Today with the unstable economy and super high levels of debt, stress is increasing at an alarming rate. For the purpose of this article I will be concentrating on negative stress. Meaning: When a person finds oneself in a stress situation, the body reacts with a "fight-or-flight" response, releasing adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. It enhances the digestive process, treats insomnia, nervousness, anxiety
T
oday with the unstable economy and super high levels of debt, stress is increasing at an alarming rate. For the purpose of this article I will be concentrating on negative stress. Meaning: When a person finds oneself in a stress situation, the body reacts with a "fight-or-flight" response, releasing adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. This results is a fast reaction in an emergency (positive reaction), but if this condition persists for too long, these chemicals become harmful to the system and wreak physical havoc to the health (negative reaction) - everything from a compromised immune system, to heart problems, depression, concentration problems to insomnia could result. Causes of stress The causes of stress are highly individual. Your personality, ability to solve and defuse problems, support systems etc. will determine the stressfulness of a situation. Debt is one of today’s most prevalent causes for stress, also factors like: death, major health problems, divorce, loss of job etc. contribute to chronic stress.
Effects of Stress
When stress is persistent, the body experiences stress plus the toxic effect of continued high stress hormones. Some irreversible brain and organ damage could be caused by these substances. Symptoms of chronic stress are:
• Chronic head ache (migraines, lower back pain, stiffness) • Mood swings (depression, short temper, irritability, impatience, overreacting to problems) • Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing) • Anxiety (negative attitude, anxious or racing thoughts, fearfulness) • Substance abuse (alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, overdoing activities e.g. exercising, shopping) • Memory disturbances (inability to concentrate, indecisiveness, poor judgement, difficulty studying) • Depression (general unhappiness, feeling overwhelmed, sense of loneliness, procrastination) • Agitation (restlessness, feeling tense, edgy) • Behavioural problems (isolating oneself from others) • Increased blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol • Weight loss (or gain, Thymus gland malfunctioning, blood sugar fluctuations) • Allergies (e.g. asthma) • Digestive tract problems (diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, irritable bowl) • Decreased sexual drive (decreased levels of testosterone) • Sleeping disorders (sleeping too much or too little, teeth grinding, jaw clenching) • Skin breakouts (hives, eczema) • Frequent colds
If you’re experiencing any of these warning symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a full evaluation. Once your doctor has determined whether or not your symptoms are stress-related, consider Herbs and Vitamin B as an alternative aid to stress relief. Herbal stress treatment:
Herbs are used in stress management therapy with little or no side effects. Please note: In the case of pregnancy always consult your doctor before using any medication, even herbs. Herbs can be taken in the following ways. Prepared in tablet or liquid form, commercial herbal teas from health shops and Supermarkets or freshly made into an infusion (tea). I must add here that it is important to take Vitamin B complex as part of stress treatment, as it combines with Herbs (folic acid) to reduce stress. The following different herbs have medicinal values in the treatment of stress.
Kava Kava Kava gives a sense of well being as the herb contains lactones what help in relaxation. Kava has the unique feature that it does not affect memory and mental alertness. Kava relieves stress, relaxes muscles and induces peaceful sleep.
Valerian Valerian offers a non-addictive alternative to the synthetic tranquilizing drug 'Diazepam' which is used to calm down patients. Valerian relaxes the nervous system, tense muscles, relieves spasms and migraine and induces deep sleep.
Passion Flower It reduces anxiety and stress and induces a deep sleep
Skullcap Blue Skullcap (S lateriflora) and Common Skullcap (S. galericulata) are powerful medicinal herbs, they are used as alternative medicine to antispasmodics, often in combination with other herbs, as a mood stabilizer during a period of high stress. Scientific studies are proving this to be a versatile plant in many areas for mental disorders. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delirium, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilisers. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD, without any unpleasant symptoms following.
Hops Hops is a tranquilizer, it pacifies a stressed mind, reduces sleeplessness and irritability.
Catnip Catnip acts on both the nervous system as well as the digestive system. It calms down an anxious person and is effective in relieving the symptoms of peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome which are associated with stress. Chamomile It boosts the immunity which is negatively affected during stress and thus prevents infection. Taken internally, the infusion's benefit includes: calming of the digestive tract, easing of spasms of irritable bowel syndrome and night cramps. It's a relaxant and sedative, often taken against insomnia or anxiety.
Ginseng Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is commonly used as anti-stress and anti-fatigue, for stimulating the nervous system, especially for men experiencing stress, tension, exhaustion, fatigue. Ginseng could be combined with other herbs with adrenal enhancing activity in the treatment of adrenal atrophy (exhaustion).
Lemon balm Lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as valerian and chamomile, to enhance the overall relaxing effect. Lemon Balm contains eugenol. It is used as an herbal tea, for its mild sedative or calming effect.
Vervain Vervain is known to have an effect on the nervous system. It enhances the digestive process, treats insomnia, nervousness, anxiety. The infusion is useful to enhance the liver function and also treat poor appetite and sluggish digestive performance.
Communicate directly with Hester-Lynne Murdoch, the author of this article. Ask questions, send suggestions, comments, engage in conversation, or perhaps you would like to submit a project.
Click Here to ask a question, send a comment, or proposal.
On a recent shopping spree, I happened to bump in to a good friend who was coming back from a cosmetic surgeon’s appointment in an upscale New York clinic. Naturally, it aroused my curiosity to know what she was up to at the cosmetic clinic. He
It seems that there are always too many disagreements between care homes and local councils who have to come together to agree about the standard fees which are payable for council funded residents. Given the current economic climate in the public se
Suffering from diabetes can really be difficult and challenging. At the same time, you need to find help to make sure that you will always be in a stable situation. And as you may know, this will entail a lot of costs. But then again, it is necessary
Eyes, perhaps the most precious gift given by the almighty and one who doubts must ask a person with a vision disability, for whom there is only one color, “black”. Eyes remained a source of inspiration for poets from yesteryear’s, but as
Natural Remedies Can Be Effective Hair Loss Treatments
Many ideas and theories exist about natural hair loss remedies that may or may not help, but experts agree they can’t hurt!
Both children and adults can suffer from ADD (technically known as Attention Deficient Disorder), in fact, Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, or Adult ADD/ADHD is growing in incidences and prevalence.
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue and joints, and is one of the main chemicals contained in the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. Before we discuss how
OVER WEIGHT INTRODUCTION: Overweight refers to an excess of body weight compared to set standards. The excess weight may come from muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Obesity refers specifically to having an abnormally high proportion of body fat.[
Vision is the most precious and wonderful gift that has been given ro humans and at the same time it has been the most neglected body part. Nearsightedness or Myopia is an eyesight problem in which a person faces great difficulty in viewing distant o
I have always loved cooking, and even though I say it myself “I have a certain flair”, but at baking I have always, well…… stunk. I never baked anything creative as the only predictable thing about my fare was; it was going to be … less than good!
Dating is good, it is meant to be fun and nice, it is also meant to be done with caution:
Humans were created to be couples; we have the need to be together, whatever your preferences are. We seek to socialize in friendship groups, family grou
The Purr It is no longer a new concept to use cats as therapy animals in retirement homes, nursing homes or convalescent hospitals, research had proven that it makes a real difference in the lives, and reduces blood pressure especially in older pe
Herbs for that wondrous bathroom Scented Waters indulgence
The bathroom and the time we spend in it are important for so many reasons. Besides the usual short visits, we spend time there cleansing and reviving our body and inner person. This i
Syndication
tweet
PDF version
Printable version
Publisher HTML version
Discussions (0)
Email Article
Post New Comment