Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Whether it’s juggling work, family, or just the chaos of daily life, stress can take a serious toll on your body and mind. But here’s the good news: herbs can be powerful allies in helping you manage stress, balance cortisol levels, and support your gut health.

🎧 Tune into to the full podcast episode below to learn how lemon balm, chamomile, tulsi, and ashwagandha can help you find calm and resilience during life’s toughest moments.

How Stress Impacts the Gut-Brain Axis

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it impacts your whole body, particularly your gut. When stress triggers the release of cortisol, it can disrupt digestion and interfere with the gut-brain connection. This communication system, known as the gut-brain axis, is key to maintaining balance.

Here’s something fascinating: about 90% of your body’s serotonin—the feel-good neurotransmitter—is produced in your gut. If your gut health is off, it can affect your mood, making you feel more anxious or stressed. This is why taking care of your gut is so critical for overall resilience.

Herbal Allies for Stress and Gut Health

Lemon Balm: Nature’s Sunshine

Lemon balm is like a warm hug for your nervous system. Known as “nature’s sunshine,” it gently soothes anxiety, lifts your mood, and supports your digestive system—all while being absolutely delicious. Whether you’re sipping it as tea, adding it to popsicles, or taking it as a tincture, lemon balm is an excellent herb for seasonal sadness and everyday stress. If you don’t grow your own, I highly recommend the vibrant lemon balm from Oshala Herb Farm.

Chamomile: The Gentle Healer

Chamomile might be a familiar friend, often associated with bedtime teas, but its benefits go far beyond helping you sleep. This nervine herb calms the mind, soothes anxiety, and supports healthy digestion. It’s particularly great for those stress-related tummy troubles or headaches. Whether infused in tea, honey, or tinctures, chamomile is a must-have in any herbal toolkit. Check out Oshala Herb Farm or Oregon’s Wild Harvest for top-quality chamomile.

Tulsi (Holy Basil): The Adaptogen Extraordinaire

Tulsi, or holy basil, is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body adapt to stress while promoting a sense of calm and balance. It’s known to lower cortisol levels, lift mood, and even support brain health by increasing serotonin and dopamine. Tulsi tea is delicious on its own or blended with warming spices. You can find excellent Tulsi products at Oshala Herb Farm or in capsules from Oregon’s Wild Harvest.

Ashwagandha: The Stress-Busting Powerhouse

Ashwagandha, a classic adaptogen, is one of my go-to herbs for balancing cortisol and supporting adrenal health. It’s especially helpful for busy moms juggling a thousand things—helping to calm the nervous system, improve sleep, and restore energy. I love making tinctures with ashwagandha, but capsules or teas work just as well. For a trusted source, visit Fullscript for 15% off.

Lifestyle Tips to Pair with Herbs

Herbs work best when paired with supportive lifestyle changes. Make time for nutrient-dense meals with plenty of colorful vegetables and fermented foods to nourish your gut. Prioritize sleep, avoid the doom-scroll trap, and integrate mindfulness or gentle movement into your routine. These small shifts can make a big difference!

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Herbal Teas and Supplies: Oshala Herb Farm
• Probiotics & Supplements: Fullscript (Get 15% off with our link!)
• Learn to Be a Community Herbalist: Apply Here 

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you loved this episode, you’ll love learning more about how herbs and holistic strategies can transform your health—and your community’s! Join me in the Community Herbalist Certification Program and become that go to herbal healer in your community.

What are your favorite herbs for stress relief? Shoot me an email @ [email protected] or or connect with me on Instagram or TikTok to let me know! And be sure to hare this episode with a friend who needs it!