Reduce Stress Naturally: 7 Herbs for Well-Being

Due to hectic work schedules, countless personal obligations, the demands of modern-day life, stress, anxiety, and poor mental health have become standard. Luckily, Ayurveda offers multiple remedies and solutions in the form of oils and herbs. These herbs actively help relieve stress, boost cognition, and promote mental well-being. Since Ayurvedic wisdom stresses the harmony between the mind, body, and spirit, it seeks to maintain an equilibrium. We bring you seven Ayurvedic herbs to help reduce stress naturally, achieve a state of inner calm, and enhance overall mental health. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha^1,2,3,4 also known as Withania somnifera/Indian ginseng/Indian winter cherry is a powerful herb. According to Ayurveda, it can be used as a remedy for anxiety, depression, and insomnia and as an adaptogenic herb believed to help improve overall physical & mental health. Modern studies have highlighted that ashwagandha possesses properties that can help cognitive function and deal with insomnia, memory issues & stress. These properties include cognitive enhancing, adaptogenic, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties. 

Brahmi

Brahmi is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic texts of Charaka Samhita, Atharva Veda, and Sushruta Samhita. It is known to promote mental health, and cognitive wellness and deal with diverse brain-related issues. Brahmi ^5,6,7,8,9 is synonymous with the potential ability to support cognitive function. Plus, it helps deal with intellectual deficiencies, improves memory, and has an ability to alleviate anxiety. Incorporating brahmi into our routine can help deal with the conditions mentioned above due to brahmi’s antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Thus, brahmi may help achieve a sense of calm and reduce stress naturally, managing anxiety issues. Moreover, brahmi exhibits an antioxidant property and helps reduce damage caused by free radicals and promotes good memory & cognitive well-being. 

Tulsi

Native to Southeast Asia, tulsi^10,11,12 or holy basil has been revered in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Modern research also highlights its therapeutic value. Different parts of tulsi act as adaptogens, helping to manage stress and promote mental balance. In fact, many experts recommend using the leaves for its antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Furthermore, the herb can be used to deal with physical and metabolic stress, infections, detoxification, etc. 

Jatamansi

Jatamansi¹³ is a perennial and endangered plant species that can help improve memory and brain function with its antioxidant potential. Research suggests that the herb can be useful in dealing with depression due to poor quality sleep or sleep disturbances. In addition, the herb has great potential in improving memory and learning potential, and its antioxidant properties can help deal with stress.

Shatavari

A staple in Ayurvedic preparations for being a rasayana herb, shatavari^14,15, also known as Asparagus racemosus has adaptogenic properties that could potentially help manage physical and emotional stress. Mental health is not simply about being disorder-free but also about being productive and efficient. Thus, according to Ayurvedic texts and pharmacological studies, Shatavari has promising anti-depressant properties and helps reduce stress naturally. In addition to helping deal with mental well-being, it is known for its ability to promote male & female reproductive and hormonal health. 

Gotu Kola

Widely used in India and South Asia, Gotu Kola is a versatile herb known for its potential to support and maintain mental health. The perennial leafy herb belongs to the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family and is a rich source of dietary fiber, calcium & vitamins. The herb is known to hold great potential in dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, recent studies have also highlighted the herb’s ability to boost mental health and improve overall cognition.^{16,17,18,19,20} 

Long pepper

Pippali²¹ has been mentioned as rasayana in cikitsasthana, the excessive use of which may lead to aggravation of the doshas. Pippali is a notable medication in Ayurveda and its botanical name is Piper longum. Modern research has highlighted that long pepper or pippali has potential as an anti-depression agent and its adaptogenic property can be effective against various stressors like biological, physical, and chemical stressors. 

As we all know, there are various approaches to managing stress, and cognitive issues associated with work and personal responsibilities. However, a holistic and natural remedy using herbs is something that one should prefer over any other options. By incorporating these herbs into one’s daily routine, a person can experience significant benefits in addition to dealing with and reducing stress naturally and promoting mental well-being.