The Herbal Approach to Stress Management
By Alanah Chadwick
Stress it seams is normal part of our everyday life these days. The ability to work under pressure is often outlined as an essential in job descriptions and even the commute to work can mean that our stress levels are through the roof before we even start. Maintaining an optimum level of health means optimum performance in your working life and a more fulfilling personal and emotional life too. The more easily you negotiate your professional life the more time and energy you have to to put into the things in life that really matter to you whether that be, family, friends, relationships or recreational pursuits.
When your body is under stress it pumps out certain hormones that are designed propel your body through a fight or flight response that will need a short burst of energy. As our stresses these days don't tend to require such a burst of physical energy these hormones do not get used up and stay in our bloodstream. Left unchecked these hormones can weaken our immunity, reducing our resistance to colds and other illnesses and damage the heart and blood vessels. These chemicals can also effect us mentally and emotionally, making us irritable, more easily angered and effect our ability to concentrate. Insomnia, headaches and digestive upsets are also other symptoms of stress.
There are a number of herbs that can support physically, mentally and emotionally through the stresses and strains that life throws at us, here are a few of my favorites:
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) -The root of this herb is a tonic for the adrenal glands and is also referred to as an adaptogenic herb due to its ability to improve and energize all the systems of the body with out any unpleasant side effects. This makes it much easier to deal with the effects of long term stress. It enhances the immune system and has been used by cancer patients to reduce the many negative effects of chemotherapy. It increases energy and physical stamina and athletes have used it to improve their physical performance. Siberian Ginseng increases the bodies ability to utilize oxygen, improves concentration and aids in the recovery from chronic illness and is both mentally and physically supportive.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - Another useful root that is used as a relaxant for the central nervous system and can be really helpful when stress induces feelings of anxiety. Preliminary clinical trials have shown that Valerian is as effective as benzodiazepines in treating sleep disorders without any adverse side-effects . It will calm you down and improve your overall quality of sleep without making you groggy or leave you feeling hungover. Its calming effect on the mind allows you to switch off and relax, helping to stop those worries from continually churning around in your head on a continuous loop.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - This well known herb has a calming effect in the central nervous system. A cup chamomile tea half an hour or so before bedtime will relax you and help improve the quality of your sleep. It is also ideal as a remedy for nervous stomach problems and irritable bowel syndrome due to it's relaxing effect on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
Oats (Avena sativa) - Taken as oat straw tea or a nutrient rich food oats are high in vitamins and minerals and a fortifying tonic for the nervous system. This strengthening and supportive effect also makes them very helpful with the withdrawal symptoms from substances like tobacco, antidepressants and tranquilizers as well as a good choice for nervous exhaustion. The soluble fiber in porridge helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood which will also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) - This herb has a tonic effect in the central nervous system making it another good remedy for nervous exhaustion.It also relaxes the muscles so it a good choice nervous tension and anxiety states. Skullcap can also be very useful for stress related headaches and symptoms associated with pre menstrual syndrome and has been found to be of use for fibromyalgia
Vervain (Verbena Offinalis) A tonic and restorative herb for the nervous system. It has a mild sedative and an antispasmodic action and can be used for headaches and nervous exhaustion Historically it has been used for depression, it's relaxing qualities make it good for stomach cramps and it is mild tonic for the liver.
To gain the maximum effect from these herbs it is important to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoiding or reducing your intake of alcohol, caffeine and sugar will also reduce the effects of stress on your body along with regular exercise to burn up those stress hormones. Make time for good quality rest and relaxation and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
If you are taking any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding it is important to seek advice from a professional before taking any of the herbs outlined in this article.
Alanah Chadwick
www.theglastonburyherbalist.co.uk
This article was posted by Alanah Chadwick
