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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.
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1) Tulsi - Calms the Nervous System and Balances Cortisol
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 stress-relief tea, Cortisol Daytime.
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.
2. Ashwagandha - Supports Stress Recovery and Emotional Balance
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.
Ashwagandha is featured in the Cortisol Evening Tea, where it helps the body unwind after a stressful day and supports deep recovery during sleep. You can also find ashwagandha supplements and powders on Amazon or at your local natural foods store.
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 or Cortisol Daytime), 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. Skullcap - Helps Quiet a Racing Mind and Nervous Tension
Skullcap is a classic nervine herb that has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system. It is especially helpful for people who experience racing thoughts, mental restlessness, or that wired but exhausted feeling that often comes with high cortisol levels.
Rather than knocking you out, skullcap gently relaxes the mind and body by supporting the GABA system, which helps quiet excessive neural activity. This makes it ideal for evening use when your body is tired but your mind refuses to slow down.
Skullcap is included in the Cortisol Evening Tea, where it helps ease nervous tension, reduce anxiety, and create a smoother transition into rest and sleep.
5. Oatstraw - Nourishes and Rebuilds the Nervous System
Oatstraw is one of the most nourishing herbs for the nervous system. Unlike herbs that create an immediate calming effect, oatstraw works by replenishing nutrients that are depleted by chronic stress, including magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins.
Stress is incredibly depleting, both mentally and physically. Over time, nutrient depletion can worsen anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and sleep issues. Oatstraw helps rebuild resilience from the inside out, making it especially beneficial for people who feel emotionally drained or worn down.
You will find oatstraw in the Cortisol Evening Tea, where it supports long-term nervous system health and deep restoration.
6. Lemon Verbena - Supports Gentle Relaxation and Digestive Calm
Lemon verbena is a lightly calming herb with a bright, uplifting flavor that supports both the nervous system and digestion. Stress and digestion are closely linked, and lemon verbena helps relax the body without causing drowsiness.
This herb is especially helpful for stress that shows up as tension in the gut, shallow breathing, or restlessness. Lemon verbena promotes relaxation while still allowing you to stay present and alert, making it an excellent choice for daytime stress support.
Lemon verbena is featured in the Cortisol Daytime Tea, where it helps soften stress, improve mood, and support calm focus throughout the day.
7. Rooibos - Helps Protect the Body from Stress-Induced Inflammation
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic cortisol elevation is closely linked to increased inflammation, fatigue, and metabolic imbalance.
Rooibos supports adrenal health, blood sugar balance, and overall resilience during times of prolonged stress. It also provides a grounding, smooth base that makes stress-supportive blends enjoyable and easy to drink daily.
Rooibos is included in the Cortisol Daytime Tea, where it supports steady energy and protects the body from the physical toll of stress. You can also find rooibos in our Joint Support Tea.
A Simple, Daily Ritual for Managing Stress Naturally
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 Cortisol Tea Bundle here, which includes Cortisol Daytime and Cortisol Evening. 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 Guide to Managing Cortisol with Meal Planning.
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.