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 The original “fight or flight” response was a physical survival mechanism. When threatened, our bodies respond with physiological changes designed to increase our ability to cope:
·increased heart rate and blood pressure maximize blood flow to the brain;
·blood sugar increases to provide additional energy;
·blood flow is diverted from core to arms and legs for additional strength and speed;
·clotting speed increases to prevent blood loss from injury.
Today, however, the “threat situations” that initiate these responses tend to be more psychological and emotional than they are physical, and of longer duration. Many people today live and work under conditions of chronic stress that can eventually have serious consequences in terms of mental and physical health, e.g.:
· immune system weakens, lowering disease resistance;
· blood pressure increases;
· cholesterol levels increase;
· sex hormones diminish;
· brain becomes glucose deficient, mental function impaired;
· energy and nutrient reserves are depleted, fatigue becomes chronic.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are many traditional herbal aids for dealing with stress. You can explore various combinations to find something suitable, but utilize caution and do a little research on the products you choose. Kava Kava, for instance, has been banned in several countries for having dangerous side effects.
The following list is incomplete but will give you a starting point in finding the most effective preparations for your individual needs.
· Raw honey, for its antioxidant properties
· Chamomile tea to calm, for digestion, as immunostimulant
· Mint family herbs, e.g. lemon balm or catnip tea as a relaxant, for insomnia (also anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties)
· Korean Ginseng to restore the nervous system, improve energy, endurance
· Hops for nerves, irritability, insomnia
· Valerian as a sedative, muscle relaxant, for insomnia, high blood pressure,
· Passion Flower as a sedative, for stress headaches, blood circulation/pressure
· Rhodiola Rosea for cardiotonic effects, energy/stamina, immune system boost
· St. John’s Wort for mild depression, anxiety
· Damiana as tonic for nervous, hormonal and reproductive systems
· Ashwagandha to strengthen immune system, for anti-anxiety, sedative
For a comprehensive go-to list of herbal resources, check out the website of the Alternative Medicine Foundation at http://www.amfoundation.org/herbinfo.htm .
Don’t overlook the classic relaxation strategies like meditation, massage, yoga, deep breathing and stretching. Consider utilizing music and/or aromatherapy (try herbal
incense, citrus, florals, cookies and fresh-baked bread) to de-stress.
Finally, good nutrition is central to healthy living, and vital to any treatment plan you implement. Food is medicine too, so a few additions to your diet will reinforce your body’s ability to handle stress. Try almonds, fish, blueberries and broccoli, to name a few. Look for foods that trigger serotonin release to relax you. Then minimize consumption of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, along with excess sugar, salt, and fat that act as stressors to your body. It’s all about balance.Get More Information on PureCalm for Stress Anxiety & Panic Attacks. |
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