Stress and Herbal Adaptogens

Stress is believed to trigger 70% of visits to doctors, and 85% of serious illnesses (UK HSE stress statistics).So what is exactly happening to the body when it is reacting in this way? Well we know the symptoms- churning stomach, sweating, racing heart, aching head, neck, jaw, disturbed sleep, confused thinking, clenched jaw or fist. The first stage of stress is the acute phase, the alarm reaction; there is that stimulus, be it emotional or physical that provokes the body into stress. And then the second phase, when the acute phase has struck over and over, next the body steps up into the resistance stage, here the body is making an effort to manage and adjust. Symptoms of this phase are such things as chest pains, abdominal pain, migraine, PMT, Colds and Flu, persistent anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido, eczema, wheezing, alcoholism, and depression. The nervous system and endocrine system in the body are sending messages and releasing hormones such as adrenaline and corticosteroids, which enable the body to become hyper-aware and able to respond to the stressors it is experiencing. However this response inhibits the healthy body function and when experienced over a period of time starts to chip away at the body's homeostatis or sense of well being. Hence so many diseases are not so much a direct result of viruses or bacteria, or even auto-immune agents, but in fact an indirect consequence of the body's eventual inability to respond to stress. So what does the body need to enable it to restore itself after a stress reaction? The body has a reservoir of adaptive energy which is drained by chronic or long term stress. So it's the body's natural adaptive processes which we need to support to help return to natural balance. This is where complementary health therapies are beginning to play an important role in dealing with modern life. So let's look at some herbs that I have picked out to help the body adapt and combat stress. These herbs are all adaptogens which mean that they do just that- help the body adapt. Ashwagandha Withania Somnifera Ashwagandha is the Ayurvedic tonic for dealing with stress, known as Indian Ginseng, it brings great power of mind and body where stress is unavoidable and helps the body recover. Cacao Theobroma Cacao Cacao is the south American food of the Gods. It has a very high mineral count, and is an anti-oxidant. It delivers a natural high, so it is a great tool for helping the body out of the 'use stress to get high' syndrome. Gotu Kola Hydrocotyle Asiatica Gotu Kola is also an Ayurvedic tonic. It combats stress, by rebuilding energy reserves and increasing mental and physical power. It is a nerve tonic, a promoter of memory and a blood purifier. Maca Lepidium Mayenii Maca is an adaptogen which means it has stress busting qualities, as it helps the body adapt to extreme circumstances and resource what it needs to stay healthy, so this little Peruvian root could help you to achieve your optimum health. Rhodiola Rhosea Rhodiola Rosea Rhodiola Rosea is a plant extract classed as an adaptogen due to its ability to increase your body's resistance to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical sources of stress. It is commonly used by people who are faced with large amounts of physical and mental stress. Rhodiola rosea has been shown to delay fatigue and improve energy utilization during exercise. Siberian Ginseng Eleutherococcus Snticosus Siberian Ginseng is not actually ginseng but it is so called because it works in such a similar way. It is an adaptogen, and it encourages the adrenal glands to secrete STRESS FIGHTING HORMONES. Suma Pfaffia Paniculata Suma normalizes and regulates the endocrine, nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular and immune systems. Because it is an adaptogen it helps the body tackle stress. It is restorative to the body's systems and promotes cellular regeneration, as well as oxygenating the cells. It is also a nerve tonic, and will enhance and boost the nervous system. The important thing to remember is that there are certain types of stress that are good for us. When stress is a form of challenge that encourages us to raise our level of performance, or to adopt new habits, it is a very positive thing.

Cologenix

Supplements & Vitamins

Supplements & Vitamins