Ayurvedic Stress Management: Traditional Practices and Herbal Support

by Melissa Chichester

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural health originating in India, offering holistic approaches to well-being that balance the body, mind, and spirit. 

Stress management is integral to this ancient tradition, emphasizing daily routines, mindfulness, and herbal support. 

Here’s a look at Ayurvedic practices that may help you manage stress effectively, including herbs to consider incorporating into your routine.

Ayurvedic stress management practices

  1. Yoga
    Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to calm the mind and body. It’s a foundational Ayurvedic practice that promotes flexibility, mindfulness, and stress reduction. Yoga also stimulates circulation, strengthens the body, and enhances mental focus.
  2. Meditation
    Meditation is a practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and emotional calm. Ayurveda encourages daily meditation as a way to reduce stress and enhance inner peace. Spend 10-20 minutes practicing meditation or breathing exercises (pranayama) to cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress. These practices balance the mind and prepare you for the day ahead.
  3. Oil pulling
    This ancient practice involves swishing oil, such as sesame or coconut oil, in your mouth. It is believed to reduce tension in the jaw, making it a soothing addition to your daily routine.
  4. Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage)
    Abhyanga is the practice of massaging warm oil onto the body. It nourishes the skin, calms the nervous system, and promotes a sense of relaxation.
  5. Massage your feet before bed
    Massaging the soles of your feet with warm oil before bed can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. This simple yet effective practice helps ground the body and mind.
  6. Nasya (applying oil to nasal passages)
    Nasya involves applying herbal oil to the nasal passages, which Ayurveda views as the gateway to the mind. This practice supports clear breathing and reduces stress.
  7. Dinacharya (establish a daily routine)
    In Ayurveda, Dinacharya, or daily routine, is a cornerstone of maintaining balance and reducing stress. This time-tested practice aligns your lifestyle with natural cycles to enhance well-being, productivity, and mental clarity. Incorporating Dinacharya into your life can be a transformative step toward a calmer, more centered existence.

One key element of Dinacharya is waking up before sunrise, ideally around 4:30-6:00 AM, when the environment is calm and the mind is naturally peaceful. Meditation and yoga are also part of this routine. 

Ayurvedic herbs 

In addition to these practices, Ayurveda highlights the use of herbs to support general wellness, including the body’s natural stress response and to promote relaxation.

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb renowned for its adaptogenic qualities, helping the body adapt to occasional stress.* Puritan’s Pride offers Ashwagandha Root Extract 750 mg, standardized for 1.5% Withanolides, and designed to support a calm, relaxed mood and overall well-being.*

Ashwagandha KSM-66® 450 mg offers a unique form of Ashwagandha that has been clinically studied, including support for a healthy cortisol response and occasional anxiety and stress relief.*

KSM-66 Ashwagandha® is a registered trademark of Ixoreal Biomed Inc.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is revered in Ayurveda for its wellness properties. Puritan’s Pride Holy Basil 400 mg provides the benefits of this aromatic herb in a convenient capsule form. For centuries, this herb has been linked to wellness.*

Turmeric & Ginger

A classic combination in Ayurveda, turmeric and ginger have been traditionally used to support general wellness.* Puritan’s Pride Turmeric & Ginger combines these two popular roots to support your well-being.*

Cherry Turmeric Complex with Bioperine®

Puritan’s Pride Cherry Turmeric Complex provides a  unique blend of tart cherries, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and black pepper for general wellness* 

Bioperine® is a registered trademark of the Sabinsa Corporation.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre has been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurveda and has been traditionally used to support carbohydrate metabolism.* Puritan’s Pride Gymnema Sylvestre 400 mg capsules are made from finely milled whole herbs.

Rhodiola Herbal Complex

Puritan’s Pride Rhodiola Herbal Complex features Ashwagandha KSM-66® an adaptogen that supports occasional stress and promote a calm, relaxed mood.* This blend is ideal for those seeking support for stress management.*

KSM-66 Ashwagandha® is a registered trademark of Ixoreal.

Creating balance

Incorporating Ayurvedic practices and herbs into your lifestyle can provide holistic support for managing stress. Start small, perhaps with a daily routine, yoga, or introducing herbal supplements like ashwagandha or holy basil to your regimen. Always talk to your healthcare practitioner before starting new supplements.

Find out if these Ayurvedic supplements are a match for you by taking our Vitamin Quiz. Answer some questions about your health and wellness goals and get vitamin recommendations just for you! It only takes five minutes. Always consult a healthcare practitioner to ensure they suit your unique health needs.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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