Stress and anxiety are part of everyday life, and in most circumstances we simply deal with it. Jobs, family members, friends and countless other things place demands on us that sometimes make us feel like we are being pulled in a million directions at once. While there is no way to completely eliminate life's stressful situations, there are many ways to reduce their harmful effects.
Defining Stress
The term stress has different meanings for different people. Health-care providers consider stress to be a physiological reaction to an external stimulus--physical or psychological. A physician will say that a person is subjected to stress when she is ill or when she is running a marathon. Laypeople, however, have a different definition of stress: a conflict with a boss at work, not enough time in the day to get everything done, a divorce or a new baby. It is this second form of stress that the remedies in this article address.
Herbal Remedies for Stress
Understanding the herbal approach to combating the effects of stress is more than just knowing which plants herbalists recommend as a relaxing tea or an afternoon pick-me-up. Herbs have been used for centuries for their health-promoting properties, and modern science has added to this experience with the understanding of why certain herbs do what they do and how they can be used effectively against stress. "The herbs that can help you cope with stress and its effects are a diverse group," write Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drugstore." "That's why it's important to have a basic understanding of the different types of herbs that can help with stress symptoms."
Adaptogens
As the name implies, adaptogens help the body adapt or cope with stress. These herbs usually work by boosting your immune system, a common casualty to stress. White and Foster report that adaptogens can also increase mental alertness and physical performance. Common adaptogens include Siberian and panax ginsengs and ashwagandha (also known--inaccurately--as Indian ginseng).
Adrenal Tonics
Stress frequently prompts our primeval fight or flight response, which involves the secretion of adrenaline. Over time, the adrenal glands, which sit atop our kidneys, can become overworked, which results in a lack of energy and drive. Look for herbs such as gotu kola and schisandra, an herb used for centuries by traditional Chinese healers.
Sedatives and Calmatives
This collection of herbs is the one most people think of when considering a natural means to cope with stress--with good reason. Herbs provide a healthy alternative to other sedatives or depressants such as alcohol, and most can be taken without fear of addiction or impairment. Some of the best sedative and calmative herbs are valerian root, St. John's wort (which also helps with mild depression), lavender essential oil, chamomile and linden flowers.
Caution
Never begin an herbal regimen without consulting a health-care provider. When taking a sedative herb do not operate machinery until you know how the herb affects you.
References
- "The Herbal Drug Store"; Linda B. White, MD and Steven Foster; 2000
- "The Merck Manual 18th edition"; Robert S. Porter, MD editor-in-chief; 2004
- "The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism"; David Hoffmann; 1998
- "Stress...at Work"; Centers for Disease Control; 2010
