Do you feel constantly on edge? Are you exhausted at the thought of small tasks?
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. It’s true that small amounts of stress can support productivity. But, chronic levels lead to dysfunction throughout the body.
While modern medicine can be effective in lowering stress levels, there are a number of natural herbs that show promising regulating effects on the systems responsible for chronic stress.
In this article, we review the best herbs for stress and how these natural remedies can bring stress to manageable levels allowing for a more productive and peaceful lifestyle.
Table of Contents
The 12 Best Herbs for Stress:
Below are the best herbs for stress reduction. Research shows that these herbs help reduce anxiety, cortisol levels, and fatigue, and improve sleep and libido.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been known to reduce stress due to its anti-stress, adaptogenic effects.
Researchers believe that ashwagandha may have stress-relieving properties due to its potential to regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). The HPA axis is responsible for regulating the stress response and releasing stress hormones during stressful situations.
In a placebo-controlled study, ashwagandha root extract was able to reduce cortisol levels (a physiological marker for stress) in participants with chronic stress. The extract was also able to increase the subjects’ overall stress resistance which supported balanced energy levels.
A clinical trial found that ashwagandha root extract had stress-relieving properties in healthy adults. Researchers observed that the extract was able to reduce self-perceived stress levels.
A review of clinical research discussed ashwagandha’s ability to regulate the HPA axis and thus reduce stress levels. The research goes on to mention that ashwagandha also decreases the amount of cortisol released in the body.
In a human clinical trial, participants taking 240mg of ashwagandha extract saw a significant decrease in fasting morning cortisol levels compared to those taking the placebo.
Along with its anti-stress effects, researchers speculate that ashwagandha may also have an anxiolytic effect.
Summary:
Human clinical trials indicate that ashwagandha may be effective in regulating stress and decreasing levels of cortisol in the body.
2. Kava-Kava
The herb, kava-kava, may work to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Commission E, a German governmental health agency, approves the use of kava-kava for stress, nervous anxiety, and restlessness.