All of us have stress in our lives. We work both at and away from home, juggle the demands of family and friends, worry about making ends meet, and watch the news. Even young children are faced with strain in this modern world. Doctors advise that a constant state of tension is not healthy, but what can we do? A perfect diet based on wholesome whole foods is recommended, but this may be so hard to achieve that it might as well be impossible. Fortunately, we can all benefit from taking an all natural herbal supplement for stress.
What traditionally have been called herbs are simply plants rich in vitamins and minerals. Some, like dandelions, are mainly nutritive, while others are used for their therapeutic effect. Stress is known to deplete our bodies of minerals and vitamins, which herbal teas or pills replenish. In addition, many herbs contain other substances which promote mental calm and physical relaxation.
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.
Nutrients which are depleted by stress are the very same ones which strengthen the adrenal glands, as well as performing important functions throughout the body. Vitamins C, E, D, and all the B vitamins should be supplemented. Minerals are also used up; zinc, magnesium, and selenium are some of the ones that stress-fighting formulas routinely contain. Unfortunately, even the most careful diet plan is often deficient in many important minerals.
Formulas designed to help overcome the effects of fear, anxiety, or worry may be purely plant extracts or they may contain added vitamins and minerals. Herbs that are known to promote relaxation include chamomile and holy basil. Others are ashwagandha, rhodiola, passion flower, and lemon balm.
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.
What traditionally have been called herbs are simply plants rich in vitamins and minerals. Some, like dandelions, are mainly nutritive, while others are used for their therapeutic effect. Stress is known to deplete our bodies of minerals and vitamins, which herbal teas or pills replenish. In addition, many herbs contain other substances which promote mental calm and physical relaxation.
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.
Nutrients which are depleted by stress are the very same ones which strengthen the adrenal glands, as well as performing important functions throughout the body. Vitamins C, E, D, and all the B vitamins should be supplemented. Minerals are also used up; zinc, magnesium, and selenium are some of the ones that stress-fighting formulas routinely contain. Unfortunately, even the most careful diet plan is often deficient in many important minerals.
Formulas designed to help overcome the effects of fear, anxiety, or worry may be purely plant extracts or they may contain added vitamins and minerals. Herbs that are known to promote relaxation include chamomile and holy basil. Others are ashwagandha, rhodiola, passion flower, and lemon balm.
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.
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