Herbs for the Overwhelmed Mom: Natural Remedies to Calm Anxiety & Stress

Written on 04/02/2025
April Joy Wellness

Let’s be real—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also A LOT.

You’re constantly juggling schedules, wiping noses, answering the 4,537th “Mommmm?” of the day, and trying to remember if you actually drank any water (spoiler: you probably didn’t). It’s no wonder so many moms feel stressed, anxious, and stretched way too thin.

But here’s the good news: nature has your back. 🌿

Herbs have been used for centuries to calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and restore balance—and the best part? They work with your body, gently helping you feel more grounded and at ease, without the drowsiness or side effects of pharmaceuticals.

So, breathe, mama. This guide is here to help you slow down, sip some tea, and bring a little herbal calm into your daily routine.


How Herbs Help With Stress & Anxiety

When we’re constantly on edge, our bodies stay in fight-or-flight mode—meaning we’re pumping out stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline non-stop. Over time, this drains our energy, disrupts our sleep, weakens our immune system, and makes us feel even more overwhelmed.

Herbs can help by:

Calming the nervous system (so you feel more peaceful)
Balancing stress hormones (so you don’t crash midday)
Supporting deep sleep (because moms need rest, too!)
Helping the body adapt to stress (so you feel more resilient)

Now, let’s meet your herbal besties for stress relief and how to actually use them.


Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – The Stress Soother

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress rather than just masking symptoms. It calms the mind, lowers cortisol (your stress hormone), and supports deep sleep—without making you feel sluggish.

How to Use Ashwagandha:
✔ Take as a tea, tincture, or capsule.
✔ Add to smoothies, warm milk, or golden milk lattes.

🌙 Ashwagandha Moon Milk Recipe

A warm, cozy bedtime drink that melts away stress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk (almond, oat, or regular)

  • ½ tsp ashwagandha powder

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • 1 tsp raw honey (or maple syrup)

  • 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:
1️⃣ Warm the milk on the stove (don’t boil).
2️⃣ Whisk in ashwagandha, cinnamon, nutmeg & coconut oil.
3️⃣ Sweeten with honey & sip before bed.

Use: 1 cup nightly for deep relaxation.


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