age is really just a number

Looking for Natural Stress Relief?

The world is a little crazy right now and I personally am suffering from pandemic fatigue and chronic stress. Insomnia and anxiety are all too common side effects of the year 2020!

There is some hope. First, this too shall pass. The world will get back to a new normal and we will all adjust to it. But, in the meantime, I have some natural suggestions to help with your anxiety and insomnia you may be experiencing coming out of your quarantine and entering this tumultuous time.

First, talk with your doctor. You knew I was going to say that, didn’t you? Second, I have found Passionflower and Valerian root to be helpful with minimal side effects. You can try them in different forms and see if they help you. We are all a little different, but passionflower tea is way better than a bottle of Xanax for me. Others rave about Valerian root.

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, then you’ve probably seen a lot of drinks that are made with passionflower. As opposed to energy drinks, passionflower is actually used to calm you down. 

Passionflower is a naturally occurring plant that boosts levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a compound that lowers brain activity. 

When you think of brain activity, picture little boats swimming from shore to shore on a river. When you’re overstimulated and stressed out, these boats are all over the place and nothing is clear. 

That’s what anxiety feels like. 

But when levels of GABA are boosted, the boats are floating calmly and going with the flow of the river. 

In addition to helping with anxiety, passionflower can also help with stomach problems. Indigestion is often a side effect of stress. 

When taken regularly, passionflower can help improve your quality of sleep and treat Insomnia. And let’s face it, a good night’s sleep is a great way to reduce stress. 

There are different ways that you can take passionflower, too. You can drink it as a tea, swallow it as a supplement with some water, or you can even find passionflower liquid extract. 

Another natural supplement that can help reduce your stress levels is valerian root. It’s so effective, in fact, that it’s often referred to as Nature’s Valium. 

This non habit-forming herb has a tranquilizing effect that also aids in getting a good night’s sleep. Just like passionflower, it also helps with GABA. 

The valeric acid found within valerian root prevents the breakdown of GABA, which is exactly what the anti-anxiety medications Valium and Xanax do. 

In addition to that, valerian root also contains the antioxidant Hesperidin and Linaria. These antioxidants actually inhibit excessive activity in the amygdala, which is the part of our brain that responds to stress with fear. 

If you’re interested in this miracle herb, you can take it just like passionflower. Look for it in the form of a supplement, brew it as an herbal tea, or use pure valerian root extract. 

Try to relax and get some sleep! Here are some good options for you to try: