From Cecelia Avitable of The Herb Corner in Melbourne, FL: We all get stressed every once in a while because our lives have become so hectic; but for some of us our stress is more emotionally related from worry, work, finances, anxiety, tension, grief, frustration, depression and anger. Stress can be due to illness, loss of a loved one, a job loss, family visits, over-work, travel or exposure to toxins. Anything that threatens the body physically or emotionally causes stress; over-time your body’s reaction to continual stress can cause conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers, headaches, insomnia or weight gain. Fortunately herbs can help reduce the effects of stress. Adaptogenic herbs normalize the body so it can better cope with stressors; they support your immune system and nourish your adrenal glands. Here’s a list:
Eluthero formerly know as Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb studied during the 1940’s and 50’s in the Soviet Union for its ability to help you better cope with stress and un-frazzling your nerves; improving stamina, endurance and concentration.
Ashwaganda also known as Indian Ginseng got its name from the Hindu word ashwa which means horse because it was believed to give a person the strength and stamina of a stallion. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2500 years for promoting wellness, fighting fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety, nervous exhaustion and cognitive mind functions.
Schizandra has a 2-fold effect on stress acting as both a mild-stimulant providing stamina and as a calming herb reducing stress, anxiety and palpitations.
Passion Flower contains flavanoids that help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain helping reduce anxiety so you can relax and de-stress. This herb also helps quiet your thoughts so you can sleep better; it soothes your nerves, reduces panic attacks, lessens nervous tension and helps to lower blood pressure.
Lemon Balm and Chamomile have similar properties when it comes to stress, calming the nerves, balancing mood swings, promoting restful sleep, reducing nervous tension and muscle fatigue.
Valerian also comes in handy during times of stress quieting the mind, relaxing the nervous system, reducing anxiety, agitation and stress. The relaxing actions of Valerian help to promote drowsiness quieting the mind so you can sleep better. Valerian contains benzodiazepines making its effects similar to valium without the side effects.
When I feel overwhelmed, I reach for my Adrenal Tincture which contains 1 part Borage, 1part Gota Kola, 1 part Eluthero and 1/2 part Licorice to help support and tone the adrenal glands. I also prepare my favorite stress reducing tea which contains equal parts of Oat Straw, Linden, Lemon Balm, Schizandra, Passion Flower and Chrysanthemum. If you don’t want to make it yourself, I’d be glad to ship it — call me at 321-757-7522 or email herbcorner@cfl.rr.com
It’s important to remember that one or two small episodes of stress can easily be handled by the body; it’s the continual stress from caring for a loved one to worrying about finances can suppress your immune system, slow down your metabolism and rob the body of needed nutrients.
The Herb Corner
277 N. Babcock St.
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 757-7522
Fax: (321) 757-7520
herbcorner@cfl.rr.com