Some plants are primarily known for their relaxing properties, both physically and mentally. This calming effect is beneficial in situations of occasional or chronic stress, or difficulties in sleeping.
Discover the top anti-stress plants with relaxing effects according to scientific studies and how to benefit from their properties: lavender, ashwagandha, valerian, rhodiola, lemon balm, hawthorn, passionflower, and California poppy.
When to use relaxing plants?
The purpose of anti-stress plants is to support you daily in overcoming challenges that cause emotional or physical overload. Whether it's occasional stress, chronic stress, or anticipatory stress, these plants help you relax and unwind, soothing both your body and mind.
Relaxing plants are indicated for many moments in life and are suitable for various daily situations at home, work, school, or during sports:
- Overwork and physical or mental fatigue
- Heavy workload
- Difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings
- Anxiety, fears
- Exams, job interviews, sports competitions
- Public speaking, work meetings
- Back-to-work stress
- Traveling (plane, train, car...)
- Traffic jams...
For whom?
The relaxing and calming effect of these plants is particularly beneficial for people who are naturally stressed or nervous. They are also useful for those who are emotionally or physically exhausted and those who struggle to let go in their hectic daily lives.
The advantage of plants for relaxation
Unlike medications, plants offer a natural way to relax. Today, many calming supplements are plant-based, often from organic and locally grown sources.
Given the richness and diversity of plants in nature, many relaxing plants have unique organoleptic properties. This variety allows you to try different products, each with specific aromas and scents.
Moreover, plants can be used in many forms: infusions, essential oils, cosmetics, diffusers, tablets, or liquid solutions.
Finally, many of these plants have a broad range of applications, ensuring they can positively impact various aspects of health.
Still, be cautious in their use: although their safety is generally high, relaxing plants contain potent active compounds and may be contraindicated for certain groups (children, pregnant women, the sick…). Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.
The best anti-stress and calming plants
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a perennial plant that grows up to 3,000 meters in cold Arctic regions and mountainous areas of Central Asia and Europe. Its therapeutic use dates back to 77 AD. By the 8th century, Vikings consumed rhodiola infusions to enhance physical strength and endurance. It gained fame in the 1960s through Russian and Ukrainian athletes who used it to improve physical performance before the Olympics.
Rhodiola is a well-known relaxing plant. It is adaptogenic, meaning it enhances the body’s ability to resist stress and restores normal physiological function. It influences neurotransmitter levels and activity (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine) and modulates cortisol, the stress hormone. Rhizomes and roots are the most commonly used parts of the plant.
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the best-known and most studied relaxing plants. Originating from Europe and Asia, it is recognized for its sedative and anxiolytic properties, often used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Its roots contain high amounts of valerianic acid, which acts on certain central nervous system receptors (GABA-A) to induce a calming and anxiety-reducing effect.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular over-the-counter herbal remedies for stress and sleep disorders. Lavender modulates neurotransmitter levels and reduces cortisol. Its essential oil promotes optimal relaxation and is recognized by health authorities like the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization for its stress-relieving and sleep-promoting properties.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It regulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA and lowers cortisol levels. Clinical studies confirm its benefits for stress and sleep, making it one of the most renowned anti-stress plants.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is known for its calming properties, reducing heart rate and providing mental tranquility. It promotes calmness during stress, nervous tension, or sleep disturbances.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is rich in polyphenols and has antispasmodic properties. It has been used as a calming agent since the 17th century, and studies show that lemon balm reduces stress and sleep disturbances in stressed and insomniac patients.
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has sedative properties, recognized since ancient times. It helps improve sleep quality, induces calm, and helps manage anxiety.
California Poppy
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a calming plant known for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and relieves mild stress and anxiety symptoms.
You've just discovered the top relaxing plants for stress and sleep. Explore Synergia’s range of supplements containing rhodiola, valerian, lavender, ashwagandha, hawthorn, lemon balm, passionflower, and California poppy.
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