Modern life has lots of helpful gadgets and leisure activities. However, it also seems to come with too much to do in too little time. People juggle work and family commitments, social and professional life, and money worries that complicate everything. Doctors tell us that the resulting loss of serenity is bad for both physical and mental health. Nutritionists say that a balanced diet of whole foods - which few can achieve - can help. For those who fall short in this area, an all natural herbal supplement for stress can be the answer.
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.
Stressful situations which cause us to worry or to become anxious or fearful are common to almost all. Mental and emotional tensions cause the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone. This is a natural response, but when it happens too frequently, these important glands may become exhausted, which is a serious disorder. Too much of the hormone is a problem, but too little leaves the body without its natural defenses.
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.
Stress-related disorders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Insomnia and depression affect millions of people and often can be directly traced to stressful living conditions. Digestive upsets, severe PMS and menopausal symptoms, and weight gain are other side effects. Food and other cravings are known to be triggered by stress; these can reflect the nutritional imbalances which stress can cause.
Exercise is one important stress-reliever which can be a negative if pursued too aggressively. While gentle activities like walking and swimming can relieve tension, extreme effort can trigger destructive hormonal responses. Also, many people are too busy or tired to maintain a healthful program of physical exertion. Again, an herbal supplement can be the answer.
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.
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.
Stressful situations which cause us to worry or to become anxious or fearful are common to almost all. Mental and emotional tensions cause the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone. This is a natural response, but when it happens too frequently, these important glands may become exhausted, which is a serious disorder. Too much of the hormone is a problem, but too little leaves the body without its natural defenses.
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.
Stress-related disorders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Insomnia and depression affect millions of people and often can be directly traced to stressful living conditions. Digestive upsets, severe PMS and menopausal symptoms, and weight gain are other side effects. Food and other cravings are known to be triggered by stress; these can reflect the nutritional imbalances which stress can cause.
Exercise is one important stress-reliever which can be a negative if pursued too aggressively. While gentle activities like walking and swimming can relieve tension, extreme effort can trigger destructive hormonal responses. Also, many people are too busy or tired to maintain a healthful program of physical exertion. Again, an herbal supplement can be the answer.
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.