By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist, the Herbarium
The human body is equipped with a fight or flight mechanism to deal with life-threatening situations. It is called the sympathetic nervous system; its functions are proven by the fact that you are reading this article. For example, your ancestor Ogg was able to outrun that saber toothed tiger. Today, humans experience different stressors than our ancestors. We are bombarded by smaller battles that are not immediately life threatening, but our nervous system is still in caveman mode. The physical effects of feeling constantly overwhelmed are cumulative.
Without clear-cut ways of battling stress, the body feeds on its energy stores and fatigue results. Our adrenal glands help buffer stress, but suppressed adrenal function leads to fatigue, nervousness, lack of focus and concentration, insomnia, and other health issues. Fortunately for us, the Creator has supplied a variety of herbal remedies to help deal with the issue.
Herbs to beat stress
One of the best herbs for chronic stress is Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng.
Eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb to help balance our body’s response to stress, so the highs are not so high and the lows are not so low. Eleuthero is different from true ginseng in that it has the same adaptogenic qualities but is better tolerated by people. Some folks who become irritable using the antidepressant Panax can easily use eleuthero.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is equally important and useful in giving the adrenals a rest and chance to restore. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a nervine and often used as a sedative either alone or in combination with other herbs. It is effective for a variety of nervous conditions. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with libido.
Chamomile (Matricaria) has long been used for treating nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia and has a calming cut on the central nervous system.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), A traditional Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen and nervine used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a superior tonic used to strengthen Qi and rebuild depleted immune energy.
Other herbs include Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Oat (Avena sativa), Schisandra (Schisandra sinensis), Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia); the list goes on and on.
More stress suppressors
Other nutrients will help battle your stress. The B complex is very important for your body’s metabolic processes. Those who are chronically stressed may become deficient in the B vitamin family because of the high metabolic activity required to maintain the fight or flight response. A good dose would be a full B complex of 50 to 100 mg daily. I know this may sound like a lot of vitamin B to some of you who follow the 100 percent of daily value treatment ruling. Remember, the daily value is based on the absolute minimum requirement of a nutrient to maintain cell function. With the stresses of today’s world, ingesting the minimum of this type of vitamin is almost useless. Vitamin C is another very important vitamin for stress maintenance. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C supports the adrenals and helps detoxify the body. The complete list of herbs used for stress and anxiety is very long, too long to list here.
We’re on Internet radio!
I am happy to tell you we have started an Internet radio program. The Herbal Answerman appears on blog talk radio at 7p.m. on alternate Tuesdays. Check the Herbarium’s Facebook page for a direct link and the archives for previous shows. The Jan. 31 program covered stress and anxiety. You can listen to the show on your computer, or you can purchase a copy on CD through the Herbarium for those of you who would rather listen in the car.
— Jonathan
Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
