Stress-related health problems are exceedingly common among Americans. The American Institute of Stress states that increased stress levels help boost your productivity, although after a certain point, stress can start to have negative effects on your health and well-being. Everybody responds to stress in their own unique way. Certain natural herbs have been used by herbalists and others to help improve your body's response to stress. However, discuss herbs and their advantages and disadvantages with your doctor before taking them.
About Stress
The KidsHealth website states that stress is a feeling that develops when you react to certain events that occur in your life. Stress describes any reaction you have to a physical, mental, social or emotional stimulus that demands a change in the way you think, feel or act. Change can be stressful, as can worrying. Work deadlines, family problems and illness can also be stressful. Stress is commonly viewed as a psychological problem, although it affects your body in numerous ways.
Natural Herbs
Certain natural herbs are known for their adaptogenic effects, or their ability to help your body handle environmental stress. According to Dr. WIlliam A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," helpful natural herbs for stress include Siberian ginseng, reishi, turmeric and green tea. Other herbs that have been used to help treat stress include ashwagandha, catnip, chamomile, holy basil, hops, kava kava, passionflower, valerian, skullcap and Saint John's wort.
Featured Herb
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that is often used in treating stress. Ashwagandha is a sedative and nerve tonic that helps rejuvenate and energize your nervous system. This herb may help prevent stress-related conditions and stress-related depletion of cortisol, an important hormone manufactured by your adrenal glands. Ashwagandha has been used to enhance both physical endurance and sexual performance, and it is purported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. The root of the ashwagandha plant is used in herbal preparations.
Considerations
You can target many lifestyle factors to help reduce your stress levels. Consider practicing relaxation techniques on a daily basis and try to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Avoid certain foods that place more stress on your body, including foods containing artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, eggs, fried foods, junk foods, sugar and white flour products. Consider also avoiding alcohol, tobacco and mood-altering drugs, as these substances may be injurious to your health.
References
- American Institute of Stress: The Role of Stress in Health and Illness
- KidsHealth: Stress
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
