Stress, the great evil of modern times. Meditation, relaxation, psychoanalysis, hypnosis, autogenic training, EFT... many techniques exist to learn how to manage it and herbal medicine can complement these techniques. Discover in this article 8 plants to use and in which context. 

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a plant that looks very similar to the mint. It is relaxing. It soothes people tensioned with a feeling of ball in the stomach and with sometimes, the appetite disturbed. 

It can be taken throughout the day as an infusion. Easy to grow, you can just as easily grow it in your garden or on your balcony!

Linden Tree

This majestic tree with its sweetly scented flowers is extremely common in our parks and gardens. Traditionally used as a grandmother's remedy to enable sleep, these flowers promote inner calm. Lime blossoms are therefore recommended in cases of mental ruminations, wandering mind and mild stress.

Valerian

Valerian has a particular smell that does not please everyone... In infusion, it is very interesting to promote sleep and improve the quality of sleep. Their sedative properties make this plant a true natural "sleep aid", without addiction or "hangover" effect upon waking.

To take rather in the evening, 1h30 after the meal. 

For people in control, who have trouble letting go, who are exhausted but struggle (unconsciously) with sleep, valerian will soothe you.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile just like linden is always associated, in the popular mind, with the infusion of little grandmother. It is used to lower fever, relieve pain and ease digestion. But not only! Its soothing properties help people with anxiety to relax. Toddlers who have problems falling asleep (due to separation anxiety) can take chamomile hydrosol. 

From 3 months: 1 teaspoon in a bottle, in addition to tenderness and reassuring words.

Fig Tree Bud

Gemmotherapy is a branch of herbal medicine. In cases of stress accompanied by problems of sleep and digestion mainly located at the stomach (gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, ulcer ..), the bud of fig will know how to relieve you. 

It regulates the nervous system and, in its symbolism, helps to digest emotions. Find out more about the fig tree bud in an article dedicated to it: " The 7 benefits of the fig tree bud » 

St. John's Wort

This flower is often recommended to accompany depressive episodes, melancholic and mild to moderate depression. Hypericin present in the flowers is the active principle normalizing the functions of neurotransmitters. It is therefore anxiolytic, antidepressant and sedative. 

However beware, it interferes with oral contraceptives which it can inhibit and is photosensitizing...

Saffron

We had devoted an entire article on the scientifically recognized anti-depressive properties of saffronal, which is none other than the active molecule of saffron (cf " Is saffron really effective against depression? ») 

Saffron is serotonergic, meaning that it promotes the synthesis of serotonin otherwise known as the good mood hormone. When you are serotonin deficient, you are prone to fluctuating emotions, mood swings, annoyances, sweet urges mainly at the end of the day.

The saffron will be taken at the end of the day from 5pm. Dosages depend on your condition and the manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is adaptogenic which means that it combines with other plants to potentiate their effects. It will soothe the anxious or stimulate the calm, depending on your initial state.

It is also the ally of athletes who are under emotional but also physical stress by facilitating recovery after exercise.

To conclude

There are many plants acting on the psycho-emotional sphere. Each one has its own characteristic. Depending on your condition and your needs, one of them will be more likely to provide relief. 

It is obvious that a plant cannot replace a psychotherapy nor a reorganization of your lifestyle. It is a support, a springboard to accompany you toward resilience.