Ways to holistically manage stress?
Hi everyone. This past year has been challenging. I have experienced problems in my interpersonal relationships, struggled with health concerns, and returned to college. Needless to say, I've had a lot on my plate. Can anyone recommend any herbs that would be beneficial to help alleviate my stress and take the edge off? I just want to be able to relax a little bit. Thanks, everyone.
Comments
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@karenjanicki for my stress related issues, I can’t go past Ashwaganda. I take it every day in my morning smoothie (powder form) 1 heaped tablespoon.Getting good sleep is also important and I make up a tea blend I take every night, equal amounts of hops, camomile, lemon balm, passionflower, tulsi and valerian. I usually take a handful of each and mix in a big bag and then fill my jar when needed. I good tablespoon to a cup of boiling water.
Have you ever done EFT tapping? You can download the app and check out what is on offer. Some great tapping meditations to start the day on a good note, maybe 5 mins. Something to think about.
Your diet, food intake & exercise are also very important to consider, an integrated approach is beneficial. All the best.
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Agreed on ashwagandha, sleep, good diet and exercise. Just to take the edge off, coleus is the best i have found. Pedicularis and skullcap are good.
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I've been wanting to try this one from Rosalee de la Foret, but never seem to have all the ingredients at one time. Perhaps I should go shopping tomorrow.
I also find rose (the scent, and some petals added to a nice chamomile tea) to be helpful. Especially when I can't sleep.
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@torey suggested that I look into using motherwort when I was dealing with multiple forms of intense stress that I was dealing with a year ago.
As with any herbs, some will work better for you than others due to your constitution. Be mindful of this as you are choosing your herb(s).
I was going to say to watch that valerian. Don't test it in the evening if it is something you've never had before. I find that it has the absolute opposite effect on me than most people say it should have. So much so that I have to avoid it.
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@karenjanicki I'm so sorry to hear that you have so much stress right now. I'm new to learning herbs myself and have no advice to offer on that front, but I wanted to remind you that we all care about you. Also, I will pray for you for health, strength and peace. I'm glad that you started this discussion as I'm sure many of us will be able to benefit from have a list a stress reducing options. If you think to let us know how what works well for you.
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@karenjanicki You have some good suggestions already made here. @JodieDownUnder is right about the integrative approach. Herbs will work better with other supports.
Nutrition may not seem like a cure for stress but it is an important component. If we are not nourishing our bodies, then it is more difficult to recover. There is a tremendous amount of info out there about the gut-brain connection. Eating and digestion contribute to mood. Make sure you are getting enough pre- & pro-biotics. Eat more bitter foods. Lots of antioxidants and good fats. Take the time for food. Sit down when you eat. This is something that we often neglect when under stress. We just grab whatever and eat on the run. The stress support balls are a good idea. Keep well hydrated.
Susun Weed’s nourishing herbal infusions will help a great deal with nourishing the body. Some of the herbs she uses are nervines so they will nourish the nervous system as well. Oatstraw is one that she uses regularly and it is a calming herb. Nettle is another and it is a very nourishing herb (high in essential minerals), especially if you haven’t been eating well.
Adaptogens - Medicinal mushrooms; reishi, turkey tail, lion’s mane (this one helps stabilize the brain during stress), cordyceps, etc. Ashwaganda has been mentioned and is a top adaptogen. Astragalus root, schisandra, eleuthero, tulsi, licorice, etc.
Sedating herbs to help with sleep (if that is an issue): California poppy, passionflower, skullcap, chamomile, hops, lavender, wild lettuce, valerian (also a nervine).
Nervine or anxiolytic herbs: Saffron (neuroprotective), motherwort, ginkgo biloba (neuroprotective, helps with concentration), lemon balm (uplifting), lemon verbena, CBD, hops, motherwort, rhodiola, kava kava, bee balm.
Flower essences can often help in the moment. Bach Rescue remedy is a good overall choice. This is a link to the list of Bach Flower Essences as there might be one that is more specific for you.
I am not an Aromatherapist but there are EOs that can help with anxiety, nerves and sleeplessness. Lavender is probably the best known but you could also use chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, ylang ylang, vetiver, etc.
Some of my personal favourite herbs for anxiety are motherwort, ginkgo, astragalus, lemon verbena, valerian and tulsi.
@LaurieLovesLearning is right about the valerian. For some people it works the opposite and for some it will get you to sleep but you will have very "wild" dreams. Test a small amount before bedtime.
Another thing that is very good for nervous tension and anxiety is to get out in the wilderness. Forest bathing has become a "thing" but you don't need to take a class or go on a guided walk. Just get out and literally "smell the roses".
Hope something in all of this is appropriate and helpful for your particular situation.
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This recipe just arrived in my inbox. Gotta love synchronicity. A way to incorporate adaptogenic reishi into food medicine.
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@karenjanicki I sent you a pm.
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Yoga, meditation, tai chi, qi gong are all really great at managing stress. With crystal bowl meditation, gong meditation, and yoga nidra all you have to do is lie down so you don't have to worry about not doing it right. You can find videos online if you can't find a local class.
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I just started qi gong with my mother. Part was for stress and part is for breathing. It seems to be good for the breathing and lings.
Great ideas here. Thanks!
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Catnip tincture can be calming, too, but not for everyone!
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Easy Anti-Anxiety Tea
2 parts Hawthorn berries
2 parts Oats (milky oat tops are preferred)
1 part Nettle
1 part Lemon Balm
Place hawthorn berries in a pot of good quality water (10-14 oz)
Allow the berries to steep for 8 minutes and then add the other ingredients for 4-5 minutes.
Strain. Save the herbs to make a 2nd time if you like.
Enjoy.
Think of this recipe as more of a guideline!
Add other levels of flavour + nutritive value:
Citrus peel, ginger root, hibiscus flowers… Imagine the possibilities!
From Studio Botanica's latest email.
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This isn't an herbal remedy, but I've recently started taking Calm magnesium supplement. We've had a very stressful last couple of months around here, and I noticed that my ability to handle the stress gracefully increased noticeably after I started taking it.
In case it's of interest to you, here's the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Magnesium-Stress-Original/dp/B000OQ2DL4?ref_=ast_sto_dp
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Looks like some great suggestions.
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@Merin Porter Yes! Magnesium is so important when trying to manage stress. It is fantastic that you mentioned this. Most people are deficient, and it really should be the first thing we take care of.
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I love that brand of magnesium, too. @Merin Porter
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Other non-herbal ways are deep breathing, yoga and aromatherapy.
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Adding a link to the anxiety elixir thread:
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Exercise until it's impossible to walk.
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I will look into Ashwaganda. I have heard that it can be beneficial. I used to make morning smoothies too so I think I need to get back to that. I have never heard of EFT tapping. I will have to look into it. Thank you very much.
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Is Coleus an herb?
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Those look awesome! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
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Valarian has helped me sleep in the past. I should try that again too. I will look into motherwort. Thanks!
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Thank you so much for your kindness. I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. It's been a rough couple of days.
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Thank you so much for all the suggestions. Admittedly my nutrition has not been very good since I started school. I'm so busy that food has been an afterthought and like you stated it's grab and go. I need to work on that. Also I was outside a few days ago and I felt wonderful. The fresh air was so nice. I haven't gotten outside much lately either. It's been a long few months.
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That sounds delicious!
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Thank you for the info!
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Our cat would love it haha. He goes crazy when I have it around. Watching him helps me to de-stress though so if nothing else :)
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That sounds delightful. Thank you for sharing this.
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Thank you for the link. I think I've used that successfully before but it's been awhile. Thanks for reminding me.
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