Apr 19
2010

Natural stress relief is becoming very popular as people want to find ways to relax that don’t involve ingesting chemicals. Here are some natural stress relief herbs and teas that you should try. These herbs are available separately but can also be found in a combined form.

Catnip: Have you ever seen a cat after it has rolled in catnip? Wouldn’t you like to be that relaxed? Find out what Kitty’s known all along by trying some catnip tea. This member of the mint family has been shown to relieve stress, improve sleep, heal upset stomachs, calm PMS symptoms and relieve tension headaches. (However, be advised that pregnant women should not use it.) Use 1 tsp of dry catnip leaves per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for five to 10 minutes.

Chamomile: There is almost nothing more calming than a cup of chamomile tea. Drink a cup before you go to bed and be assured of a good, solid night’s sleep. You can also use chamomile tea as a foot bath or as a gargle against mouth sores. Use about 1 Ω tsp of dried chamomile per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for at least 20 minutes before use to get the full effect.

Kava Kava: This tea is excellent natural stress relief. It calms the mind and body so you can sleep better and it also has been shown to improve digestion and kidney function. This is a very powerful relaxant: Your best bet is to purchase it in gel-cap or tea form and follow package directions. While small amounts are generally safe, drinking too much can damage the liver over time.

Lavender: Ever notice how many herbal products, including soaps, candles and lotions contain lavender? Lavender is one of the best natural stress relief herbs there is. A cup of lavender tea has a slightly sweet taste and has been proven to calm the nervous system. Like chamomile tea, use about 1 Ω tsp of lavender per cup of water and let it steep for at least five minutes before drinking.

St. John’s Wort: This herb has long been popular as a stress reliever. It has been proven to help fight anxiety, depression and stress. St. John’s Wort supplements are readily available at most stores that sell herbal products. St. John’s Wort is best used as a tincture: Place 1 oz of dried St. John’s Wart in a jar and cover it with a pint of alcohol (such as vodka). Place it in a dark place and shake it twice daily for two weeks. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and place the liquid in a dark glass bottle. To use, apply a dropperful into your mouth every day.

Valerian Root: This is a common sleep aid, readily available in the herbs/vitamins section of your grocery store. Like St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root is a very effective tincture. It is also available in supplement form.

Willow Bark: Willow Bark Tea has long been used to treat headaches, especially migraines, thus it is a great stress reliever. Use 2 tsp per cup of water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

The really great thing about herbs and herbal teas for natural stress relief is there are generally few if any side effects or risks. When used as a tea, they do not have additional calories (unless you use a sweetener). However, if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or a heart/lung condition, it is best to check with your doctor before using them.

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Apr 13
2010

Stress relief tips are a dime a dozen. So how do you know which tips really work or will work for you? Here are five stress relief tips that you can use today.

1. Recognize the signs of stress. The best stress relief tips won’t help you at all if you deny that you are indeed stressed. Everyone feels stress a bit differently: Some feel their jaws clench. Some feel various muscles tense up. Some immediately head to the cookie jar. Think about what you do and how you feel when you know you are stressed. Ask your spouse or a friend how they can tell you are stressed. Also ask them what they do to handle their own stress. Their tips can help you cope too.

2. Get away. We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response. Instead of fighting what is stressing you, opt for flight instead. If you feel like you are about to lose it, excuse yourself from the scene and take a brisk walk instead, preferably outside. A quick walk will get oxygen to your brain and clear your mind. Keep walking until you feel calmer and more rational. You may have even discovered a solution to whatever is eating you.
If the stress is really severe, consider taking a longer time away. Do you have any vacation time available or some sick time? This may be the time to take advantage of it.

3. Keep away: Today’s world is challenging. Not only do you have to deal with your own personal challenges, but we’re all being constantly bombarded with bleak news headlines. One of the best stress relief tips I know of is to unplug yourself from the media. Check the news headlines no more than once daily. You don’t really need to know about the latest celebrity gossip or about the latest business or government rumor.

Also, give yourself one day off each week: Keep the computer off limits, turn off the T.V. and send all phone messages to voice mail. Go play with the kids or your spouse. If you are spiritual or religious, use this day to pray and/or meditate.

4. Be positive. A lot of the stress in the world today comes from the media we use. While it is difficult to detach from it, it is possible to use the media for positive reinforcement instead. Download uplifting, positive images and music. If you find yourself under a lot of stress, take a time out and listen to just one positive song. It will only take three minutes or so but it could make all the difference.

5. Use humor. The old saying is true: Laughter is the best medicine. Compile a file of cartoons and funny stories and images that you can use to laugh at the world and its problems. Keep it handy on your computer or at your desk so you can quickly refer to it when life gets tough.

These stress relief tips can be used anytime, anywhere by anyone. You don’t have to resort to drugs, alcohol or violence. Today, conquer your stress before it conquers you.

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Apr 6
2010

If you are anxious or stressed, consider trying aromatherapy. Stress relief can be as simple as putting a scented cotton ball to your nose.

Aromatherapy stress relief is all about using your sense of smell to relieve your tension and boost your mood. There are many products that use aromatherapy, from candles, to incense to special soaps. But perhaps the simplest aromatherapy method involves soaking a cotton ball in an essential oil, holding it to your nose and breathing deeply. In just a few minutes you’ll feel better.

Of course, you need to use the right essential oils. Here are three that have been proven to relieve anxiety.

Lavender: This is one of the most used aromatherapy essential oils. It is made through steam distillation using only the flowers of the plant. When choosing lavender products look for Lavandula officinalis, the highest quality (and also unfortunately, the most expensive) variety. Lavandula angustifolia is also acceptable and is more commonly available because it is easier to grow. Do not use lavandin as it is a cheap, low-quality variety not suitable for aromatherapy stress relief. Lavender essential oils should be clear in color. It can be combined with other essential oils to make your own custom scent.

Geranium: Like lavender, geranium is one of the most commonly used essential oils and, like lavender, it is made through steam distillation. However, only geranium leaves and stalks are used, rather than the flower. Unfortunately, the household geraniums that many of us grow each year are not generally suitable for aromatherapy stress relief: only about 10 of the more than 700 varieties of geranium plant are suitable. The household variety doesn’t usually produce enough oil. Geranium essential oil is usually clear but perhaps with a greenish tinge.

Bergamot (or bergamot orange): This citrus-scented oil is excellent for stress relief. It is made by extracting the oils from the rind of the fruit of a variety of Southeast Asian tree. This oil ranges in color from green to yellow-green. Because the oil is somewhat acidic, if you apply it to your skin, you should stay out of the sun for a time because it can cause burns.
To mix your own aromatherapy stress relief combination, use a tablespoon of a carrier oil (olive, sesame or sunflower oil will do nicely) and add 1-2 drops of any of the essential oils listed above.

Dip a cotton ball into the solution and sniff. If you enjoy the scent, excellent: store it in a perfume sample bottle. (Be aware that the carrier oil can go rancid over time so it is best to make just a small amount.) If you like, you can experiment and add a few drops of one of the other essential oils. Be careful to only add one or two drops at a time, to save money and to avoid creating an overpowering scent.

Aromatherapy stress relief is quick and painless way to restore calm in your stressful life. Get some essential oils and use your nose to bring balance to your life.

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