10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Stress

Herbal tinctures for stress are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, herbs, and botanicals that have been used for centuries to alleviate anxiety and tension.

These tinctures work by promoting relaxation, calming the nervous system, and reducing cortisol levels. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with stress include ashwagandha, which reduces anxiety and promotes sleep, and valerian root, which calms the mind and body.

By incorporating these tinctures into their daily routine, individuals can experience improved mental clarity, increased energy, and a sense of overall well-being, allowing them to better cope with the demands of everyday life.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for stress, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with stress because it promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system.

The root of the valerian plant contains a unique combination of compounds that work together to slow down brain activity, reducing feelings of anxiety and tension. When taken as a tincture, these compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing fast relief from stress and promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

This makes it an effective natural remedy for managing stress and improving sleep quality.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with stress.

• Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene acts as a GABA receptor agonist, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety by promoting the activity of neurotransmitters that regulate relaxation.
• Isovaleric acid: This organic acid has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly by influencing the brain's neurotransmitter system and promoting a sense of calm.
• Valeranone: A sesquiterpene that has been found to have sedative and anxiolytic properties, possibly by interacting with the brain's GABA receptors and promoting relaxation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for stress.

• Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are primarily used to make tinctures for stress due to their high concentration of valerenic acids and valepotriates, which have a sedative effect.
• Flowers: Valeriana officinalis flowers are utilized in making tinctures for stress due to their ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety through their floral essence and bioactive compounds.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for stress.

1. Harvest fresh valeriana officinalis roots and clean them thoroughly with distilled water.
2. Chop 1 part of the cleaned roots into small pieces and combine with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka.
3. Store the mixture in a glass jar with a lid and let it steep for 2 weeks in a cool dark place.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
5. Label the final tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle with a dropper in the refrigerator to preserve potency.

2. Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort tinctures helps with stress because of its natural adaptogenic properties, allowing it to adjust to the body's needs.

It promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation by interacting with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and emotional response. As a result, herbal St John's wort tinctures can help reduce anxiety and irritability, promoting a more balanced state of mind.

Additionally, its sedative effects can aid in improving sleep quality, further enhancing overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with stress.

• Hyperforin: A terpene derivative that helps with stress by acting as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and promoting relaxation.
• Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone that helps with stress by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with anxiety.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid that helps with stress by acting as an antioxidant and inhibitor of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and other active compounds, leaves are often used in tinctures for stress due to their sedative and antidepressant properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Hypericum perforatum contain a high concentration of hypericin and hyperforin, which are responsible for their antidepressant and stress-relieving effects.
• Stems: The stems of the plant contain a significant amount of hyperforin, making them a valuable component in tinctures for stress relief and mood enhancement.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for stress.

1. Harvest 1 part of dried flower buds of hypericum perforatum at 10 am on a sunny day.
2. Chop 1 part of harvested hypericum perforatum into small pieces using sharp scissors or a knife.
3. Combine 3 parts of chopped hypericum perforatum with 60% vodka or 70% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place.

3. Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi tinctures helps with stress because it contains compounds that have a profound impact on the body's response to anxiety.

The herb's ability to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation allows individuals to better cope with the pressures of modern life. Additionally, Brahmi has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

As a result, herbal Brahmi tinctures can provide a sense of clarity and calmness, making them an effective natural remedy for managing stress.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Bacopa monnieri tinctures that help with stress.

• Bacosides: Bacosides are a group of saponin compounds that help with stress by enhancing memory and cognitive function, thus reducing mental fatigue and stress caused by poor cognitive performance.
• Bacopasides: Bacopasides are another group of saponins that may contribute to the stress-reducing effects of Bacopa monnieri by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters and improving mood.
• Bacogenin: Bacogenin, a triterpenoid saponin, may help with stress by inhibiting the production of stress-related hormones and promoting relaxation and reduced anxiety.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of brahmi used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: They are rich in bacosides, a compound responsible for the herb's stress-reducing and memory-enhancing properties.
• Roots: The roots of Bacopa monnieri are known to have a higher concentration of bacosides than other parts, making them a popular choice for tinctures.
• Stems: The stems of Bacopa monnieri also contain bacosides, which contribute to their stress-reducing and cognitive-boosting effects.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic brahmi for stress.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh leaves and stems of bacopa monnieri in the morning.
2. Clean the harvested plant material thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Combine the cleaned bacopa monnieri with 80-100 proof ethanol in a 1:5 ratio by weight for.
4. Allow the mixture to macerate for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter and discard the solids to obtain the final tincture.

4. Centella asiatica

Asiatic pennywort tinctures helps with stress because of its unique ability to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

The herb contains a compound called centella, which has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Additionally, Asiatic pennywort tinctures have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe anxiety and promote mental clarity, allowing individuals to better cope with stressful situations and improve overall well-being.

By taking an Asiatic pennywort tincture, individuals can experience a sense of calm and serenity that helps them navigate life's challenges with ease.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Centella asiatica tinctures that help with stress.

• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as asiatic acid and madecassic acid, help alleviate stress by enhancing the body's ability to cope with physical and mental stress through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, help reduce stress by modulating the body's response to stress and promoting relaxation through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Asteroside: Asteroside helps alleviate stress by enhancing the brain's ability to adapt to stressful situations and promoting relaxation through its neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of asiatic pennywort used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: They are rich in active compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside, which contribute to their calming and anti-anxiety properties.
• Roots: The roots are known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body to adapt to stress and promoting balance in the nervous system.
• Rhyzomes: Although less commonly used, the rhyzomes (underground stems) of Centella asiatica contain compounds that may contribute to their potential stress-relieving and adaptogenic effects.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic asiatic pennywort for stress.

1. Harvest fresh centella asiatica leaves and stems in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 80% ethanol in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
4. Allow the mixture to macerate in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks.
5. Filter the tincture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove plant material residue.

5. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with stress because of its unique blend of compounds that promote relaxation and calmness.

The tannins and flavonoids in maypop work together to reduce anxiety and nervousness, while the alkaloids help to stabilize mood and reduce cortisol levels. Additionally, the sedative properties of maypop can help individuals fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, leading to a greater sense of overall well-being and reduced stress.

As a result, maypop tinctures can be a valuable tool for managing stress and promoting emotional balance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with stress.

• Isoschaftoside: This flavonoid glycoside has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Passiflorine: A natural alkaloid present in Passiflora incarnata, it has been found to possess anxiolytic and antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate stress-related symptoms such as anxiety and muscle tension.
• Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have been demonstrated to have a calming effect on the nervous system, contributing to reduced stress and anxiety by modulating the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, which contribute to their calming and anxiolytic effects.
• Stems: They contain bioactive compounds that help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Fruits: They are a good source of passion flower extract, which has been traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for stress.

1. Gather 1 part of fresh or dried flowers and 2 parts of a neutral solvent such as ethanol or glycerin.
2. Combine the plant material and solvent in a clean glass jar or container with a lid.
3. Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
4. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
5. Label and store the tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

6. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with stress because they contain a unique combination of bioactive compounds that interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

The calming scent of lavender has been shown to slow down heart rate and lower blood pressure, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.

By soothing the mind and body, English lavender tinctures can help alleviate stress-related symptoms, leaving you feeling more balanced and centered.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with stress.

• Linalool: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
• Linalyl acetate: Similar to linalool, this terpene has a sedative effect, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of calmness and reducing symptoms of insomnia.
• Lavandulol: This sesquiterpene has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for stress.

• Flowers: They are primarily used due to their high concentration of calming essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for their stress-relieving properties.
• Leaves: They are used as a secondary option due to their similar composition to flowers, containing similar essential oils that contribute to their calming effects.
• Stems: While not as potent as flowers or leaves, stems are occasionally used for their mild sedative properties and can be a more affordable option for tincture production.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for stress.

1. Harvest fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers at peak bloom for optimal oil content and potency.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer on paper bags for 1-2 weeks.
3. Combine 1 part dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 2 parts 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and discard the solids, then transfer the tincture to glass bottles.

7. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with stress because its calming properties can soothe an overactive mind and body.

The herb's ability to relax the nervous system and promote a sense of tranquility can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Lemon balm also contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect, further reducing feelings of tension and promoting relaxation.

Regular use of lemon balm tinctures can lead to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and a deeper sense of calm.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with stress.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid helps with stress by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation in the body, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and fatigue.
• Linalool: As a terpene, linalool has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress by regulating the body's response to stressors.
• Geraniol: This terpene also has a sedative effect, helping to regulate the body's stress response and promote a sense of calm, which can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Melissa officinalis due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their calming and stress-reducing properties.
• Flowers: Flowers are also used to make tinctures due to their high content of essential oils, which are believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Stems: Stems are sometimes used to make tinctures, as they contain some of the plant's medicinal compounds, although their concentration may be lower than that of leaves and flowers.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for stress.

1. Harvest 1 part of melissa leaves and flowers fresh in the morning when dew is still present.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a cool dark place for 1 to 3 weeks.
3. Chop 1 part of the dried plant material into small pieces and combine with 2 parts of 95 alcohol.
4. Steep the mixture in a glass container for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the melissa tincture.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with stress because of its unique composition, rich in flavonoids and terpenes that interact synergistically to promote relaxation and calmness.

The calming effects are attributed to the presence of adenosine, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep-wake cycles, which is naturally increased by the tincture.

Additionally, the tincture's adaptogenic properties help regulate cortisol levels, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of balance and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with stress.

• Bilobalide: Helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Quercetin: Contributes to stress relief by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing oxidative stress, leading to a sense of calmness and well-being.
• Ginkgolide b: Eases stress by blocking the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a compound involved in inflammation and anxiety, promoting a more balanced mood.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for stress.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba due to their high flavonoid and terpene content, which are responsible for their medicinal properties.
• Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are used to create tinctures due to their high concentration of ginkgolides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help reduce stress.
• Barks: The bark of the Ginkgo biloba tree is used to make tinctures because it contains a high amount of ginkgolic acid, a compound that has been found to have anti-stress and antioxidant properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for stress.

1. Harvest fresh ginkgo biloba leaves in late summer or early fall when the plant is fully grown.
2. Chop 250 grams of the fresh leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area.
3. Combine the chopped leaves with 750 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a clean glass container.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain and filter the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.

9. Eleutherococcus senticosus

Siberian ginseng tinctures helps with stress because it has a unique ability to adapt the body to changing conditions, promoting resilience in the face of adversity.

It achieves this by stimulating the body's natural response to stress, allowing it to better cope with anxiety and fatigue.

Additionally, Siberian ginseng tinctures have been shown to increase circulation, boost energy levels, and enhance mental clarity, making it an effective natural remedy for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eleutherococcus senticosus tinctures that help with stress.

• Eleutherosides: These triterpene glycosides have anti-stress and adaptogenic properties, helping to regulate the body's response to stress and promote overall well-being.
• Aesculetin: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body and promote relaxation.
• Asteroside: This triterpene glycoside has been shown to have anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects, and may also help to regulate the body's cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of siberian ginseng used to make tinctures for stress.

• Roots: The roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus are the most commonly used part for making tinctures due to their high concentration of eleutherosides, which are responsible for the plant's adaptogenic properties.
• Stems: The stems are also used to make tinctures as they contain a lower concentration of eleutherosides compared to the roots but still provide a range of beneficial compounds.
• Leaves: The leaves are occasionally used to make tinctures, although less frequently than roots and stems, as they also contain eleutherosides and other compounds that can help alleviate stress.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic siberian ginseng for stress.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh or 2 pounds of dried roots of eleutherococcus senticosus in late summer or early fall.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every week.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks before using it allowing the flavors to mature.

10. Avena sativa

Oats tinctures helps with stress because they contain natural compounds that promote relaxation and calmness.

The beta-glucans in oats have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety. Additionally, oat tinctures contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an overactive nervous system.

When taken regularly, oat tinctures can help regulate mood and promote feelings of calmness, making them a natural and effective way to manage daily stress.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with stress.

• Avenacoside: Avenacoside, a saponin glycoside, is believed to help alleviate stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Isovitexin: Isovitexin, a flavonoid, may help mitigate stress by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which can contribute to its calming effects.
• Avenanthramides: Avenanthramides, a class of phenolic compounds, have been shown to possess anti-anxiety and stress-reducing properties, possibly due to their ability to regulate cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for stress.

• Seeds: The seeds of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for stress due to their high concentration of active compounds like avenacoside and avenanthramides.
• Roots: The roots of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for stress due to their ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Leaves: The leaves of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for stress due to their calming effects and ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for stress.

1. Harvest 1 part of avena sativa roots and 2 parts of leaves by hand when the plant is in full bloom.
2. Chop the harvested avena sativa into small pieces and dry them in a warm oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 part of chopped avena sativa with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the tincture through a coffee filter and transfer it to a glass dropper bottle, ready for use.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for stress?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with stress is a blend of Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, and Lavender.

Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels and promotes relaxation. Lemon Balm calms the nervous system and soothes anxiety.

Lavender promotes a restful sleep and reduces irritability. When combined, these tinctures work synergistically to alleviate stress and anxiety. Take 20-30 drops of each tincture in water, 2-3 times a day, to experience their therapeutic benefits.

Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your supplement routine.

What ailments similar to stress are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to stress/tinctures.html">stress/tinctures.html">stress that are treated with herbal tinctures are anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Herbal tinctures like passionflower, valerian root, and St. John's Wort have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Other herbs such as chamomile and lemon balm can also be used to soothe and calm the mind and body, helping to alleviate insomnia and promote restful sleep.