5 Best Herbs to Soothe Your Mind and Body
Anyone who experiences anxiety and stress is well aware of how exhausting it can get. At the end of an especially anxious day, you feel drained and devoid of any energy. If you experience these symptoms often, we’d highly suggest that you get a doctor’s help.
In the meanwhile, you can make a few lifestyle changes to improve your anxiety and stress. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and journaling are just some of the ways to soothe your mind and body. Another effective method that works in soothing your mind and body is incorporating herbs into your daily routine.
Let’s have a look at the five herbs that are the best for the job:
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha possesses rejuvenating properties, which makes it an excellent herb to soothe your body, get rid of exhaustion, and give you a good boost of energy. According to the research conducted by the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry, Asha Hospital, India[1], people who consumed Ashwagandha showed a reduced level of the stress-causing hormones, cortisol.
The group that consumed Ashwagandha was also observed to have a better sleep quality.
2. Chamomile
Matricaria recutita, or chamomile as we all know it, is strongly aromatherapeutic. Amidst an especially severe anxiety attack, you can trust the chamomile tincture to calm down your nerves and relax your body within a few minutes.
In addition to anxiety, chamomile is also largely used to help elevate inflammation, muscle soreness, muscle spasms, and gastrointestinal issues.
3. Brahmi
Brahmi has long been believed to have anti-anxiety properties that relax the mind and soothe the body. According to the Winchester Hospital[2], Brahmi is also likely to improve memory, thought, and focus. Given that mind needs to be relaxed to focus, Brahmi works quite well to calm the mind. While the research is greatly lacking in this regard, it has been assumed by many that Brahmi might have the ability to increase the levels of serotonin, a natural chemical that encourages the mind and body to relax.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower is one of the most underrated herbs, in modern times. Found in the tropical areas of the US, this flower is long known for its sleep-promoting abilities, in traditional medicine. Unfortunately, passionflower has yet to be tested on humans. However, a study conducted on rats observed a fast sleep cycle and an increase in slow-wave sleep.
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm, just like its name, acts like a balm when ingested. This lemon-scented herb belongs to the same family as mint and shares many properties with it. This herb has been traditionally used to boost mood and cognitive functions. A study conducted in 2004[3] further confirmed it when lemon balm was noticed to give a sense of calmness and reduced anxiety and wariness.
Remember, as effective as herbs are in calming you down, they are by no means an alternative to anxiety medication. A healthy lifestyle and regular session with your psychiatrist will help you battle exhaustion of mind and body. However, herbs can definitely be used as a natural aid in recovery.
References:
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
[2]https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=104655