16 Herbs to Help You Manage Anxiety and Stress

Today I want to remind you that in addition to all the techniques I share so far to manage stress and anxiety nature has also provided us with wonderful herbs we have to helps not only reduce stress and anxiety but also nourish our central nervous system. This is super important because physical and emotional stress are 

significant contributors to many chronic illnesses including autoimmune disorders. The good news is that herbs are your best allies to help you manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotions. These herbs are known as nervines and adaptogens.

Nervine herbs are nutritious and directly benefit the nervous system. Moreover, herbal nervine therapy increases our ability to cope with the stress of daily life. You may take nervines herbs as you need them. There are 3 types of nervine herbs:

• Nervine Tonics. They strengthen and feed the nervous system. In cases of nervous debility, they strengthen and restore nerve tissues directly. Note that the adaptogens herbs are also considered nerve tonics due to their ability to aid the whole of the body and mind to cope with stress. herbs in this category include but are not limited to: Oat Straw, Gotu kola, St. John’s wort, Verbane (blue vervain).  

• Nervine Relaxants. These are the closest natural alternative to conventional medicine’s nerve tranquilizers, they should be used moderately. Too much tranquilizing, even that achieved through herbal medication, can in time deplete and weigh heavily on the whole nervous system. However, they are a healthier alternative to toxic medicine without any unwanted side effects. It is also, better to take these than to live with constant anxiety and stress. Some herbs in this category include California poppy, Catnip, Chamomile, Hops, Lavender, Lemon Balm,  Linden, Passion Flower, Skullcap, Valerian, Wood Betony, and Kava Kava. 

• Nervine Stimulants. They stimulate the nervous system, and they are not needed often. Especially in our times when there is already much hyperactivity, stress, and anxiety. In most cases, it is more appropriate to stimulate the body with the help of adaptogens, nervine, or even digestive tonics, which work by promoting harmony within the body and thus have a much more extensive and longer-lasting effect. A problem with commonly used stimulants (such as coffee) is that they have many side effects and can cause many health issues including digestive issues, and in the long run, they contribute to anxiety and tension. Some herbal examples include: Cola vera (Kola), Coffea arabica (Coffee), Camellia sinensis (Green/Black Tea)

On the other hand, we have Adaptogen herbs, these are amazing herbs, they are a select group of plants (and some mushrooms) that support the body’s natural ability to deal with stress and they also counteract the effects of stress on the body. They are called adaptogens because of their unique ability to adapt their function according to the specific needs of the body These may be physical, chemical, or biological needs. Their function is often compared to that of a thermostat, moderating the body’s stress response like a thermostat controls temperature.

Adaptogens have special compounds that can possess opposing qualities, such as being relaxing or stimulating. The correct response is triggered according to what your body needs at the time. Ginseng is one of the most well-known adaptogenic herbs. Researchers have found they have several effects on the body: they are neuroprotective elements, anti-fatigue properties, anti-depressive effects, regulate the nervous system, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, immune support, and many more. Other adaptogen herbs include Ashwagandha, Schizandra, Holi Basil, Astragalus, Reshi, Foti, and many others.

Most of us will benefit from the daily use of nervines and adaptogens due to demanding, fast-paced life and obligations. With regular use, the nervous system often adapts to require less amount of these herbs to calm itself. This could take anywhere from a few months to a few years of use.
However, the goal should be for the herbs to help us become more resilient in times of stress, not to become reliant on them for the rest of our life. Acute stress will always occur, but becoming more resilient is what’s important.

Remember, I'm always here to help email me your questions on nervine and adaptogens herbs to ContactToni@drToniCamacho.com and click here to check out my adaptogen and nerve support formula.

See you next week,
Toni