Collection: STRESS RELIEVING HERBS

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone at some time or another.  When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses that your body is made to handle. Stress responses help our bodies adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger or stress can be negative when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation-this is called chronic stress.

The top chronic stress relieving herbs are:

* Ashwagandha *Boswellia (Frankincense) * Eleuthero * Frankincense * Ginseng *Lavender * Lemon Balm * Licorice root * Kava-Kava * Oatstraw * Motherwort * Reishi * Sandalwood

What makes these herbs effective:

Ashwaganda contains phytochemicals that mimic gamma-amino-butytric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring substance in the brain whose role is to decrease the effect of stimuli that reach the brain. 

Boswellia (Frankincense) has anti-depressant and sedative properties that help to enhance mood and combat stress and anxiety

Eleuthero restores overstressed adrenal glands, thus reducing chronic stress

Ginseng may be one the most effective herbs for chronic stress as it regulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACH) which is an adrenal steroid that increases the body's response to stress.

Lavender contains both soothing and sedating phytochemicals that are readily absorbed into the skin, and the sensitive membranes inside the nose. (That's why Lavender is used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves!)

Lemon Balm contains terpenes which are natural calming agents that help to relieve stress

Licorice root is an adrenal tonic that helps to aid in the body's recovery from chronic anxiety and stress.

Oatstraw has been shown to inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) this reducing anxiety

Motherwort has sedative and has exhibited antiarrhythmic effects, suggesting that it could help lower elevated heart rate.

Reishi Mushroom has been shown to calm the mind, ease anxiety, promote sleep, foster a greater resilience to stress over time

Kava Kava contains kavalactones that help to reduce anxiety, protect the neurons in your brain, and help lessen feelings of pain 

Sandalwood has been shown to increase the production of the serotonin hormone that makes you feel happy