In today's dynamic lifestyle, stress has become an almost inevitable companion and can have harmful effects on the health and well-being of the body. Stress arises from different situations, such as traumatic events, life changes or everyday discomfort, and can ultimately lead to anxiety. In the search for efficient methods, interest in alternative therapeutic approaches, such as the use of medicinal plants, is growing. This paper shows the negative and positive sides of the use of medicinal plants and their preparations in comparison with synthetic drugs, and through the analysis of the literature, it covers the morphological, chemical and medicinal properties of the most important plant species. Plants such as lemon balm, valeriana, thyme, passion flower, ginseng, ashwagandha and rhodiola have been shown to be effective in relieving stress and its associated disorders, with minimal side effects, and affect the reduction of adrenal hormone secretion (cortisol). stress hormone, as well as the reduction of GABA enzymes that reduce the activity of brain cells. Plants that are characteristic for cultivation in the Republic of Croatia are mainly used in the form of teas, tinctures, salves, oils and for culinary purposes, while plants that grow in other countries of the world are found mainly in the form of powders and capsules.