Relieve Stress with these 5 Herbs
Today, the pace of life we live is very fast. In an attempt to want to produce, create and obtain more, we can forget the wise and simple connection with our body and health.
According to Forbes magazine, ‘Mexicans are the most stressed people in the world because of their work ‘ since 75% of Mexican workers suffer from ‘burnout’, also known as fatigue due to work stress.
These alarming figures show us how stress plays a major role in our lives. Chronic stress is the main cause of many current health problems: from anxiety and insomnia to cardiometabolic problems such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Today we have access to endless plants, teas, and essential oils that can help us reduce stress and improve our lives. Unfortunately, many times we do not have enough knowledge and information to know how to use herbal medicine to our benefit.
Based on my experience as a herbal doctor, I give you the assets of my favorite plants to combat stress with information on how to use them:
LAVENDER – Lavandula angustifolia / officinalis
The lavender essential oil has very powerful relaxing effects. Breathing in the scent of this beautiful flower can produce relaxation in seconds. Add 5 to 10 drops to your diffuser before sleeping, you will see how you sleep soundly.
MELISSA – Melissa officinalis
Many times nervousness can negatively affect our digestion, causing pain, inflammation, and gastritis. The lemon balm leaf is taken in an infusion (3g of the plant in 250mls of hot water, letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes) is an excellent option to relax while protecting our digestion from the negative effects of stress.
NEROLI – Citrus aurantium
Neroli essential oil comes from the fruit of the bitter orange tree. The ancient Egyptian priests used this essential oil to heal their body, mind, and soul. Neroli acts as a great sedative, specifically releasing anger, irritability, and worry. Add 5 drops of neroli essential oil to vegetable oil for a massage or apply 20 drops in your bathtub.
OROZUZ – Glycyrrhiza glabra
I love using this plant in tincture or infusion to counteract the negative effects of chronic stress. Licorice works at the glandular level – specifically in our adrenal glands. Regulates cortisol (stress hormone) levels and therefore improves chronic fatigue and metabolic problems caused by stress – such as the formation of abdominal fat.
Besides, this plant is an excellent tonic that helps us reduce inflammation of the digestive tract, reducing the symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcers, and colitis.
TEA PLANT – Camellia sinensis
Commonly known as black tea or green tea. This versatile plant contains L-theanine, amino acid, and glutamic acid analog, capable of producing a feeling of relaxation and peace. L-theanine increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main chemical in the brain responsible for reducing stress and anxiety.