Nature doesn’t silence the noise — it teaches the system to harmonize with it.
Plant-Based Anti-Stress Remedies — Nature’s Gentle Support
For centuries, people have turned to plants for calm.
Long before “stress” became a modern word, valerian, hops, and lemon balm were known to soothe tension and help the body recover from mental fatigue.
Today, these same botanicals are studied through the lens of modern science — not as quick fixes, but as natural modulators of balance.
They don’t erase stress; they help the body remember calm.
Long before “stress” became a modern word, valerian, hops, and lemon balm were known to soothe tension and help the body recover from mental fatigue.
Today, these same botanicals are studied through the lens of modern science — not as quick fixes, but as natural modulators of balance.
They don’t erase stress; they help the body remember calm.
Why Plants Can Help During Stress
Many plant extracts contain bioactive compounds that interact gently with the nervous system — supporting relaxation, focus, and sleep quality.
Their role is adaptive, not suppressive: they help the body adjust rather than force a reaction.
Scientific evaluation of herbal ingredients within the European Union follows strict regulatory frameworks, and not all claims are approved.
However, centuries of safe traditional use and a growing number of clinical observations highlight their supportive role in overall well-being.
Their role is adaptive, not suppressive: they help the body adjust rather than force a reaction.
Scientific evaluation of herbal ingredients within the European Union follows strict regulatory frameworks, and not all claims are approved.
However, centuries of safe traditional use and a growing number of clinical observations highlight their supportive role in overall well-being.
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis L.)
Valerian root has been used in Europe since ancient times as a natural aid for calmness and sleep onset.
Research suggests that certain compounds in valerian (valerenic acids) interact with the GABA system — the brain’s main calming pathway — without causing dependence.
While health claims for valerian are currently on hold under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) lists it as a traditional herbal remedy for temporary stress and sleep disturbances.
It’s not a sedative — it’s a soft signal that rest is safe again.
Research suggests that certain compounds in valerian (valerenic acids) interact with the GABA system — the brain’s main calming pathway — without causing dependence.
While health claims for valerian are currently on hold under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) lists it as a traditional herbal remedy for temporary stress and sleep disturbances.
It’s not a sedative — it’s a soft signal that rest is safe again.
Hops (Humulus lupulus L.)
Often associated with beer brewing, hops flowers have a long history in herbal medicine.
When combined with valerian, hops extract is known to enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality — a synergy confirmed by several clinical studies.
As with valerian, claims for hops are on hold within the EU, but its traditional use is officially recognized by the EMA as a mild herbal sedative.
Together, valerian and hops are like night and twilight — they work better together than alone.
When combined with valerian, hops extract is known to enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality — a synergy confirmed by several clinical studies.
As with valerian, claims for hops are on hold within the EU, but its traditional use is officially recognized by the EMA as a mild herbal sedative.
Together, valerian and hops are like night and twilight — they work better together than alone.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.)
Lemon balm is one of the most researched herbs for emotional balance.
Studies suggest it can help reduce feelings of tension and restlessness, supporting focus during stress.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not yet authorized specific health claims for Melissa, but its traditional use for mild anxiety and irritability is well-documented.
Fresh, citrusy, and uplifting — lemon balm calms without clouding the mind.
Studies suggest it can help reduce feelings of tension and restlessness, supporting focus during stress.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not yet authorized specific health claims for Melissa, but its traditional use for mild anxiety and irritability is well-documented.
Fresh, citrusy, and uplifting — lemon balm calms without clouding the mind.
Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata L.)
Passion flower is another plant valued for its soothing and stabilizing effect on the nervous system.
It is often used in combination with valerian or hops to support natural sleep and reduce mild restlessness.
Its effects are recognized in traditional European medicine and pharmacopoeias.
It is often used in combination with valerian or hops to support natural sleep and reduce mild restlessness.
Its effects are recognized in traditional European medicine and pharmacopoeias.
Approved Nutrient Support for the Nervous System
Unlike botanical ingredients (where claims may be “on hold”), vitamins and minerals related to stress response have clear, EFSA-approved health claims under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Key nutrients with authorized claims:
Because the stress system connects nearly every organ, symptoms can appear on many levels:
- Vitamin B6, B12, and Niacin (B3):
contribute to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Folate (B9):
contributes to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Magnesium:
contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal psychological function.
These nutrients support the energy metabolism of brain cells, helping the nervous system recover from daily demands.
They work in harmony with plant extracts, creating a gentle synergy — physiolo
They work in harmony with plant extracts, creating a gentle synergy — physiolo
Balance Over Suppression
Plant-based anti-stress remedies don’t block stress — they help the body find rhythm again.
Each herb whispers a different message to the nervous system:
Each herb whispers a different message to the nervous system:
- Valerian says, “You can rest.”
- Hops says, “It’s safe now.”
- Melissa says, “Stay calm and clear.”
- Passion flower says, “Release the weight.”
References and Further Reading
European Medicines Agency (EMA), “Herbal medicinal product – Valerianae radix (Valeriana officinalis L., radix)”. [Final EU herbal monograph PDF] — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-valeriana-officinalis-l-radix_en.pdf European Medicines Agency (EMA)
EMA, “Herbal medicinal product – Valerianae radix & Lupuli flos (Valeriana officinalis L., radix and Humulus lupulus L., flos) – Revision 1”. [PDF] — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/valerianae-radix-lupuli-flos European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), “Health claims – Article 13”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/health-claims-art-13 European Food Safety Authority
EFSA, “Compendium of botanicals – list of botanicals under review”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/data-report/compendium-botanicals European Food Safety Authority
EFSA, “‘On-hold’ botanical health claims – list of botanical claims currently under evaluation”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2021-06/questions-on-hold-botanical-claims.xlsx
European Medicines Agency (EMA), “Herbal medicinal product – Valerianae radix (Valeriana officinalis L., radix)”. [Final EU herbal monograph PDF] — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-valeriana-officinalis-l-radix_en.pdf European Medicines Agency (EMA)
EMA, “Herbal medicinal product – Valerianae radix & Lupuli flos (Valeriana officinalis L., radix and Humulus lupulus L., flos) – Revision 1”. [PDF] — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/valerianae-radix-lupuli-flos European Medicines Agency (EMA)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), “Health claims – Article 13”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/health-claims-art-13 European Food Safety Authority
EFSA, “Compendium of botanicals – list of botanicals under review”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/data-report/compendium-botanicals European Food Safety Authority
EFSA, “‘On-hold’ botanical health claims – list of botanical claims currently under evaluation”. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2021-06/questions-on-hold-botanical-claims.xlsx
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t.: +371 67 323 499
hello@stopstress.de