Stress underpins most diseases I see in my practice. Not always obvious, it can be a silent, insidious influence that takes many forms.
We primarily associate emotions with bodily stress, however our environment plays an equally as profound role – toxins, pollution, noise…all taxing the body’s reserves, despite how carefree and happy we feel.
Image via pinterest
These environmental stressors include: thermal (changes to temperature), physical (injury), chemical (pollutants or additives in our environment and food) and electromagnetic (mobile phone usage)
Emotional stressors can include: unhappiness due to circumstance, job, relationships, financial situation, unresolved past issues, fear and anxiety about the future, unfulfilled dreams, fast-paced living, rushing, juggling responsibilities and high self expectations are no different to the body than a negative physical event.
There is often a tipping point at which stress becomes harmful. Events that skew the balance may include losing connection to our hearts/desires, failing to breathe properly & find stillness, hydrating inadequately, becoming malnourished, forgetting to dedicate quality time to exercise, unhealthy sleep/wake cycles and never seeing the sun. Simple aspects of daily existence that easily fall by the wayside.
No matter what the cause of stress or how it’s expressed, herbal medicine has been used for centuries to support and manage the symptoms. It can be of great assistance whilst you’re addressing the underlying causes.
Herbal Nervine tonics: Nourish the nervous system
Herbs: St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Oatstraw (Avena sativa), Skullcap (Scuttelaria lateriflora), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Vervain (Verbena officinalis) and Withania (Withania somnifera)
Herbal Antispasmodics and Relaxants: Indicated for anxiety, sleeplessness, spasm or mild pain.
Herbs: Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate), Skullcap (Scuttelaria lateriflora), Linden flowers (Tillia cordata), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
Intense pain induced stressed: herbs to relieve pain in the body
Herbs: Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa), White willow (Salix alba), Wood betony (Betonica officinalis), Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina), Pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae), Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum)
Herbal Adaptogens: increase the resistance to physical, environmental, emotional, biological stressors.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), Withania (Withania somnifera – also know as Indian ginseng), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) and Bacopa (Bacopa monniera)
The scoop on the most common types of Ginseng and its effect on stress:
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), according to Chinese medicine, promotes yang and is indicated for men. Useful for stress resulting in weakness, loss of stamina, poor focus and concentration, tiredness, loss of libido, immune deficiency. Used for short periods of time, 2-4 weeks.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is indicated for chronic stress, fatigue, illness and immune deficiency. An excellent remedy for convalescence. Also supports poor stamina and concentration. Can be used for longer periods of time – 4-6 weeks.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), according to Chinese medicine, promotes yin and is more indicated for women. It helps boost the immune system, improves mental performance and general wellbeing. For inflammatory diseases. Beneficial for the elderly.
Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera) Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, indicated for debility, nervous exhaustion, anaemia, emaciation, chronic inflammation and general weakness. Excellent fro children and thin, cold constitutions.
The best way to take these herbs is as liquid tinctures, only available with a prescription from your Naturopath or Herbalist. A qualified practitioner will ensure your medication, supplements or disease state does not interact with the herbs. When an herbalist prescribes herbal medicine they consider one’s constitution, age, allergies, sensitiveness, robustness, size, temperature, current status of health and personality. Always remember to tell you practitioner if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Herbal teas are also an option for everyday stress management, with many pleasant-tasting herbs proving not only therapeutic but also delicious! A wonderful treat for those seeking gentler, everyday support at home or the office.
Some excellent choices include: Lavender, Chamomile, Passionflower, Licorice root, Linden flowers and Ginger. These herbs are also suitable for children going though stress.
Herbal medicine is extremely well equipped to manage symptoms of stress, however they manifest. A brief, botanical respite may be enough to gain clarity, practice self-help & mindfulness and find a sustainable solution to see stress on its way.
More from Anthia: www.ovvioorganics.com.au | Facebook | Twitter
The post Stress Relief through Herbal Remedies appeared first on RESCU.