
Feeling too overwhelmed? 3 stress-relieving herbs that may help manage low moods
ALSO READ: Stress and heart attacks: Doctor explains how they are interconnected; shares tips to handle stress
Dr Shruthi M Hegde, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayurveda), Ayurveda Expert at the Discovery Sciences Group, Research & Development Center, Himalaya Wellness Company, Bengaluru, shared with HT Lifestyle how traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, Tagara, and Guduchi can offer natural support for managing stress by affecting the physical response to anxiety and mood regulation.
Here's a detailed guide she shared which covers the 3 herbs and the benefits, frequency and more:
ALSO READ: What is ashwagandha and what does it do? Here's all you need to know about the Ayurvedic superfood
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Feeling anxious while eating? 3 Ayurvedic eating hacks for your mealtimes that help calm down the mind
Maintaining a calming state of mind is important when you sit down to eat. Yet it's a rarity nowadays, with officegoers scarfing down meals at their desks or coming home to eat in front of the TV or laptop, or scrolling through their social media feed in a daze. Point being, there's always some kind of stimulation at mealtime, predominantly screens. This creates anxiety, making mealtimes feel overwhelming. To address this situation, how one eats also matters in improving mental wellbeing. If you often feel anxiety, consider try some hacks that can make your mealtimes feel better. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Could the secret to easing anxiety be hiding in your gut? Here's how to fix your mood Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya, NAMA-certified Ayurvedic Doctor (A.D.) shared with HT Lifestyle how anxiety, from an Ayurvedic point of view, is commonly caused by the 'Vata' imbalance and overstimulation of the mind. She explained this and said, "From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is a state of Vata imbalance, marked by excess movement, overstimulation, and fragmentation of attention. When the frontal brain (prefrontal cortex) is overstimulated and unable to process or act upon incoming information, it creates a sense of inner chaos. If a thought cannot be assigned a clear action or surrendered, it begins to loop and escalate, sending the nervous system into high alert." 3 hacks to try during mealtime Sometimes mealtimes can feel gloomy, especially when you are alone. It's like a weird coiling dread, the kind that makes you overthink life and drag old problems to the surface as you unmindfully eat. Some of the ways to reduce anxiety during your meals are by making some minor changes in how you eat. Nidhi recommended three habits: 1. Eat at the same time each day Make sure to have a dedicated routine, eating at the same time.(Shutterstock) The nervous system thrives on rhythm. Regular mealtimes regulate Agni (digestive fire) and tell the body it is safe. Predictability reduces cortisol and supports serotonin production. 2. Sit cross-legged on the floor: This posture presses gently on the lower abdomen, encouraging peristalsis (gut motility) and naturally calming Apana Vayu, the downward-moving energy. It also grounds the body and slows the breath. 3. Try the 'spoon-down' method: Put your spoon down between each bite. This builds a pause, encourages deep breathing, and helps your brain catch up with your body. The simple act can switch you from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode. Comfort foods Khichdi is a comforting meal for your mind. Don't mistake your guilty-pleasure cheat meals as calming foods. While greasy burgers and cheese-dripping pizzas may feel like a one-way ticket to a dopamine flood as your taste buds rejoice, it's more deceptive than you think. This is why your comfort meals, too, need a healthier touch that can help you stay both calm and nourished. Nidhi listed out 4 comfort foods: Warm milk with nutmeg and saffron: Anchors anxiety and supports deep sleep. Anchors anxiety and supports deep sleep. Khichdi : A classic Ayurvedic dish of rice and moong dal, ideal for calming the gut and mind. : A classic Ayurvedic dish of rice and moong dal, ideal for calming the gut and mind. Stewed apples with cinnamon : Light, gut-healing, and sweetly grounding. : Light, gut-healing, and sweetly grounding. Cooked oats with ghee and cardamom: A soothing breakfast that supports serotonin synthesis. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Want to ditch morning coffee and tea: Nutritionist shares 5 healthier drinks to start your day
Beginning the morning on the right note can set the tone for the rest of your day, both for the mind and body. Caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea are commonly the go-to choices for many, but they may not always be the healthiest options, potentially leading to energy crashes or affecting metabolism. By choosing smarter options, they also support your other goals such as belly fat loss, better digestion and reduced waistline. Herbal teas are a better alternative than regular tea. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: 5 Ayurvedic detox tips for monsoon gut reset: CCF tea, easy-to-digest meals and more Nutritionist Amaka, who frequently shares hacks for better health with her Instagram community, highlighted in her August 16 post some simple morning drinks that can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and give your metabolism a natural boost. Here are all the teas she shared for morning, which predominantly include herbal teas as they are naturally non-caffeinated: 1. Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea improves issues of gas.(Shutterstock) Benefits: Calms the stomach and reduces gas. Boost your metabolism for faster weight loss. Calms the stomach and reduces gas. Boost your metabolism for faster weight loss. To make: Take 1 cup of hot water and add either a peppermint tea bag or 6 fresh mint leaves, along with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Take 1 cup of hot water and add either a peppermint tea bag or 6 fresh mint leaves, along with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Take it in the morning and after eating your meals, as it helps with digestion and reduces bloating. 2. Turmeric and black pepper tea: Benefits: Helps calm the gut and reduces swelling in the belly. Adding them to your green detox will do wonders for your waistline. Helps calm the gut and reduces swelling in the belly. Adding them to your green detox will do wonders for your waistline. To make: Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder (or freshly grated turmeric) with a pinch of black pepper in 1 cup of hot water. Let it soak and cool for 3 minutes, then drink it semi-hot. 3. Pineapple and ginger tea: Pineapple and ginger tea is good for belly fat.(Shutterstock) Benefits: Struggling with losing stubborn belly fat, try this tea upon and watch your stomach flatten Struggling with losing stubborn belly fat, try this tea upon and watch your stomach flatten To make: Take the peels from 1 medium-sized pineapple (washed well), 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger, 1 small lime (optional, cut in half), and 1 tablespoon of cloves. Add them to 4 cups of water (250 ml each), boil for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly and drink warm. 4. Green tea with lemon slices Benefits: This combo boosts fat burning, reduces water retention, and helps slim your waistline. To make: Add 1 green tea bag and 3 slices of fresh lemon to 1 cup of hot water. Let it soak, then drink while still warm. 5. Lemon, chia seeds, ginger and apple cider vinegar (ACV) tea: Benefits: Best combo for flat belly tea, super active drinking first in the morning, it completely gets rid of bloating and boosts your metabolism. Best combo for flat belly tea, super active drinking first in the morning, it completely gets rid of bloating and boosts your metabolism. To make: Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (with the mother), 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, 1 medium-sized ginger slice, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in 1 cup of boiling hot water. Allow to soak for 4 minutes until warm, then add the apple cider vinegar and chia seeds, stir well, and drink immediately. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Monsoon Ayurvedic Haircare: Natural Rituals And Aromatherapy Wisdom For Curly And Wavy Hair
By marrying Ayurveda's internal-external balance with aromatherapy's nourishing rituals, you can embrace the rains without worrying about frizz or dullness The monsoon season is as romantic as it is tricky especially for those with curly and wavy hair. While the rains bring much-needed relief from the summer heat, the sudden spike in humidity can cause hair to swell, frizz, and lose its natural shine. Add to this the risk of scalp infections, tangles, and breakage, and the season becomes a true test for hair health. The good news? With a mix of Ayurvedic rituals and aromatherapy-based practices, your curls can stay nourished, defined, and full of life. 'During monsoon, the answer is not in harsh treatments or quick-fix products, but in gentle, consistent Ayurvedic rituals that work with your hair's natural pattern," says Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda. Ayurveda emphasises balance, both internal and external making it especially relevant for curly and wavy textures that need extra care during this season. Cleanse with care According to Dr. Chauhan, the scalp must be kept clean without stripping away natural oils. He recommends a mild herbal shampoo infused with reetha, shikakai, and hibiscus, used twice a week. Proper rinsing ensures no residue is left behind, which can otherwise weigh down curls and waves. Oil massage to balance doshas Monsoon humidity often aggravates kapha and pitta, resulting in itchiness and excess oil. Dr. Chauhan suggests a warm oil massage with coconut or bhringraj oil before washing: 'Keeping the oil on for about 30 minutes nourishes the roots, improves circulation, and reduces frizz." Conditioning, hydration & detangling Curly hair thrives on hydration. Post-cleansing, an aloe vera-based conditioner or a DIY mix of aloe gel and rose water helps detangle while locking in lightweight moisture. Ayurveda also links hair health to diet, fresh, seasonal foods and proper hydration keep the scalp balanced from within. Aromatherapy solutions for curly hair Complementing this holistic approach, Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, highlights that curly hair is naturally drier and more fragile: 'The key to maintaining beautiful curly hair in the rainy season is to keep it well-moisturised. Proper conditioning and regular oil treatments are essential." She suggests practical, everyday rituals: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle from ends to roots without disturbing the curl pattern. Lightly spray water on hair during the day to refresh curls and tame frizz. Apply mousse on damp hair to add volume and bounce. Avoid combing or blow-drying right after washing; instead, use a light serum to lock in moisture. Choose curl-specific hair products that nourish rather than strip natural oils. Essential oils for curls Dr. Kochhar also recommends incorporating essential oils into your monsoon routine: Ylang Ylang oil to nourish the scalp, strengthen strands, and add shine. Rosemary oil to boost circulation, encourage hair growth, and prevent premature greying. For a simple ritual, mix a few drops of essential oil with water and apply it after shampoo. Instead of using a towel, she advises gently patting hair dry with a soft cotton T-shirt to avoid friction-induced frizz. Regular trims also ensure curls stay healthy and fresh. The mindful monsoon routine Together, these perspectives offer a seasonal blueprint: cleanse gently, oil regularly, hydrate consistently, and choose natural formulations that honour your curl pattern. As Dr. Chauhan reminds, 'A few mindful changes in your routine now can keep monsoon hair troubles from becoming a yearly struggle." By marrying Ayurveda's internal-external balance with aromatherapy's nourishing rituals, you can embrace the rains without worrying about frizz or dullness, letting your curls and waves stay as joyful as the monsoon itself. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.