J Perianesth Nurs. 1999 Jun; 14(3): 134-8.

Herbal remedies: the natural approach to combating stress.

Pavlovich N.

Duquesne University, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Nurses working in high-pressure situations encounter an inordinate degree of work-related stress in addition to the daily stress experienced in everyday living. A current trend in health care is to utilize natural substances to decrease stress. This article provides an overview of stress and its impact on health. Common herbal remedies, as well as other helpful aids for decreasing stress and promoting health, are identified and discussed. A few guidelines are offered for those who are considering the use of herbs in alleviating the prevailing symptoms of stress. Generally speaking, therapeutic herbs are, for the most part, safe and effective and result in general good health. A few exceptions and warnings are noted.