Thursday, July 19, 2012

Herbs That Help Fight Stress & Increase Mental Clarity

Please read my disclaimer before continuing on.  Thank you

I think we all know stress is super bad for our bodies.  And stress can come in many forms: overworked, depressed, constantly angry, troubled by past traumas/memories, anxious about a new chapter in life or transition, money, etc.  When I’m anxious, angry, sad, overworked (physically/mentally), I strive to find my balance back to a state of calm and control – calm and control AMID the stresses of life, they aren’t going anywhere, so we need to learn how to cope.  This is where behavioral interventions are key and can significantly help reduce the affects of stress on our bodies.  Behavioral techniques coupled with herbs can help us retrieve balance.  Because come on, LIFE is stressful, love is stressful, having kids is stressful, family is stressful, missing the turn is stressful, waiting in line is stressful, waiting in line with kids is ridiculously stressful.  Let’s get the stress under control so we can enjoy the many awesome things that life has to offer.  

And look less like this:

And more like this:


Herbs to Help Fight Stress and Increase Mental Clarity:

Vitamin B Complex 

Great for natural stress reduction.  Vitamin B can be taken everyday – very safe and super good for you. I take these
Chamomile
This is my all time favorite!  Chamomile is my #1 go-to for stress relief.  It has a gentle, mild calming effect – great for bedtime.  Targets central nervous system.  I find this in bulk at my local Coop (little dried flowers).  I use one tablespoon with 8 ounces boiling water.  Steep for 15 minutes.    
Lemon Balm
Gentle relaxing effect on the central nervous system. Few side effects (long term use okay).  Good for reliving tension and fighting stress. 
Valerian Root 
Traditionally used as herbal remedy for insomnia.
(does not give you that groggy feeling in the morning.  Do not take for more than 2 weeks)
Used to calm nerves.  Non addictive.  Great anxiety fighter.

Licorice Root 
Contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and can help to normalize blood sugar levels as well as your adrenal glands, providing you with the energy necessary to deal with the stressful situation at hand. Some claim licorice stimulates cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby calming the mind.  Click above link for additional stress fighting herbs.   
I purchase licorice root in bulk at my local Coop.  To use: I steep 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces boiling water 3x per day.

Rooibos (aka red bush tea)
Rooibos is touted as a tea that helps improve brain function.  Caffeine free, this tea targets the central nervous system and has a calming effect.  It’s used to strengthen mental clarity without causing any side effects (such as the jitters or exhaustion).  An excellent herb for nervous tension.  One study cited that the antioxidant flavanoids in rooibos tea were as much as 50 times more potent than even green tea. Rooibos is naturally sweet.
Passion flower 
Considered a mild sedative and can help promote sleep.  Passion flower also treats anxiety, insomnia, depression, and nervousness.  The parts of the passion flower plant that grows above ground can be dried and steeped for tea.  Otherwise, passion flower is available as a tincture, capsule, and even as a juice.  Please use this herb with caution – many known side effects.  

Attention and Focus Herb Blend

Bach’s Rescue Remedy 

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More pictures of people looking stressed (that I thought were funny):

 (or maybe she’s super hungry?)

Holiday stress!  OR A ghost is strangling her with Christmas lights.

 

 


Pictures of people being meditative and calm (which I thought you might appreciate after seeing that woman eat her computer):

peace

it does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble or
hard work. it means to be in the midst
of those things and still be calm in your heart.
–unknown

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Shared on: Fat Tuesday, Allergy-Free Wednesdays 

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Labels: Herbs and Spices Summer Series, Holistic healing.

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