By: Richard Bleuze
A lot can be done to support a healthy ability to relax and slow down. One way of doing this is to keep your mind producing its own natural feel good chemicals by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods, getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine and exercising regularly.
Practicing relaxation techniques, meditation or even taking time for a regular walk on the beach can all help to reduce stress levels and facilitate a feeling of calm – helping us to wind down and relax.
Natural remedies can help us to cope more easily with the everyday stresses of our modern existence. In fact, natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system.
In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and maintain a healthy equilibrium - which will assist with staying less stressful under pressure.
The best approach to problems related to stress is to assess the intensity and duration of stress to begin with. Relief products available over-the-counter should be used only if you experience mild daily stress or short-term severe stress.
Herbal remedies for stress are an option that should get your active consideration, as they are mostly devoid of any side effects. You can also safely stop taking them after a couple of months if you so desire, without any fear of withdrawal symptoms or psychological dependence.
- Kava kava, an alcoholic drink made from aromatic roots of the kava shrub, is an approved herbal treatment for stress in many European countries. It can relieve stress symptoms like acute and chronic anxiety without the side effects of drowsiness that are prevalent in conventional medication for stress. The drink is as effective as a tranquilizer and is used for treating anxiety, insomnia and also alcohol withdrawal.
- Caution: do not use kava kava if you are already taking tranquilizers, sleeping pills or antidepressants. Also, avoid alcohol and do not take kava kava if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- St. John’s Wort is as good as any conventional antidepressant that is used to relieve anxiety. It needs to be taken for several weeks before you get the desired results. It inhibits the rate of removal of the brain chemical serotonin, responsible for inducing calm feelings. It has a few minor side effects but is not addictive.
- Caution: If you are already taking an antidepressant, do not use St. John’s Wort.
- Valerian is a natural substitute to diazepam (Valium). Although its ingredients are similar, it is non-addictive and very useful for relieving anxiety and inducing sleep. Unlike sleeping pills, you do not wake up feeling groggy. .
Coping with stress is not as difficult as it may appear. Do not let stress affect your overall health, and look for a good stress management program before it is too late.
