Herbs for Stress

Stress is a response to a stimulus that can be physical, emotional or mental. According to Phyllis Balch in the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, symptoms of stress include (but are not limited to) fatigue, headaches and disrupted sleep. The use of herbs for stress can be very effective.

Significance

• While stress is considered a psychological problem, it has a negative effect on the body. The body adapts to stress with mechanisms that are not meant to be sustained long-term. Balch explains that increased adrenaline secretion, raised blood pressure and rapid heartbeat are consequences of stress and are potentially dangerous physical symptoms.

  As the body responds to stress, nearly every organ is affected in a chain reaction. The most dangerous consequences of stress include stroke, heart attack and a weakened immune system. According to Balch, in the extreme, stress can result in debilitating psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and phobic disorders.

Herbs

• Herbal remedies for stress have features to ease psychological discomfort and to restore balance to the body. The many herbs Balch recommends include ashwagandha, gingko biloba and bilberry. Balch also suggests a cocktail of herbs to maximize herbal antioxidant actions. Herbs for stress cocktails include catnip, dong quai, skullcap, and St. John's Wort. Only combine three at one-half tsp. each. Drink as an infusion.

Function

• Balch describes recommended herbs and their functions. Ashwagandha is a sedative and is used in Ayurveda healing. Gingko biloba stimulates brain and circulatory functions. Bilberry preserves and protects cells. When mixing an herbal cocktail, consider the herbal properties in the blend. Catnip has sedative properties while dong quai supports kidneys, adrenal glands and the nervous system. St. John's Wort has favorable effects on depression---and is coming into its own. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has favorably reviewed clinical trials on St. John's Wort for the treatment of depression.