Calm Holiday Stress with Natural Herbal Formulas

Deb Mastrianna

The holiday season is enjoyable but can also be stressful. We often abandon our routines and indulge in foods and drinks we don’t typically imbibe. The hectic social events keep us constantly on the move.

One way to alleviate the stress and overindulgence; herbal tincture formulas that combine synergistic components. So, as you barrel through the holiday season this year, consider some natural solutions to keep your well-being in check.  Here are some calming herbal combinations that are find helpful. The alcohol in the formulas can be replaced with Vegetable Glycerin for an alcohol-free version.:

Mom’s Calm Formula

Ingredients: Lavender Flowers, Chamomile flowers, Kava Kava root, Valerian root, Grain alcohol, Ionized water

Mom’s Calm Formula help soothe the overwhelming stress that often accompanies the busy holiday season.  

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) contains an oil that seems to have calming effects and relaxes certain muscles.  People commonly use lavender for anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, dementia, pain, and many other conditions.

Certain active compounds in Chamomile extract work similarly to anti-anxiety medications, which promote relaxation in the brain and nervous system. Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, especially when it is a result of anxiety. Its mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects help those who suffer from sleeplessness. And it is useful for nervousness due to common everyday stress and fatigue. 

Kava Kava Root (Piper methysticum) Kava Root extracts and soothes your mind and body naturally. In Germany, it is used a non-prescription drug to reduce anxiety and has gained popularity in the U.S. for its relaxing effects. It is effective as a pain reliever, comparable to aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Kava has a direct effect on the central nervous system, and muscle tension, similarly to muscle relaxants and tranquilizers. It can produce a euphoric effect characterized by elevated mood. The relaxed state and the sharpening of the senses give Kava Kava its aphrodisiac effect. 

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) is a nonprescription herbal remedy for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. Extracts of Valerian increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain. GABA helps to stimulate relaxation and calmness by regulating the nerve signals in the brain. 

Sleep/Relax Formula

Ingredients: Hops Flower, Valerian Root, Lobelia Herb, Cayenne Pepper, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.

While there are many products on the market designed to help you fall asleep, herbal extracts are becoming the preferred choice for many. This herbal formula is made of all natural ingredients that will allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. 

Trying to enjoy a restful and rejuvenating sleep can be difficult for anyone who suffers from insomnia. People with insomnia are four times more likely to suffer from depression than those who sleep well at night.  And a lack of sleep due to insomnia contribute to a variety of illnesses.

Hops is a fast-acting nervine and sedative, that has been useful for anxiety, hysteria, digestion, and stress-related illness. This herbal extract has been safe for most of the population and found in most quality natural sleep aids. Hops have a bitter quality and are an excellent herb for calming spasms in the digestive tract. On top of that, it is a tension reliever, as it helps to relax the muscle and soothe away anxiety. It is beneficial for promoting sleep and is becoming more and more popular in natural sleep aids every day. 

Valerian root has a long history of use as a mild sedative. When taken as a supplement it helps reduce the amount of time it takes to get to sleep. Valerian has a mild sedative effect, without the groggy side effects of some sleep enhancers. Over time, Valerian root can help with falling asleep and promote more regular sleep patterns.

Skullcap is a natural way to relax, ease your nerves and get a restful sleep. It helps relieve premenstrual syndrome and monthly cramps. Skullcap is also considered to be very useful for alleviating the difficulties of alcohol, barbiturate, and drug withdrawal. 

Headache Pain & Tension|My Aching Head Liquid Herbal Formula

Ingredients: White Willow Bark, Valerian Root, Wood Betony, Scullcap aka Skullcap, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.

Almost everybody has experienced a headache, but some have debilitating migraine pain or cluster headaches. Most headaches arise from muscular and nervous tension. Over-the-counter drugs for headaches, like acetaminophen, often times have side-effects, and even cause liver damage over time. Aspirin and other similar pain relievers can also cause gastric distress and ulcers. Constantly taking aspirin can lead to stroke. Be aware of this if you are taking it daily for heart attack risk. You may be increasing stroke risk and gambling with developing ulcers over time. This formula contains four herbs that have been used traditionally to help ease the pain of headaches, as well as help with tension and stress relief.

White willow bark, Salix alba, has a very long history of use for just this type of pain. The active ingredient of salicin is converted into a pain-relieving salicylic acid, which is why it doesn’t cause irritation to the stomach lining. White willow extracts have been clinically proven to be just as effective for tension headaches as well as other pain, like inflammatory conditions, lower back pain, bursitis, tendinitis and osteoarthritis. White willow appears to bring pain relief more slowly than aspirin, but its effects last longer.

Valerian root doesn’t really target the pain caused by headaches and migraines. It does help reduce the anxiety that is often a trigger for this type of pain. The herb also helps you to relax and sleep without feeling groggy the next day.

Wood Betony is by its very name good for the head. The name comes from the primitive Celtic, where Bew meant head and ton meant good. It was revered as being good for complaints of the head. The herbal tincture is not just singular in its effects either. Wood Betony leaf has been used for poor liver function, headaches, circulation weakness, joint pain, urinary tract problems, and low spirits. It is considered entirely safe to use, for the young and old, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Wood betony has also been used for stress and anxiety, and relaxation. Along with Skullcap and willow bark, it can be a powerful natural headache remedy

Scullcap or Skullcap is specifically for those with intense headache pain, especially when accompanied by neck spasms. Skullcap is a safe and effective solution for tension headaches, and just for tension itself. 

Digestion Stimulant|Compound Formula

Ingredients: Peppermint Leaf, Hyssop Leaf, Hydrangea Root, Catnip Leaf, Garlic Root,  Cayenne Pepper Root, Structured Water and 20% Alcohol.

Digestive problems have been helped enormously with herbal remedies. Digestion Stimulant is a natural, gentle, non-addictive herbal formula that promotes regularity while toning and cleansing the digestive system. These plants are used to relax and stimulate digestion and soothe inflammation and pain.  

Organic Peppermint Leaf helps improve the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Volatile oil found in Peppermint leaf extract also aids with the overall digestive process. Mentha piperita helps keep your liver in good working order and allows it to function more effectively. It eliminates foreign particles, calms the stomach, relaxes the intestinal muscles to reduce cramping and reduces feelings of nausea and heartburn. Peppermint leaf also helps to break down fats, bad cholesterol and inhibits the growth of obstacles in the kidney and gallbladder. Research suggests that Peppermint leaf tincture and other mint oils actually work to dissolve foreign particles within body tissue.  Additionally, Peppermint leaf can help relax bile ducts for improved flow of important digestive fluid. Bioflavonoids and antioxidant activity help improve circulation and is effective at discouraging the growth of many unwanted fungi and bacteria. Therefore, your kidneys do not need to work as hard to help fight off infections.  

Menthol and methyl salicylate are the main active ingredient of Peppermint. Internally, the anti-spasmodic actions, has a calming effect on the muscles of the stomach, intestinal tract, and uterus. It also acts as a powerful analgesic with pain-killing properties. This comes, in part, through activation of kappa-opioid receptors, which help to block the pain signal transmission.

Hyssop leaf has been used to alleviate symptoms of various medical problems. The Hyssop plant contains volatile oils, which is an effective stimulant, carminative and diaphoretic. Hyssop flower extract stimulates and activates the immune system and protects from infections and diseases. Being sudorific, it frees the body of toxins, water, and extra salts, which helps to make you slim. Hyssop herbal extract’s carminative properties have been found to be quite useful for ailments related to the digestive tract. Particularly indigestion, gas, bloating and colic. It also serves as a relaxant which can be helpful for relief of uneasiness, heaviness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and even heart troubles. Further, Hyssop does not let gas form in the body, in fact, it gives a downward passage to gas. Hyssop tincture stimulates the nervous system, the brain, the endocrinal system and the excretory system, as well. So, it stimulates the whole metabolism and helps with better consumption and absorption of the nutrients to the body.

Extracts from the root of the Hydrangea root are an alternative treatment for immune system problems. Scientists believe the root has substances capable of combating conditions affecting the immune system. Halofuginone, a substance found in Hydrangea root extracts, keeps the body from producing the harmful white blood cells often associated with immune system diseases. The substance halofuginone has FDA Orphan Drug Status. This is a designation intended to encourage research and development, for use in the treatment of scleroderma. Hydrangea contains silicon, manganese, and chromium, which helps support your immune system and to regulate blood sugar. Hydrangea tincture also supports urinary tract health and acts as a diuretic. It has been used to clean the kidneys, dissolve kidney stones and even prevent their formation. A blood cleanser, it also helps to treat lymphatic conditions.

Catnip herb contains vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sodium. Its calming properties can help relieve stress, anxiety, and help to treat insomnia and migraines.  Catnip is a natural antacid and has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach cramps, and flatulence. Catnip herbal extract is said to help improve digestion, ease morning sickness, upset stomach, indigestion and stress-related conditions, due to its ability to calm the nerves. It has been found to settle the stomach and soothe children when they are upset. It has been prescribed for inflammatory bowel conditions, bowel infections, constipation, and diarrhea. Its relaxing properties are also beneficial as a sleep aid.

Garlic bulb has been known to keep digestion running well. It is especially helpful in irritation or swelling of the stomach. Garlic is an underappreciated, but extremely effective herb that serves as a powerful anti-parasitic. It performs as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral herb. Garlic extract detoxifies the gut and helps the bowels function properly. You get additional benefits from the nutrients that the herb supplies.

Cayenne pepper has natural properties, which are widely used to improve digestive problems, reduce bloating, increase blood circulation and fight muscle cramps. Cayenne contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and C. Cayenne’s additional components include volatile oils, flavonoids capsaicin, alkaloids, fatty acids, capsanthin, steroid saponins, and carotenoids. Cayenne pepper appears to temporarily warm the body and help break down carbohydrates. These are two factors that aid in weight-loss as part of a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Capsaicin, the component in Cayenne pepper that makes it spicy, also helps clear your arteries of plaque. This means that Cayenne pepper can prevent plaque deposits due to high cholesterol and blood fat levels.

Conclusion

For all the joy and revelry of the holidays, they can also take a toll on your body and test your emotions. Take a natural approach to your holiday festivities.

With the right herbs, you can manage overindulgence and stress, stay calm and carry on.