Herbal Body Lotions That Help Reduce Stress And Improve Sleep

There are thousands of body lotion products available on the market these days but there are a few that provide real benefits for helping us reduce our stress levels, especially when used in combination with other stress relieving activities. These four plant based herbal supplements can be found in products made by Hempz, Aveeno, Jergins, Burts Beezs and Nivea just to name a few. Any over the counter product will do, it's really just a matter of preference. These are all intended to be used later in the day as I believe they all have effects on the body that are best achieved just before sleep. 

In my opinion all these products should be applied after a warm or slightly hot bath as this will open up your pores and increase absorption. Be sure to wash them off thoroughly the next morning or you may be in for a slow start to your day.

As always be sure to check with your doctor before using any new product. Check for allergies and try to find the percentage of these substances in the products you are using and always do further research before making anything a permanent part of your routine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always take extra precautions. Remember just because something is natural does not make it 100% safe.

LAVENDER

This herb comes from a plant that grows in parts of Africa and the Mediterranean. It has been used by many ancient civilizations for its medicinal properties. It has many benefits that have been proven through research. Although treating anxiety and stress have not been proven in wide ranging studies many people swear by this plant

It has been proven as an effective anti-inflammatory and this may be who so many people believe it helps them reduce stress. I sometimes use it myself after a hot bath as i prepare for bed. The bath opens up my pores so the lavender can be better absorbed.

If you use this type of lotion make sure it's a brand that uses real lavender and not an essential oil.

EUCALYPTUS

This is an evergreen plant native to Australia. Yes, this is the same plant eaten by koala bears. It is another medicinal plant with antiinflammatory properties but in this case it has been proven to help sooth sore muscles and joints as well as help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. Of course using a good lotion with this ingredient in it daily will help you get much more rest and thus reduce your stress levels significantly. 

Again with this plant you need a pure extract not an essential oil. You can actually do your body great harm by using the oil forms because they may be too strong. There have been a lot of studies that show this can harm you if it's not properly deluted. It's best to just use a name brand lotion you trust.

Valerian

This plant has been called natures valium. It had been used since the middle-ages as a sedative and can be very effective for that purpose. Out of all the natural medicinals published here I believe this plant should be used with the most caution. When used too much it can cause insomnia. I would suggest only using this one or two times a week

Passionflower

This perennial climbing vine is native to Southeastern North America but in modern times also grows in European countries. This herbal supplement has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia and nervous disorders.

These are only four of many dozens of plant based herbal ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store or purchase online. Making a description of them all in one post would be exhausting but maybe someday I'll try. Remember to always do your own research and find what's best for you. Everyone is different and will have different outcomes with each substance.

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