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Herbs and Stress

If you can't eliminate all the stressors in your life � and who among us can? � then try to manage them through using natural herbs. There are plenty of time-tested herbs

you can take either in capsule form or, better yet, as a tea. If you drink calming herbal teas, you're not only getting the benefits of the phytonutrients in the herbs, the hot liquid in itself has a calming effect on your body.

Try the passionflower. Despite its name, this herb has been used for centuries to produce calming effects due to anxiety as well as insomnia � sometimes a symptom of stress � and even hysteria.

In fact, two scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of this herb. The studies examined a total of 198 people who suffered from anxiety. The first research project found that passionflower was more effective than the class of benzodiazepine drugs in treating the symptoms of anxiety. This class of drugs works to curtail the symptoms by depressing the central nervous system.

The study concluded that those individuals who were administered passionflower instead of drugs not only performed better at work, but experienced less drowsiness as well.

Some individuals experienced a few adverse side effects with passionflower. These included nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and a rapid heart beat.

Another herb that is legendary for calming the nerves is valerian. It's been used for centuries as an aid in sleeping for those suffering from insomnia. Usually valerian is used about an hour prior to going to bed. If you decide to use this herb, don't expect it to work immediately. It takes about two to three weeks for you to notice any effects.

Additionally, herbalists suggest that you don't use valerian longer than three months at a time. Side effects of this herb include mild indigestion, as well as headaches and some dizziness. Most people take valerian as a capsule even though it's available as a tea and a liquid extract. The smell of the herb keeps most individuals away from the last two forms.

Then there's the legendary chamomile. Even the ancient Egyptians were known to use this herb to promote calming effects and relieve anxiety. As a tea, it's renowned as a relaxant, as well as an excellent aid to many gastrointestinal disorders. It's also used by some to relieve menstrual cramps. As a tea it possesses a light apple-flavor. You may want to give this herb a try. It's one of the more popular teas and can be found not only in health food stores, but also mainstream grocery stores.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

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