Stress and anxiety seem to have made their way into our lives more than we wanted this year. If it wasn’t money, loss of job or illness, it was COVID.

How do you work your way through life’s regular stress and anxiety, in addition to COVID related stress?

You first have a conversation or two, with the Creator and then you go into the garden and pick from its many offerings. Don’t have a garden? Someone you know does, or they know someone who knows someone that does.

The best way to combat stress and anxiety is to eat the right foods. I’ve gained five pounds this year, eating my way through stress. While it might not seem like a lot, for my frame, it is.

So, I’m returning to Mother Nature and her herbal wonders for help.

Herbal Wonders for Stress and Anxiety

I remember being in the health food store, just before COVID hit, when I saw a young lady filling her bag with a light-colored powder.

What peeked my curiosity was the fact that she was about to empty the container. My curiosity became straight up nosiness. I asked her what she was filling her bag with and why so much.

Introducing Ashwagandha ….

She explained to me that it was ashwagandha. I always used lavender or passionflower to ease stress and anxiety, so this was definitely something new.

She began to talk about how stressful her job was. That it was the only thing that calmed her enough that she could go into work and deal with the madness.

I purchased some of what she’d left, brought it home and put it into a mason jar and labeled it.

After a few highly stressful moments this past year, I came across the jar that had been tucked behind the boxes teas that are kept on the shelf.

I remember what she said about dealing with the madness of work.  So, I did some research on how to take ashwagandha, its benefits and cautions, then set out a plan.

I literally put a half teaspoon into water and drank it. One of the things I found in taking ashwagandha is that it boosts my energy level. It also boosts my mood as well as chilled me out.  It’s a keeper for me.

Wait … there’s more

Have you ever heard of Milky Oat seed? I’d forgotten about it. From talking to other women looking for a natural way to chill out, it seems to be a favorite. It’s known to slowly restore your nervous system when you’ve gotten to the point of burnout.

Passionflower is great as a sleep aid herb. It can be a bit overwhelming for daytime use. That’s how well it relaxes you. Oftentimes to the point of wanting to take a nap during the day.  Not always good for your work environment.

It’s also known for its property of cooling hot fiery types. You know the ones, they’re always angry and anxious.

We’ve all been there at some point or another.

Try to find a good book that resonates with you when it comes to learning about herbs for stress relief and anxiety. They’ll most likely be under adaptogens.

The best place to learn is at the feet of someone who’s communed with Mother Nature. Find yourself an herbal gardener. Someone who eats, sleeps and breathes herbs. When you do, share what you’ve learned. There’s always someone  who will teach you, so be ready for those who will want you to teach them.

That’s it for this week. As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care