Herbal allies for when you’re feeling overwhelmed

We all know that life can get a little overwhelming and stressful sometimes. and especially around the festive period. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, anxiety has become increasingly common, affecting people of all ages and has unfortunately become a natural part of life.

I’ve talked a little previously in Ways to Find Calm in the Chaos about some of the holistic tools, habits and techniques that can be used to help you deal with and reduce both the symptoms and root causes of anxiety, stress and overwhelm, but there are also many herbal plants that lend themselves to helping you to treat these symptoms and the overall effects and causes within the body too.

Harnessing the Power of Herbal Remedies for Overwhelm

In times of anxiety and overwhelming stress, turning to natural remedies can provide a soothing and gentle approach to finding balance, help you relax both body and mind, let go of the stress, and sleep soundly.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to support mental and physical wellbeing, offering an array of benefits that can help calm the mind, ease tension, and restore harmony to the body. Offering a holistic whole body approach to managing overwhelming feelings by addressing both the mind and body as one. In this article, we will explore a variety of herbs renowned for their ability to alleviate anxiety and overwhelm, as well as their properties and the ways they can bring relief.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a well-known herb that has been trusted for centuries to soothe frazzled nerves and promote relaxation. Its calming properties come from compounds such as apigenin, which helps reduce anxiety and induces sleep. Chamomile can be consumed in the form of tea, capsules, or tinctures to help combat feelings of overwhelm and bring about a sense of tranquility

Lavender

Lavender, with its delightful aroma, has long been valued for its calming effects on the mind and body. The essential oil derived from lavender possesses anxiolytic properties, making it highly effective in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Inhalation of lavender oil, either through a diffuser or applied topically after dilution, can help alleviate stress and create a sense of calm during overwhelming times.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is renowned for its ability to support mental well-being. It contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, which has mood-stabilizing effects, and eugenol, which provides a calming effect. Lemon balm has been traditionally used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a restful sleep. Enjoying it as a tea or taking it in supplement form can aid in combating overwhelm.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, offers remarkable benefits for balancing mental and physical stress. It helps regulate cortisol levels, the hormone associated with the body's stress response. Ashwagandha supports the body's resilience to stress, reducing anxiety and promoting calmness. Adding ashwagandha powder to smoothies or consuming it in capsule form can help manage overwhelm effectively.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a gentle nervine herb known for its calming and sedative properties. It contains compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which act as natural relaxants. Passionflower can aid in reducing anxious thoughts, alleviating insomnia, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. It is often consumed as a tea, tincture, or supplement for its anxiety-reducing effects.

Valerian

Valerian is an herb known for its calming effects, making it a popular choice for stress and anxiety relief. It helps promote relaxation by acting as a mild sedative, which can be particularly helpful for those struggling with sleep problems related to anxiety. Valerian supplements or teas are commonly used to reduce nervousness and promote a sense of calm.

Rose

Rose, with its enchanting scent, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. The aroma of rose petals is believed to have a calming effect, helping to uplift the mood and reduce tension. Rose essential oil can be diffused, added to bathwater, or used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety symptoms.

St. John’s Wort

St. John's Wort is a well-known herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression, often accompanied by anxiety. It contains compounds that are thought to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. By boosting serotonin activity, St. John's Wort may help reduce feelings of sadness, worry, and anxiety.

Motherwort

Motherwort is an herb with a long history of use as a relaxant. It has been traditionally used to ease tension, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. Motherwort is thought to have mild sedative properties, making it beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms such as nervousness and restlessness.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola, also known as golden root, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It has been used in traditional medicine to boost energy levels, enhance mood, and reduce fatigue associated with chronic stress. Rhodiola is believed to balance stress hormone levels and improve overall resilience to stress, making it an effective natural remedy for anxiety and stress relief.

Incorporating these herbs into your wellness routine, whether as teas, essential oils, or supplements, can provide a natural and gentle way to find balance amidst overwhelming moments.

And also a special mention for Magnesium

Which is a wonderful supplement for helping you to relax and help you fall asleep.

xo Emily