Therapeutic massage is great for stress relief. It's been proven to help folks with a wide variety of conditions feel better sooner. We've talked in other posts about what you can do to manage stress between visits to the clinic. Is there any science to support the use of herbs, like chamomile? We talked to Karma Maymi from Clary Sage Herbarium on NE Alberta to find out more.
Talk to your doc
Herbs are not approved by the FDA for medicinal use. As always, thoroughly research your herbs and talk to your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications (even things like ibuprofen), or have other sensitive circumstances, you should always eliminate the possibility of unwanted effects before proceeding.
Adaptogenic?
Many of the herbs in this article are adaptogenic. That means they:
Are nontoxic at normal doses.
Support the body’s ability to cope with stress.
Help the body return to a stable state.
The herbs
Ashwagandha has been used for almost 3000 years, and is thought to help to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels. A 2023 review of recent studies shows ongoing research to see if ashwagandha could help with stress management, cancer treatment, sleep disorders, strength, exercise recovery, and more.
Karma says: “Ashwagandha is a really popular herb. People express stress differently, and whatever your physiological expression of stress is, adaptogens seem to target it and reduce it. It is a Nightshade so it’s not for everyone. Some people experience a sedative effect and so can’t take it during the day. Most often used as a powder in smoothies.”
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs, and has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. A 2022 comprehensive study shows strong evidence of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties as well.
Karma says: “Yeah, chamomile is another really relaxing herb. It's one of those herbs that's so easily overlooked because it's just like, ‘Oh, chamomile. It's so ordinary.’ But the reason it's so well-known is because it's so great. I drink a pot of chamomile tea once to help me sleep, and I ended up sleeping through my alarm the next day, So I stopped drinking so much at one time. It's also an anti-inflammatory, and also really great for digestion.”
Tulsi (or holy basil), is an adaptogenic herb known as the Elixir of Life! Well alrighty then. A 2017 systematic review of studies notes that “tulsi has important clinical effects across diverse therapeutic domains, all of which may have inflammation as an underlying factor.” It has been used traditionally to treat everything from hiccups to epilepsy, and shows promise in treatment of psychological and immunological stress.
Karma says: “Tulsi is a really great adaptogen. It's also delicious and does like a gazillion good things — it reduces inflammation in the joints, in the stomach and in the entire system. This is one reason the herbs can be overwhelming for people because they say, I'm going to learn about this herb, and it does so many things that they’re like how do I even know what to remember?”
Lavender is a calming herb that is often used to treat tension and anxiety. A 2022 meta-analysis found that “lavender significantly reduces individuals’ stress.”
Karma says: “Lavender is really high in volatile oils, which makes it really bitter. And in a tincture form or even in a tea, a really small amount can help with tummy upset. And also since it's so aromatic it can really act on the nervous system, be really relaxing.”
Passionflower is another calming herb. A 2020 systematic review of the research said that “the anti-anxiety effect of Passiflora incarnata is comparable to drugs such as oxazepam or midazolam. Consequently, it seems to be an effective and safe pharmaceutical to reduce stress reactivity, insomnia, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors.”
Karma says: “It's good for an anxiety that has a little bit higher vibration, like something that — it's a little stronger than lavender or chamomile. It can address a lot of things, but it's a little stronger in that way where it's just like, okay, I really need to get a handle on my stress and anxiety situation.”
Be holistic
Stress and anxiety have many treatments, but it’s always wise to look carefully at all aspects of your lifestyle to see if you can find and address the underlying cause.
Thank you, Karma!
We had a great time talking with Karma today. If you’re curious about herbs, visit Clary Sage Herbarium on NE Alberta St. or check out their website.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.