Stressful living is an inescapable feature of modern life. Working, commuting, juggling the demands of family and work, and balancing the budget take their toll on adults, while youngsters face their own mental, emotional, and physical strain. Doctors tell us that this constant state of tension is bad for us, and nutritionists recommend a good diet as a first-line defense. Taking an
all natural herbal supplement for stress can also help.
Herbs are what we call the group of plants known to be rich in vitamins and minerals. Some are mainly used for their nutritional content - like dandelions and nettles - while others have demonstrable therapeutic effects. Stress uses up the stores of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to perform all the growth, repair, and renewal that makes for good health. Herbal teas and pills can provide what our bodies need to cope with daily living and an overload of care.
Stressful situations which cause us to worry or to become anxious or fearful are common to almost all. Mental and emotional tensions cause the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone. This is a natural response, but when it happens too frequently, these important glands may become exhausted, which is a serious disorder. Too much of the hormone is a problem, but too little leaves the body without its natural defenses.
The same nutrients which protect these vital glands are systematically depleted by stressful living. Many important antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, A, and D, can be lost, while the B vitamins so necessary for health and well-being may become deficient. Minerals are also vital for health and are already in short supply for many in developed societies. Magnesium, zinc, and selenium are some which should be supplemented.
Herbal extracts and formulas can give us what our diets may lack. Some formulas may be fortified with additional nutrients known to be needed in stressful living. Familiar anti-stress herbs are chamomile and holy basil. There are also ashwagandha (which gives us stamina and promotes deeper sleep), rhodiola, lemon balm, and passion flower.
Stress-related disorders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Insomnia and depression affect millions of people and often can be directly traced to stressful living conditions. Digestive upsets, severe PMS and menopausal symptoms, and weight gain are other side effects. Food and other cravings are known to be triggered by stress; these can reflect the nutritional imbalances which stress can cause.
Exercise is one important stress-reliever which can be a negative if pursued too aggressively. While gentle activities like walking and swimming can relieve tension, extreme effort can trigger destructive hormonal responses. Also, many people are too busy or tired to maintain a healthful program of physical exertion. Again, an herbal supplement can be the answer.
Choose a reliable herbal company, with a good track record of safety, which offers products backed by research. Most herbs have been used for centuries by one culture or another, and recent studies validate their safety and efficacy. Consumers should study the options in the natural pharmacopoeia and find what works best for them.
