Here in The Health Hub, we are seeing a lot more customers with low mood, anxiety and stress due to these uncertain times and the additional stresses that COVID has placed families under. Here are a few natural herbs that can help to balance mood and manage stress.
 
1. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that works as an anti-stress agent. It also provides other benefits for your body and brain — boosting brain function, lowering blood sugar and cortisol levels, and helping fight anxiety and depression. We get great feedback from customers on this herb.
 
2. Rhodiola is another wonderful herb that is useful for managing anxiety, mental fatigue and depression. It can also improve symptoms of burnout, which can occur with chronic stress.
 
3. Bacopa protects brain cells and increases brain chemicals associated with learning and memory. Studies have shown that bacopa is helpful in cases of memory issues, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, and inability to focus, and has long been used for fighting stress and improving memory. It can be useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, people with trouble focusing, and attention deficit disorder.
 
4. Gotu Kola is another Ayurvedic herb that has traditionally been used in cases of mental fatigue, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and insomnia. Modern medical researchers report that the plant has neuro-regenerative capacity, or the ability to create new nerve cells.
 
5. Cannabis Oil (CBD) can provide immediate relief from anxiety and stress. We see amazing results with customers and it works quickly. CBD oil is fully legal as it does not have any THC, which is the component that makes you 'stoned'. Great to stop the busy body busy brain at night for a good restful sleep. Look for a brand that provides a higher dose of the CBDA cannaboids – we feel this this works best for anxiety based on feedback from our own customers.
 
**Remember to check with your healthcare practitioner if you are on medication so ensure there are no conflicts.