Stress affects just about everyone. In fact, in a national poll done by NPR, half of all adults say they experienced a major stressful event in the past year. While stress may be an unavoidable natural part of life, too much stress can have a significant negative impact on your health.

Instead of turning to medication, there are quite a number of natural alternatives including exercise, meditation, yoga, etc. In addition, there are a number of herbal remedies that can help lower stress levels. One of these herbs is a popular Brazilian herb – mulungu bark. Although not readily available in the states, mulungu has long been used in South America as not only a natural sedative, but also to calm an overexcited nervous system and help with sleep issues.

Mulungu for Natural Anxiety and Stress Relief

The traditional use of mulungu for anxiety and stress, which has been well documented by researchers, shows that it effectively alters anxiety-related responses. The researchers reported that mulungu extract has an effect similar to the commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drug diazepam, without the drowsy side effects. It is a natural mental stimulant and body relaxer.

Mulungu as a Natural Mood Booster

In addition, one of the main effects of mulungu is a strong physical sensation of well-being, or mood elevation. It is experienced as a very pleasurable warmth and tingling in the body. It is this pleasurable sensation that works so well as an appetite suppressant. You just feel so good that you don’t want to eat. Some preliminary research also shows it may even help to lessen pain.

Mulungu for Mental Clarity

Normally, when taken by itself, mulungu bark can cause drowsiness. But when taken with a stimulant such as green tea, the pleasurable sensations are amplified, and they are accompanied by increased mental clarity.

More Natural Health Benefits of Mulungu

It also used around the world to help naturally treat…

• asthma
• bronchitis
• gingivitis
• hepatitis
• intermittent fevers
• epilepsy
• insomnia
• heart palpitations
• liver disorders

How to Take Mulungu

The herb itself can be taken as a tincture, found as tea or often found within other herbal supplement formulas. However, in 2012, mulungu was placed on the endangered species list, which is why it’s no longer readily available in the US. Ashwagandha, however, makes a reasonable substitute for mulungu, which is why Jon Barron used it to replace mulungu in his Warp Speed formula, a natural mental stimulant and body relaxer.

Read more mental health articles for natural ways to relieve stress and nervous system problems.