By Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return
When you’re focused on weight loss, you’re often thinking about calories, movement, and food choices… but what about stress?
Stress plays a major role in how your body holds onto weight. When you’re under pressure, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase cravings, slow digestion, and encourage fat storage (especially around the belly). Managing stress isn’t just good for your mood… it can also be a game-changer for your weight loss journey.
As an Herbalist, I turn to the natural world for support. And herbs are so undervalued… especially when it comes to helping to manage stress. Not only can they help your body adapt to stress, they help to restore balance and calm emotional volatility and hormones as well.
How Herbs Help on a Physiological Level
Herbs work in many different ways. But when it comes to stress – they focus on supporting the nervous system, endocrine system, and emotional regulation. Some are nervines, meaning they directly soothe and tone the nerves (like skullcap, lemon balm, and motherwort). Others are adaptogens, helping your body adapt more smoothly to stress and regulate cortisol levels (like holy basil). And some, like milky oats, are deeply nutritive and a trophorestorative… rebuilding a depleted nervous system over time.
When your stress response is regulated, your body is more likely to sleep well, digest properly, and feel safe enough to release stored weight. These herbs help you feel more balanced, which supports not just weight loss… but true health and vitality.
Here are five of my favorite herbs to support stress relief during weight loss:
1. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Skullcap is a deeply calming herb that supports the nervous system, especially if you tend to feel overstimulated, anxious, or mentally exhausted. It’s a favorite for easing circular thoughts and unwinding tension held in the body.
How to use it: Best taken as a tincture or strong infusion. Use it at the end of the day to release built-up tension and calm a restless mind.
2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
This cheerful-smelling herb from the mint family is a gentle nervine, meaning it supports and nourishes the nervous system. It’s especially helpful if stress shows up as tension, irritability, or digestive discomfort.
How to use it: Try it as a tea in the evening to unwind, or look for glycerite tinctures if you prefer a supplement.
3. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Known as the “queen of herbs” in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has mood-lifting and adaptogenic properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels, too—something to consider if you’re navigating energy crashes or cravings on your journey.
How to use it: Delicious as a daily tea, especially when blended with rose, ginger, or green tea.
4. Milky Oats (Avena sativa)
When you’re burned out or “wired but tired,” milky oats can be incredibly restorative. This herb is like a deep hug for your nervous system… especially if you’ve been in go-go-go mode for too long.
How to use it: Best taken as a tincture made from fresh milky oat tops. It works over time to rebuild and nourish, especially for those recovering from chronic stress.
5. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
This fierce and loving herb is especially helpful for those who carry stress in their chest and heart – physically or emotionally. Motherwort can ease anxious tension, support heart health, and help calm emotional reactivity, especially during hormonal shifts or intense transitions.
How to use it: Best used as a tincture, due to its bitter taste. It’s potent, grounding, and deeply comforting when stress feels sharp or overwhelming.
Get Yourself On the Right Track with Herbs
Herbs are powerful allies, but they work best when chosen with care, especially if you’re managing other health conditions, taking medications, or navigating hormonal shifts. Self-dosing can sometimes lead to unintended side effects or missed opportunities for deeper support.
As an Herbalist, I specialize in creating personalized support for people who want to feel more grounded, clear, and connected. If you’re curious about how herbs could support your body and mind, I’d love to work with you.
I offer one-on-one herbal support sessions and personalized herbal packages focused on mental and emotional well-being.
A Few Words of Encouragement
Your body isn’t just responding to what you eat… it’s also responding to how you feel. When you take time to manage your stress, you’re not only supporting your mood and energy, but you’re also creating a more balanced environment for your body to let go and heal.
Start small. One cup of tea. One deep breath. One herbal ally.
Your journey is about more than weight—it’s about well-being.
About the Author
Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return, is an Herbalist, Earth intuitive, and guide for nature-connected living. With a background in emotional health and a deep reverence for plant medicine, she supports people on their healing journeys using gentle herbs and grounded guidance. Through handcrafted remedies, spiritual insight, and personalized support, Taylor helps sensitive souls reconnect to themselves and the Earth.
Learn more about her work at harmoniousreturn.com or follow her on Instagram at @harmoniousreturn.
At Weight Loss NP, we’re well-versed in a wide range of weight loss approaches — from Western medicine to Eastern and Ayurvedic traditions. We take a personalized, integrative approach to help you reach your goals in the way that works best for YOU. Book a free consult to learn more!
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