Take An All Natural Herbal Supplement For Stress Relief

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 simply vitamin and mineral-rich plants. Some are mainly nutritive, while others have therapeutic effects as well. Since stress can deplete our bodies of important vitamins and minerals, supplementing with herbs in either pill form or as healthful teas is a way to restore important balance. The fact that many herbals have relaxing properties is a bonus.

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 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 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 is a natural stress-reliever, as is deep breathing (which exercise promotes.) However, extreme exercise can cause strain rather than relieve it. Walking and other gentle types of aerobic exercise are best. However, many people are too busy or too tired by life's demands to get the exercise they need. For this reason, taking relaxing herbs has become very popular.

Many reputable herbal companies offer safe and effective supplements. A little research will let consumers know which manufacturers or distributors offer products backed by knowledge and research. Since herbs should be taken with due caution, it is best to know the track record of any company you buy from. It is important to take the formulas as directed, since too little may not achieve results and too much could be harmful. However, herbs have been used for centuries, and modern research validates their efficacy and safety when used as directed.




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