“In some Native languages the term for plants translates to “those who take care of us.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
When working with herbal medicine we take into consideration the individual person, the presenting signs and symptoms, as well as the specific actions of our plant medicine. Below are some of our most treasured plant medicines to support mental, physical and emotional imbalance.
6 plant medicines to combat stress, emotional overwhelm & exhaustion
Withania
Withania somnifera
origin: India
Withania has a beautiful way of supporting the body through times of stress without overstimulating the nervous system and provides gentle support for anxiety and insomnia. Withania also has an affinity with the immune system which makes it the perfect match for someone feeling mentally or physically stressed, fatigued and run down.
Tulsi
Ocimum tenuiflorum Tulsi
origin: India
As an adaptogen Tulsi works alongside the body to modulate the stress response and reduce the negative impact of physical and mental stress. Tulsi also enhances physical endurance, increases energy availability and helps support healthy blood sugar balance (something which can be heavily impacted by long term stress).
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
origin: South America
Passionflower works within the nervous system to increase GABA a calming neurotransmitter, making it a powerful herb to reduce feelings of anxiety or nervous tension, and induce a restful state of sleep (at higher doses). Because of its affinity to the cardiovascular system, Passionflower is also supportive for individuals suffering from anxiety induced high blood pressure, heart palpitations, tachycardia or a tight chest.
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
origin: West Asia & Europe
Chamomile is specific for supporting the GUT:BRAIN axis which is the communication pathway between our brain and our digestive system. Chamomile is perfect for soothing that upset stomach you get when you are feeling upset or stressed, calming down irritability and nervous tension, and gently inducing sleep.
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
origin: North Africa, West Asia & Europe
Lemon balm has a tonifying action on the nervous system and cardiovascular system, and is supportive for individuals experiencing anxiety, restlessness, excitability and heart palpitations. Because of its anti-viral action Lemon Balm is a beautiful herb for those who experience flare ups of viral infections when feeling run down and exhausted.
Lavender
Lavandula officinalis
origin: countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea
One of the most well-known herbs to induce a state of relaxation, Lavender is a gentle, strengthening tonic for the nervous system, used most commonly for insomnia. Because of its anti-spasmodic action on smooth muscles Lavender is also a nice option for anyone suffering from headaches, especially if they are related to stress or exhaustion.
Shop our range plant based products to support your stress response and calm your nervous system, or book in for a Naturopathic consultation to receive an individualised treatment approach.
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