The 6 Best Plants to Promote Relaxation (and how to use them)

In today’s world, stress affects all of us. Your health and quality of life greatly diminish when high levels of stress are left unmanaged. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best plants that promote relaxation.

According to a recent survey, 48 percent of Americans report that their stress levels have increased in the past five years and this negatively impacts their relationships, health, and productivity at work.(1)

Stress is an inevitable part of the day, but it’s not all doom and gloom. This just means it’s crucial to have effective natural remedies to turn to that promote mind and body relaxation during times of chaos.

When you’re stressed, it’s easy to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, smoking, or overeating. The problem with these unhealthy coping mechanisms is that they don’t directly deal with your stress. They only serve as a means to temporarily escape.

Usually, unhealthy coping mechanisms also add an extra layer of stress. It can be hard to think long-term in a moment when you just need some relief. This is where herbal remedies like kava and liquid kratom come in.

Many plant ingredients contain potent compounds that are scientifically proven to support the nervous system, reduce anxiety levels, help your mind and body better adapt to stressful situations, and promote an overall sense of feeling calm, grounded, and relaxed (even when you encounter chaos).

If you want to feel like yourself again, the right herbs and botanicals may be all you need. You can consider adding these options to your routine to help reduce the negative effects of everyday stress. Here are the 6 best plants to promote relaxation:

Kava Kava

Pacific islanders have used this herbal remedy to promote relaxation for hundreds of years. Kava kava (usually shortened to ‘kava’) is prized for its roots, which are typically dried and crushed into a fine powder.

Kava’s stress-relieving benefits come from compounds called kavapyrones. These compounds produce a mild sedative effect that can help you feel calm and relaxed. Some people also report mild ache and pain-relief. You can dissolve kava powder in hot water and drink it like tea to enjoy stress relief. Since kava promotes an overall sense of “chill”, it’s recommended as a top herbal alcohol alternative for social gatherings and parties.

While the plant is considered safe to consume, it is something to be used in moderation. Experts recommend limiting your daily intake of kavalactones to 250mg. If you take kava as a supplement, the kavalactone content will be listed on the packaging.

Liquid Kratom

A relative of the coffee family, kratom trees are native to South Asia. They have long been used within the region to treat pain from physical activity.

You can take kratom in many forms, from powders, to capsules, to liquid kratom. Kratom is one of the active ingredients in VIVAZEN™, which was formulated with those in mind who are seeking plants that promote relaxation, in a liquid kratom form. As well as relaxation, liquid kratom also is known to relieve minor aches and pains due to physical activity.

Chamomile

Think beyond bedtime tea because chamomile can do a great job soothing you at any time of day. Research shows this pretty white flower works as a mild tranquilizer to relax your muscles, reduce anxiety, and calm your nerves. As an added benefit, it can even improve digestion and prevent headaches, which are two common symptoms of excess stress.

Chamomile owes its effectiveness to an antioxidant called apigenin. This compound binds to receptors in your brain to calm it down and help you fall asleep. Studies suggest chamomile extract improves sleep better than placebos, and it may be as effective as prescription medications for many people. If you need a mental break, consider a cup of chamomile to decompress.

Tulsi

Considered by some to be “the Queen of Herbs,” tulsi is a member of the mint family and a powerful antioxidant. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to relieve stress and promote relaxation. 

You can take tulsi as a tea or in tablet form. If you love this herb’s spicy taste, don’t hesitate to bring it into the kitchen! You can add its fresh leaves to salads, desserts, and even make homemade tulsi-infused syrups.

Lemon Balm

This citrus-scented herb comes from the mint family (ironically, not the lemon family) and can be found worldwide. You can help improve your mood and cognitive function while soothing stress symptoms with lemon balm. 

One 2004 study found that the plant increased a sense of calmness in participants while reducing negative moods. It even seems effective at relieving anxiety when taken in other ways, such as blended into beverages or yogurt.

Consider drinking lemon balm tea or regularly taking lemon balm as a nutritional supplement for all-around stress support.

Valerian Root

Long used as a natural anxiety and insomnia treatment, valerian root can trigger feelings of tranquility quickly. In fact, this herbal remedy was commonly used throughout England during WWII to soothe nerves frayed from frequent air raids. 

Valerian root remains a popular sleep aid today. Some people even refer to it as “nature’s Xanax”. Research shows Valerian root can decrease the time it takes you to fall asleep. You can also improve your overall sleep quality without lingering drowsiness or that “hangover” feeling you might experience with medications. You can take this root as a liquid tincture or capsule, and it’s often found in “sleepy time” herbal tea blends sold at health food stores.