5 best Ayurvedic herbs to fight stress

Stress and anxiety have become a common problem nowadays. With all our busy and chaotic lifestyles, stress levels are increasing day by day. Especially now, with all the things going on in the world including a pandemic and economic collapse, some people might be subjected to a lot of stress and anxiety. Prolonged stress may lead to dosha imbalance in the body. This triggers many other life-threatening conditions like asthma, hypertension, and high cholesterol. So, it is crucial to fight stress and anxiety. 

Cause of stress, according to Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda, anything and everything in the universe is composed of vata, pitta, and kapha. It is said to determine our physical appearance, emotional character, and mental abilities. Each type of dosha has a unique set of abilities and characters and an imbalance in these doshas wreaks havoc in our body. Imbalance in Vata dosha and pitta dosha are mainly responsible for causing stress and anxiety. Imbalance in vata dosha causes anxiety and stress and drains your energy. Pitta imbalance may cause sudden mood changes like frustration, anger, and jealousy. So, it is important to balance these doshas.

Ayurveda proposes an effective way to fight stress and anxiety with the help of natural herbs. Here are the 5 best ayurvedic herbs to fight stress and anxiety. 

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng, is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Extracts and powder from the plant’s root and leaves have been used for over 3,000 years to reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, and even boost brain function. Supplementing with Ashwagandha is an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.

2. Vetiver

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a highly esteemed herb in Ayurveda. This root has various health benefits. It is highly regarded for its healing properties. It cools the body. Vetiver is also esteemed for its pacifying powers to the vata dosha. Its actions are considered to bring calm and comfort to the mind. The relaxing aroma of vetiver helps to cope with stress, deepen concentration, and acts as a rejuvenating tonic to the nervous system. It is very effective for inducing sleep. It creates a calming effect and brings down stress levels.

3. Chandan

Sandalwood powder (Chandan) has a calming effect and is frequently used for meditation, prayer, and other spiritual activities. It promotes mental clarity and increased focus. When smelled or rubbed on the skin, it adds a feeling of peace and harmony. It stimulates concentration power, keeps the brain calm, and reduces stress and anxiety.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile (Pinheads) is a flower. It has been in use for centuries in the ayurvedic system. The dried flower is used to make herbal infusion serving medicinal purposes. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea loaded with ample health benefits. The chemical compounds present in Chamomile makes it an effective natural sedative. Consuming Chamomile tea can make you feel calm and relaxes your mind and body. Thus, it helps in relieving stress and aids in inducing sleep

5. Rosehip

Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa), also called Dog rose or Rosa canina is an ayurvedic herb with numerous health benefits. The hips, leaves, and flowers of this plant possess medicinal properties. The chemical compounds present in this plant calms the nervous system and relaxes the mind. Thus, it provides relief from stress and anxiety. 

Neglecting stress and anxiety poses a huge risk to your physical and mental health. So, consider using these safe and natural ayurvedic herbs that can help you fight stress and anxiety in day to day life.