Stress takes its toll on the body and mind over time, and it’s important for our health to find ways to ease the pressure. When we are stressed, it’s not long before our sleep begins to suffer, causing more stress, and there begins a vicious cycle. The good news is that there are many herbal supplements out there which can help you to ease anxiety and sleep better, naturally.
1. Passion Flower
Passionflower is a purple and yellow plant, sometimes referred to as P.incarnata or maypop. Studies report that consuming the flower helps to lessen the effects of both anxiety and insomnia. It’s suggested that passionflower enhances GABA activity in the brain, which allows us to relax. Other research reports that passionflower is also useful to soothe the stomach. You can buy passionflower in the form of tablets, capsules, or in the form of tea.
2. Sam-e
Sam-e is a kind of molecule which is found in our bodies naturally. The molecule plays a role in breaking down and forming phospholipids, proteins and hormones. Research suggests that Sam-e can help to reduce stress levels in the body and mind. It’s thought that Sam-e influences the chemicals which contribute to producing pain. Sam-e has also been used as a dietary supplement to boost weight loss, or to ease premenstrual syndrome.
3. CBD
CBD is a compound found in marijuana plants, unlike THC (a different compound in marijuana) CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect. Instead, CBD helps you to feel relaxed, calmer and get a better night’s sleep. The substance is also approved to treat a variety of health conditions from epilepsy to Parkinson’s and arthritis. You can buy CBD in oil form, or if you prefer there are plenty of CBD enriched products including cookies, CBD Honey sticks or even CBD beer.
4. Kava Kava
Kava is a plant which is native to the South Pacific Islands; it’s been used for many years as a drink to relax or to celebrate. The botanical name is Piper methysticum, and it contains ‘kava pyrones’ which help the body and mind to feel calm. Kava reportedly eases anxiety, relaxes muscles and even relieves pain. You can purchase Kava as a supplement in the form of tinctures, capsules or tablets.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that’s native to India; it’s been used in natural medicine for thousands of years. This herb works to reduce the stress hormone (cortisol), helping one to feel peaceful and at ease. As well as this, Ashwagandha helps to lower blood sugar levels, to ease inflammation and lower cholesterol. For 3,000+ years, this herb has been relied upon to combat both anxiety and stress.
Herbal supplements like those listed above can interact with pharmaceutical medicines. For this reason, you must discuss any supplements you are taking with your doctor. Besides these supplements, activities such as meditation and yoga have also been widely linked with reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.
Thank you for reading!