5 Calming Herbs And Spices To Fight Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can be scary. Whether you are facing some minor restlessness or severe anxiety attacks, every stress issue needs your immediate attention. Building up tension can leave one exposed to life impeding diseases and threats.
Instances of stress and anxiety are common as a huge majority of people have reported and felt it affects their physical health. Stress and anxiety is an intertwined health hazard that may arise out of our everyday grind or because of underlying trauma that springs up time and again. Either way, it is something challenging to deal with.
Many people may resort to medical help or professional support, while others dealing with minor symptoms might look for some alternative solutions. The use of herbs and spices is springing up as a great alternative solution to handle stressful situations. With the advice of an expert or a medicinal practitioner, one can supply their medication or routine with these natural solutions. Given below is the list of herbs and spices that show huge potential in battling stress and stress-related conditions.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile flowers are robust with soothing aroma and restorative properties. While they have plenty of antioxidants, they also impart internal relaxation. Apigenin in chamomile binds certain brain receptors that promote relaxation and relieves insomnia. So anyone who is facing sleeplessness due to stress can drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed. Chamomile shows anti-inflammation properties that can take away your physical stress and bring relaxation in your system.
2. Mushrooms
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical present in many species of mushrooms. It binds with many serotonin receptors present in the brain. These psilocybin mushrooms are also known as magic mushrooms that bring a happy high feeling. For many years they have been used for recreational purposes. Many studies identified these mushrooms for relieving stress and anxiety.
Along with psychotherapy, they have shown the potential to heal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, alcohol abuse, and tobacco abuse. They can broaden the perspective of an individual, along with an improved mindset. One can go for Mushroom edibles available online to explore its benefits.
3. Turmeric
Among all the spices, turmeric is best known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it helps in relieving many types of physical stress. Not only this, but turmeric is also helpful in treating severe mental conditions as well. The curcumin compound present in turmeric can boost dopamine and serotonin levels in our bodies. These are the happy hormones that can counteract stress chemicals in our system. Curcumin also shows powerful antidepressant properties as in a comparative study its benefits on treating depressive disorders were similar to common allopathic medicine fluoxetine. Turmeric, found in the root of the plant Curcuma long, dried to make turmeric powder that you can add in cooking or baking. You can also get it in the form of capsules to supplement it with your diet.
4. Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a herb that belongs to the mint family. Its fresh citrusy smell can immediately relax the mind and the body, hence it is also invariably in use in aromatherapy. A massage with its essential oil can reduce fatigue, bring physical relaxation, and hence bring a sense of balance. Termed as a nervine, lemon balm can also calm the nervous system and induce sleep. It can also increase the amount of naturally Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) acid in our system. GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter. It binds with protein in our brain bringing calming effects. So, consuming lemon balm can help calm uncontrollable thoughts and activities in our brain.
5. Holy basil
Any herbal pharmaceuticals that can help the body to adapt to stressful situations are known as adaptogens. Classified as an adaptogen, Holy basil can help with psychological instability and help the body restore its sense of balance. Holy basil has many phytochemicals that can reduce the cortisol levels in a person. Hence, it can work as an amazing mood enhancer too. Holy basil can help detoxify the body from the chemical stress that occurs due to air pollutants and metal chemicals in our system. It can also help soothe physical stress by reducing exertion from common cold and flu. Likewise, it brings calmness in our system and soothes our nervous system exposed to noise and environmental stress. A cup of tea infused with holy basil leaves every day can help increase your cognitive abilities and fight intrusive thoughts bringing total relaxation.
The bottom line.
At the end of the day, we all seek a restored sense of balance, that can help us to live the best of our lives.
Stress can be daunting, but small habits and efforts can help us manage our stress better. Holistic healing, yoga, and meditation supplied with the use of herbs and spices can help us greatly in managing our mental health better.