) as it can lead to physical and mental health issues. So, bottom line, our stress response may have been a lifesaver back in the day, but it's not quite as helpful in modern times. But fortunately, there are natural solutions available to help us manage and reduce stress! Keep reading for the 7 best herbs for promoting relaxation.
1) Valerian: The Tea For Sleep and Anxiety
Valerian root is a truly magical and transformative substance that can soothe your body, calm your mind, and lull you into a peaceful slumber. Valerian is very helpful to help you fall and stay asleep which is why we blend it in our Nitey Nite tea. But, we even use a tiny amount in our Anxiety Relief tea blend, because when consumed in very small doses, you'll just feel a warm, comforting sensation spread throughout your body, without the sleepiness. Scientists have found that valerian has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to manage stress in a natural way.
The natural sedative properties of valerian will gradually take hold, allowing you to relax and let go of any tension or stress you may be carrying.
2. Lemon Balm: The Tea For A Calm Mind
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been used for centuries to calm the mind and soothe the body. Its bright, lemony fragrance has a natural ability to relieve stress and anxiety, making it an excellent alternative to harsh chemical-laden products.
Not only does lemon balm have a pleasing aroma, but it also contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and eucalyptol that have been shown to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a natural way to manage stress and anxiety, or improve mental clarity.
One of the best things about lemon balm is that it is incredibly versatile and safe. People often use it as a safe, natural treatment for ADHD in children. If you're interested in giving your child a calming tea blend with lemon balm, Daily Calm would be my top suggestion. Save Anxiety Relief for yourself, or kids 12 and older.
3. Lavender: For A Happier Mood and Deeper Sleep
Lavender, with its enchanting aroma, has been a soothing and calming presence for centuries. Its delicate fragrance has been known to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, making it the perfect natural remedy for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Studies have shown that the scent of lavender can have a significant impact on our mood and stress levels, helping to ease anxiety and depression. The scent stimulates the release of calming neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to feelings of wellbeing and contentment. In addition, lavender has been found to have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, promoting deeper sleep and reducing feelings of fatigue.
Whether you choose to use lavender essential oil in a diffuser, or drink it in a calming tea blend (like Lush Lavender), the benefits of lavender for stress relief are undeniable!
Here are some of our favorite recipes with our most popular lavender blend, Lush Lavender:
Vibrant Pink Lavender Rose Latte Aromatic Lavender Chai Tea Latte
Lavender Chamomile Tea Latte 5 Minute Lavender Banana Milk
4. Ashwagandha Supports You Feeling Relaxed and Refreshed
Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogenic herb native to India, has been used for centuries to help combat stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Research has shown that ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels, a hormone that is produced in response to stress. By reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha helps to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
In addition to its stress-relieving properties, ashwagandha has also been shown to improve brain function, enhance endurance and athletic performance, and boost the immune system. This multi-faceted herb has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries and has now been backed by modern scientific research. Ashwagandha's powerful adaptogenic properties are sure to leave you feeling calm, relaxed, and refreshed.
We don't sell any teas with Ashwagandha at the moment, but you can find supplements and powders on Amazon or at your local natural foods store.
5. Chamomile: A Soothing Tea For Your Mind And Stomach
Chamomile, with its delicate fragrance and calming properties, has been a trusted natural remedy for stress relief for generations. Studies have shown that chamomile can have a profound impact on our mood and stress levels, thanks to its ability to stimulate the release of calming neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Drinking chamomile tea can help to soothe the mind and promote a sense of calm, which is why we use it in our calming tea, Daily Calm and our mood-boosting tea, Happy Place.
It's not just a natural remedy for stress relief, it is also a powerful ally for gut health. This gentle herb can help reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing symptoms of digestive discomfort, such as bloating, cramping, and constipation. That's why we also use chamomile in our stomach soothing blends, Stomach Soother and Bye Bye Bloat.
6. Tulsi: Can Help Muscle Tension, Headaches and Trouble Sleeping
Tulsi, also known as "holy basil", is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries to support mental and emotional well-being. This versatile herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and has been found to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. By helping to keep cortisol levels in check, tulsi can help to reduce the physical and mental symptoms of stress, such as muscle tension, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. This is why we include tulsi in our best-selling inflammation-reducing tea, Inflammation Relief, and our calming self-care tea, Hug In A Mug.
Tulsi is an awesome herb that has a host of other health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve overall health. Read more benefits you can get from Tulsi in 7 Reasons You Should Drink Tulsi Tea.
7. Kava Kava: For Calming Anxiousness and Promoting A Better Mood
Kava kava is a powerful natural remedy that has been used for centuries to reduce stress and anxiety. By increasing GABA levels in the brain, kava kava can help to reduce feelings of anxiety, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. In addition to its benefits for stress and anxiety, kava kava has also been found to have a positive impact on mood, helping to improve feelings of happiness and calmness.
So if you're looking for a natural, effective, and holistic way to reduce stress and improve your mental and emotional well-being, consider incorporating kava kava into your daily routine. Its potent relaxant properties, combined with its positive impact on mood, make kava kava a truly multi-faceted herb that can help to reduce stress and improve your overall health and emotional wellbeing. Find it in our blend for anxiousness, Anxiety Relief.
Stress is an unfortunate but all too common part of our modern lives. It can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health, leaving us feeling drained, anxious, and burnt out. However, the good news is that nature provides us with a variety of herbs that can help alleviate the effects of stress and bring a sense of calm to our hectic lives.
If you are interested in giving these herbs a try, check out our Stress Relief Tea Bundle here, which includes Anxiety Relief and Daily Calm. Why not give these herbs a try and discover the difference they can make to your life? Reducing stress is a journey, and incorporating these herbs into your routine can be a crucial step towards a happier, healthier, and more balanced you.
If you enjoyed reading this blog, you might also like this Relaxing Tea Shake Recipe.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.