by MARSHALL BONE
From homework to bills, there are a lot of stressors in the modern world that have only existed for less than a century. However, that doesn’t mean stress didn’t exist. Stress is just as much a part of the human experience as bliss is.
So how did ancient communities deal with stress? While each had a number of communal practices that reduced stress and fostered connection, they also relied on medicinal herbs, plants, fungi, and other botanicals with properties that relaxed both body and mind. Let’s dive into some of these ancient herbal solutions and explore their place in your own stress management practices.
1. Kratom
Native to Southeast Asia, the broad leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa) have been used for centuries by local communities for social, labor, religious, and medicinal practices. White-vein leaves harvested from younger trees boost energy and enhance focus, but red-vein leaves harvested from older trees soothe and relax. Leaves were traditionally chewed or dried and brewed into tea, but nowadays, you can buy kratom powder, extracts, edibles, and more.
If you’re overwhelmed with everything that’s falling behind at work, consider white-vein kratom products to help you stay focused and catch up. Or, if you’re high-strung and struggling with aches and pains at the end of your work day, red-vein kratom could help with winding down.
2. Blue Lotus
Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is a gorgeous flower native to northern and central Africa. However, it wasn’t just used for its looks. For thousands of years, it’s been used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Thankfully, it’s easy to take part in this ancient practice yourself in a variety of ways. Dried flowers can be smoked or brewed into tea. If you want something more potent or easier to dose with, there are also tinctures and edibles.
3. Kava
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant found across the Pacific Islands. The roots were either chewed or ground and prepared into a beverage commonly referred to by the same name. When consumed, kava produces an incredible calm, relaxing the body and calming the mind. Kava was drunk both recreationally and as a ceremonial beverage before important social, political, and religious gatherings.
While it’s still traditionally consumed by the same cultures that cultivated it, you may have noticed kava bars popping up across the Western world. These venues prepare and serve kava, giving you the opportunity to try this amazing brew and experience its incredible benefits for yourself without needing to fly out to a Pacific island.
4. Kanna
This South African succulent was part of the medicinal tradition of local Indigenous communities for centuries. While kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) was sometimes used for managing pain and reducing hunger, it was also used to reduce anxiety and elevate moods.
Today, it’s just as beloved for those very same properties. Thousands of wellness seekers have integrated kanna into their supplement regimen, reducing the impact stress and anxiety has on your life.
5. Dagga
Also known as Lion’s Tail, dagga (Leonotis leonurus) is another South African plant that was used as an important part of the medicinal practices of local tribes for centuries. The petals of this flower helped their bodies relax, as well as boosted their mood with the mild euphoric properties.
Dagga still has its place in the modern era. If you’re looking for an all-natural way to help manage stress, dagga is a fantastic option.
6. California Poppy
The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) isn’t actually related to poppies like the opium poppy. It also isn’t exclusively in California; it can be found all over western North America, ranging from Baja California to Washington. It was used by Indigenous communities to promote sleep and relaxation.
This ancient herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety continues to be used by both Indigenous communities and wellness seekers. If you’re struggling with both, the California poppy might be the herb your supplement regimen needs.
Explore Ancient Solutions for Modern Stress
Regardless of the era, culture, or location, humans have and will always struggle with stress and anxiety. However, each person has their own way of dealing with it. While various lifestyle changes can help mitigate stress, such as exercise and a regular sleep schedule, those only go so far. Sometimes, you need a little extra support — and these all-natural remedies provide just that.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
