Taking herbs for stress relief can be an excellent natural remedy for both stress itself and its side effects.

The best way to get relief from stress itself is to relax. There are many herbal remedies that will help you to do this.

Chamomile tea can relax you and soothe the nerves. It may also help with insomnia.

Lemon balm can help to reduce tension. Use the essential oil for aromatherapy or take it as a tea.

Catnip tea can relax and calm the nerves.

Siberian ginseng can help to reduce the effects of stress and at the same time, increase concentration and stamina. This could be a good solution if you have a tendency to suffer from stress at work.

Keep in mind that herbal remedies are always more effective if you can take them in a quiet, calm environment and be mindful and aware of what you are doing. So you actually taste the remedy and sit for a few moments imagining its effect as it enters your system.

This means that if you are using herbs for stress at work in the form of either drops or teas, it is better to leave your desk and go someplace where you will not be disturbed to take the remedy.

Be sure that you are eating a good healthy diet and getting enough exercise. You may also want to take a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement because the body’s resources of these essential nutrients can become depleted in times of stress.

You might also be interested in trying Hopi ear candles. This is an Indian relaxation technique that can be great for stress relief. It may seem a little weird because it involves putting a candle in your ear and then lighting the other end, but it works a lot like aromatherapy while being possibly even more effective.

If the stress has been going on for some time, you may have side effects. In this situation you may want to look for natural remedies for those other problems. Here are some of the herbs that you might want to consider.

Migraine and other headaches: gingko biloba, feverfew, cayenne.

Eczema: aloe vera gel or calendula cream applied to the dry skin patches.

Irritable bowel and other digestive disorders: chamomile, peppermint, fennel, ginger, valerian.

Insomnia: valerian, kava kava, chamomile.

Depression: St John’s Wort or 5HTP, which is a natural remedy although not really a herb.

Those are just a few possible natural remedies for some of the most common side effects of prolonged stress.

Before you start taking herbs for stress, remember that natural remedies do not always combine well with medication. Sometimes the herb might already be included in medication that your doctor is prescribing. Other times there might be a clash so the use of a particular herb is contraindicated. They can also have side effects, even if they are natural herbs. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before taking herbs for stress or any other problem that you have.