Benefits Of An All Natural Herbal Supplement For Stress

By Nancy Gardner


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.

What is stress? Anything that causes us to feel anxious, to worry, or to be afraid causes the adrenal glands to produce the hormones that heighten awareness and keep us in a state of readiness to 'fight or flee'. No wonder we can't relax. This natural response was designed to help us cope with emergencies, but the daily triggering of it can cause adrenal exhaustion and other disorders.

The same nutrients that keep the adrenals strong are depleted by a constant state of tension. Vitamins E, A, C, and D are used up, and vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium may become deficient. Since many of these nutrients are already in short supply in a modern diet, an increased need may affect our well-being.

Herbal formulas may contain added vitamins and minerals, or they may be purely plant extracts. There are herbs that are specific for tension relief. Holy basil is one that has been used to calm people for centuries. Ashwagandha helps people have more stamina throughout the day and also promotes deep, restful sleep. Rhodiola, passion flower, chamomile, and lemon balm are others that soothe and relax.

The epidemic of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart problems can be attributed in part to too much anxiety. This can also cause digestive upsets, ulcers, and depression. Cravings for food or addictive substances are heightened, and weight control goes out the window. PMS and menopausal symptoms may worsen.

Exercise has a natural stress-reducing effect. However, some people may take even this to an extreme and create more demands on the adrenals. Gentle exertion, like walking or swimming, is best. For those who are too busy, too tired, or just disinclined to get regular physical activity, soothing herbs may be very valuable.

Consumers should be informed about herbs and the companies which sell them. Single herbal products can be helpful, as can formulas which offer a combination of herbs in one pill or tea. A reliable manufacturer will offer products backed by research and produced in accordance with good manufacturing practices. It is also important to take supplements as directed, for best results and safety. Too little may not help and too much might be dangerous.




About the Author: