Herbal Stress Relief –
Can herbs reduce your stress?
There are many herbal supplements out there with claims of herbal stress relief. While many do not actually work, there are some that have a strong following and possibly some merit to them working.
Do Herbal Supplements Reduce Stress?
Scientific evidence is limited on whether herbal treatments actually do work. Clinical trials have often not been performed to prove the claims that herbal supplements do reduce stress. There are a lot of believers that herbal supplements do work and they often have massive followings. Some herbs may work for some people and not others. Many herbal supplements are safe, for example chamomile, and do not have any side effects so it may be worth a try to see if it works for you.
Popular Herbal Stress Relief Supplements
Chamomile: This is a popular herb to use particularly in the form of tea. Chamomile helps relieve indigestion and has mild relaxation and sedative possessions. This herb is great to make as a tea just before bed. It will help you relax and calm down. Many people say that it helps them sleep better if they drink a cup of chamomile just before bedtime. Herbal tea is a great and safe way to reduce your stress.
Lavender: This is one of the most popular herbs used for herbal stress relief. It can be taken orally, sipped in tea, or inhaled. Putting a few drops of lavender scented oil in your bath is a great way to reduce your stress and relax.
Kava Kava: People in the South Pacific have used this for its calming properties for many generations. Kava is usually taken in the form of a drink and has been shown to reduce mild stress and feelings of anxiety, as well has help you sleep better. It has mild muscle realing properties. Excess use of Kava has shown to cause liver problems, so use sparingly and keep your doctor informed when using kava.
St. Johns Wort: This herb is used to treat mild depression and anxiety, and may help relieve your feelings of stress. It is usually taken in the form of a capsule.
Valerian: This herb is often taken in the form of a tablet and is said to mainly help with insomnia, though it does have some anxiety reducing properties.
Passion Flower: Passion Flower is said to help reduce stress and anxiety and is most often used by putting a few drops of the oil in some warm water or tea.
Health Risks of Herbal Supplements
While taking herbal supplements for stress reduction does have some merit, it is important to follow the directions and not take more than what is recommended. Herbal supplements can have risks especially when taken in large doses or for long periods of time. Some herbal supplements have been shown to interact with medication your doctor has prescribed for you, causing it to be ineffective or amplifying potentially harmful side effects. Herbal supplements can also cause problems if you have to go into surgery. This is why it is important to always tell your doctor of any herbal supplements you are taking so he or she can make sure there won't be any interactions or problems.
Many people think herbal supplements are safe because they are not a “drug”, but they often have similar side effects or can cause similar problems. Herbal supplements are often not regulated and should be taken with caution and only when you have properly learned about the risks and benefits.
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