Stress is your body’s reaction to a situation that triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, resulting in a heightened state of readiness. While stress may energize you by increasing your blood pressure and heart rate, it may also affect your health if it becomes chronic, reports the Center. Some herbal remedies may be beneficial in reducing the stress response, but the FDA does not oversee the production of these herbs, so there is no guarantee of purity, effectiveness or safety. Talk to a doctor before you start using herbs to deal with stress.
Stress Symptoms
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that as much as 90 percent of all disease may be stress related. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of stress in order to choose herbal remedies that may be beneficial. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, advises that stress may cause a headache, increased heart rate, insomnia, chest pain, clenched muscles, weight fluctuations, depression and irritability.
Types
Potentially beneficial herbs include panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, bacopa, green tea, valerian, kava kava, catnip, chamomile and lemon balm, according the Center. The Gale encyclopedia adds licorice root, milk thistle, nettle and wild yam. Clinical studies confirming the effectiveness of these herbs is lacking.
Benefits
Some of these herbs are adaptogenic, meaning they increase your ability to deal with the stress. Both types of ginseng fall into this category, as well as chamomile and milk thistle. Lemon balm and catnip are calming, while valerian, kava kava and bacopa may actually reduce stress levels, reports the UMMC. Consult a doctor of naturopathy before using these herbal remedies to treat stress.
Side Effects
Panax ginseng is not indicated for diabetics and it may interfere with blood-thinning medications, advises the UMMC. No one with a kidney or liver disorder should use Siberian ginseng. Valerian may also be damaging to the liver and it may interfere with other drugs, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, narcotics, birth control and antihistamines. Kava kava may cause liver damage and should be taken no more than two or three days, according to the Center. Do not use these herbal remedies, unless directed to do so by a doctor of naturopathy.
Considerations
The symptoms of stress may also be symptoms of other medical conditions. If you suffer from chronic symptoms of stress, see your doctor for an initial diagnosis before turning to herbal remedies. Use only herbal preparations recommended by a certified herbalist or doctor of naturopathy.
References
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center
