If we can only choose three herbs among hundreds of wonderful plants that effectively relieve stress and induce relaxation, we cannot help but give our vote to lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang. Aside from their wonderful effects on stress relief, these three herbs smell wonderful (making you want to spend more time dozing off in the bedroom). Additionally, these essential oils are highly likely to be available in your local health food stores, so you can have stress-free nights and not worry about running out of your relaxing staples.
What is Stress?
Stress is a normal phenomenon that we experience every single day, even from the moment we wake up in the morning! It is a form of response that occurs from the interaction between your body and the outside environment. Healthy levels of stress are actually beneficial for our bodies as these trigger regulatory and adaptive processes that keep our body working and alive! The problem occurs when we experience so much stress that our bodies are having a hard time compensating for daily demands. In situations that can trigger high levels of stress, your body’s ability to cope can go haywire and cause you to experience headache, fatigue, and an overwhelming set of emotions, thereby affecting your mood and productivity all day!
Herbs for Stress Relief
As we are primarily responsible for the optimal health of our bodies, we should explore the best options that will keep it alive and healthy!
1. Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an effective herbal remedy to manage stress from the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) plant family, which has a rich history of medicinal use due to its antimicrobial effects.1 Lavender, particularly, is famously used in the beauty, food, and perfume industries due to its ability in adding delectable flavors and color to food, as well as unforgettable scents. The powerful effects of lavender for relaxation and stress relief comes from its most abundant active component, linalool, which can cause sedation through interacting with inhibitory transmitters in the brain. Lavender essential oil creates a sense of relaxation through activating various sensory receptors in the brain to produce endorphins (a hormone in the body that is activated to relieve pain and stimulate feelings of euphoria) and serotonin (a hormone that helps regulate your mood, digestion, memory, and circadian rhythm). The effects of lavender essential oil is comparable to benzodiazepines, which are drugs that increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used to help regulate brain activities and relieve over-excitation that may trigger seizures and anxiety.1 
2. Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) belongs to the Asteraceae plant family, which originates from Europe and Asia. This wonderful herb has been used for centuries in relieving flatulence and bloating, exerting antimicrobial effects that help prevent and heal infections, and reducing stress and anxiety.2 Its wonders in relieving stress comes from its flavonoid component, apigenin, which helps modulate gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, helping you to relax after a hectic day. Chamomile essential oil also helps improve sleep quality, especially when you have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep at night.3 The plant’s antioxidant properties also help address oxidative stress, which can disrupt key processes in the body, such as the circadian rhythm.4 
3. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) belongs to the Annonaceae family, which is native in Asian countries. Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the flower. It contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and sedative properties that are effective in relieving external and internal stress.3 Its wonders in promoting sleep and relaxation is due to the plant’s active components, namely, linalool, geranyl acetate, and geraniol, which help reduce inflammation by regulating the production of inflammatory signals in the body, aside from linalool’s abilities in modulating GABA. Safety and Considerations
Whether as teas, tinctures, capsules, or essential oils, it is important to remember that the use of herbs for your health concerns should be first explored by your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to ensure safety and effectiveness. Since most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, recognizing which herbs are right for your case with your naturopathic doctor protects you and your baby from harm. Additionally, essential oils may cause skin or eye irritation, so it is vital for you to know proper use and handling of these concentrated wonders.
The Naturopathic Approach
The naturopathic approach to relieve stress and achieve relaxation follows a holistic process that combines the wonders of herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and lifestyle and nutritional modifications, which are all aimed at regulating the balance within. To learn more about the natural path in achieving relaxation and stress relief, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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