Have you ever been curious about what kind of simple, accessible herbs you might incorporate into your routine to help your body cope with stress? Our clinical herbalist, Rachel Zingone, has put together some information about the herbs she often recommends for people dealing with chronic stress (basically, everyone).
ADAPTOGENS
*An herb that raises nonspecific resistance to physical, chemical or biological stressors, and normalizes the bodily systems
*Works most directly on the neuroendocrine systems, and has a secondary effect on other systems
-Nourishes the adrenals and modulates & regulates cortisol levels
-Stimulates the non specific stress response via the HPA axis
-Creates homeostasis in the body by toning down the activity of over functioning systems and strengthening the activity of under functioning systems
-Enhances immune system function
*Most have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, & anti cancer properties, protect the liver and heart, and protect from the effects of chemo & radiation
*Builds stamina & reserve of adaptive energy
*Increases mental and physical work activity
*Increases the vital life force
*Balances and normalize hormones
Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwaganda, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.
-Calms mind, improves memory, and promotes deep sleep
-Calms overworked nervous system
-Regenerates hormonal system & enhances endocrine function
-Thyroid- Regulates T3 & T4 and thyroid hormone conversion; Useful in hypothyroid
-Inhibits aging and promotes metabolic efficiency
-Supports blood sugar metabolism
-Specific for: Burned out “Type A”, folks; Elderly; Chronic muscle tension; Fibromyalgia; Peri-menopausal muscle pain and cloudy thinking
Holy Basil/Tulsi
-Enhances metabolic function and natural resistance
-Reduces cortisol
-Enhances cerebral circulation & memory
-Elevates the mood and reduces mild depression
-Lowers blood sugar levels
-Prevents gastric ulcers
-Enhances antibodies while inhibiting allergies
-Protects against radiation damage to liver
Specific for: Chronic inflammation; Type 2 diabetes; Allergies to animal dander & mold
More information here: What is Tulsi?
Eleuthro/Siberian Ginseng
-Delays stress reaction in ‘fight or flight’
-Increases cerebral blood flow
-Increases white blood cell production
-Increases well being by enhancing neurotransmitters
-Lowers LDL & triglycerides
-Speeds post operative recovery
-Specific for: Chronic fatigue, Stressed out “Type A” people that work long hours and don’t get enough nutrition or rest; Sore muscles with under functioning endocrine; Post pregnancy tonic
Rhodiola
-Increases oxygen in brain & enhances alertness and endurance
-Reduces fatigue, improves memory & depressed mental states -Protects cells & organs against chemical & radiation damage
-Prevents immune depletion from overwork
- Balances endocrine and helps balance blood sugar
Rhodiola grows naturally in arctic regions and is often used in landscaping as a groundcover.
and enhances reproductive function (erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, infertility)
-Normalizes and reduces cortisol levels
-Benefits the hearts by preventing stress induced damage and improving strength
-Specific for: ADHD in adults; Recovery from head trauma; Altitude sickness
Rachel also recommends Reishi and Licorice, but the above are her go-to herbs for helping her clients manage stress. If you’re curious and want a consult, click here for more information.