Stress

Don’t let stress rule your life!

If we could look beyond the symptoms of many physical ailments to the core of what is really wrong…we would most likely find…stress!

Even when it is not the cause, stress usually aggravates the condition. Stress has such a powerful effect because of what it does to the body. When we sense danger, our body is flooded with adrenaline and other hormones, and our nervous system reactions are heightened:

Our heart pumps faster

Blood rushes to our face

Eyes dilate

Muscles are primed to…MOVE!

Our body even begins to sweat as a means of keeping us cool during the crisis.

Beyond “stressing out”!

While we were born with reflexes that are more for hunting and being warriors…that just isn’t appropriate anymore in this day and age. Instead, in these modern times our adrenal alarm goes off for very different reasons:

Traffic Jams

Boss or co-worker issues

Computer crashes

Family fights

Washing machine dies

Responsible for pumping out adrenaline in response to stress, our adrenal glands are controlled by our nervous system and they respond quickly to our emotions. After awhile of constant bombardment of “stressors”, our adrenals become totally exhausted. The consequences of this is staggering to think about…almost every system in our body is either directly or in-directly influenced by the adrenal glands. When our adrenals are exhausted our body just does not respond to life in the same “normal” way.

We get sluggish, tired all the time, we may develop anemia and our blood sugar levels & blood pressure may dip, which will make us feel even more exhausted. Other symptoms include:

Weight loss

Digestive issues

Skin discoloration

Highly over-emotional

And if we continue on in this stress-induced lifestyle we could be looking at other physical issues such as:

Heart disease

Ulcers

Allergies

Mental confusion

Caffeine is not the answer!

Herbs can help!

Valerian

This versatile herb calms people who are agitated, but can also stimulate those who are fatigued.

Valerian Uses

According to the “Practical Guide to Natural Medicines,” valerian has been used for 1000 years as a sedative and calming agent. Its modern day uses include as a treatment for anxiety, promoting sleep, controlling panic attacks, as well as relieving headaches, menstrual cramps and digestive cramping. Valerian also helps relax the body.

How effective is it?

Valerian is one of the few herbal supplements that meet the rigorous U.S. standards, leading to its being given a rating of 1 on a scale of 1 to 5. This means that years of extensive, valid research indicate that valerian is very effective when used as intended. Valerian helps calm the mind and relax the body.

Ginseng

What does Ginseng do?

Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng can help you handle stress more effectively by sedating or stimulating your central nervous system according to what your body needs. Ginseng in affect is a calming herb…giving you balance and replenishing your energy.

Ginseng also increases your brain’s utilization of amino acids, which is important because when you are under stress, your body uses more protein than usual and proteins are comprised of amino acids.

Shizandra Berries

What Does Shizandra do?

Shizandra has a regulating effect on the central nervous system. It also quickens responses and makes people more alert while actually stimulating the nervous system.

Shizandra is one of the adaptogenic herbs… and in common with other adaptogens, the active ingredients contained in the shizandra fruit will help to support your capacity to counteract the effects of stress and fatigue.It can be used to assist the healing of a number of the issues caused by stress… including adrenal gland exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, palpitations and sweating profusely.