In the midst of today’s tumultuous times, as the world grapples with uncertainties and threats of global conflict, it’s easy to find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. The relentless news cycles, heated debates, and seemingly unending stream of catastrophic events can leave us feeling overwhelmed and on edge.
But amidst this chaos, there’s a beacon of hope—a natural path to tranquility that doesn’t involve benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, alcohol, or opiates.
Welcome to this soothing journey toward inner peace. I’m here as your holistic pharmacist to offer you some herbal remedies and lifestyle changes that can help you navigate these uncertain times with a calm heart and a clear mind. Together, we’ll explore the power of nature’s gifts and simple lifestyle adjustments to ease stress and anxiety, allowing you to reclaim your serenity and focus inward.
In times of heightened stress and anxiety, turning to nature’s remedies can be a gentle yet effective way to find solace. Here’s a list of herbal allies that can help you find your inner calm:
8 Herbal Allies for Stress and Anxiety: How to Incorporate Them
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender is incredibly versatile. Inhale its calming scent through essential oil diffusers or sachets. Additionally, you can brew a soothing cup of lavender tea before bedtime.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile’s gentle nature makes it an excellent choice for a bedtime tea. Simply steep chamomile flowers in hot water for a relaxing, anxiety-reducing drink.
- Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian root can be taken as a dietary supplement in extract or pill form. It’s best consumed 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to promote restful sleep. There’s more about this herbal remedy HERE.
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Like valerian root, passionflower can be taken as a dietary supplement. It’s often used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. I’ve written about this herbal remedy before because it is in my Sleep Script Tranquility Caps.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is available in supplement form. Incorporate it into your daily routine to help your body adapt to stress and maintain balance. This herb is actually in my Thyroid Script Adrenal Caps, which is sourced by KSM-66. Ashwagandha helps promote thyroid hormone synthesis.*
Ashwagandha can make a person sleepy, and I consider that a perk! So if you decide to take Thyroid Script® or any supplement that you buy elsewhere that contains “ashwagandha” be sure to take it at night. People with thyroid conditions (of low thyroid hormone) like this herb because it increases T3 activation, and T4 production.*
- Rhodiola Rosea (Rhodiola rosea): Rhodiola is commonly available as a dietary supplement in extract or pill form. It enhances resilience to stress and improves mental clarity. Too much will cause agitation, insomnia, and possibly a headache. So make sure you take the proper dose for your individual needs. Start low and go slow.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Enjoy lemon balm as a soothing herbal tea. You can also use its essential oil topically for relaxation. I put some of this herbal extract in my patented Sleep Script Tranquility formula! (link is above in case you want more information.
- Magnesium (Not an Herb, but a Mineral): Magnesium can be taken as a dietary supplement in pill form to support stress reduction. Alternatively, unwind with a calming Epsom salt bath enriched with magnesium to relax both your body and mind. Learn more about one of the very best MAGNESIUM supplements you can buy!
By incorporating these natural remedies into your daily life, you can take significant steps toward managing stress and anxiety in a holistic way. Whether it’s through herbal teas, dietary supplements, or relaxation techniques, these options offer a pathway to tranquility amidst today’s uncertainties.
Creating a Sanctuary: Lifestyle Changes for Peace
Herbal remedies are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly find calm in these turbulent times, consider incorporating the following lifestyle changes into your routine:
Limit News Consumption: Excessive exposure to negative news can heighten stress and anxiety. Set specific times to catch up on the news and avoid constant updates.
Digital Detox: Reduce screen time and minimize social media exposure to prevent information overload and promote mental clarity. Try reading a book that interests you, learning to play a musical instrument, taking up a new hobby, helping a neighbor in need, do anything that raises your energy (versus depleting it), the goal being to get off the device!
Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness to stay rooted in the present moment and alleviate anxiety about the future.
Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to release endorphins, reduce stress hormones, and improve overall well-being.
Balanced Nutrition: Consume a diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to support your body’s stress response.
Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to your loved ones—whether it’s your mom, your child, or a friend. Connecting with them can provide emotional support and take your mind off the bad news, fostering a sense of connection and comfort.
Summary
In times of uncertainty and heightened global tensions, it’s essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the healing power of nature through herbal remedies like lavender, chamomile, and valerian root to ease stress and anxiety.
Combine these natural solutions with lifestyle changes such as limiting news consumption, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in regular exercise to create your sanctuary of calm. Remember, there’s a path to serenity that doesn’t involve prescription medications or the chaos of the news cycle. With the right tools and a commitment to self-care, you can find peace even in the midst of uncertainty.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
