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Get a Herbal Helping Hand When The Going Gets Tough

Stress without a doubt is the modern day plague.
Ernesta Stripeikaite
Nutritionist and Wellbeing expert
While our ancestors used to experience acute bouts of stress when running from a wild animal or chasing after their dinner, now we are fuelled with stress hormones from dawn to dusk.Emotional stressors such as arguments, deadlines, financial issues, relationships, and physical stressors like lack of/poor quality sleep, blood sugar imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, too much caffeine/alcohol/nicotine, and bad posture soon add up and you can find yourself feeling below par most of the time.To really get the balance back, it is important to address the root causes of your stressors. But thankfully there are some wonderful herbs that can help along the way.
Energising Supporters
This herb is great at both relaxing and energizing as it prolongs the effects of cortisol by preventing its breakdown. Cortisol is often referred to as a ‘bad guy’ but really it is the hormone that helps us handle stress. When we are in a constant ‘fight or flight’ mode, cortisol over-production can be harmful. By prolonging cortisol’s life and keeping it in the bloodstream for longer, we give our adrenal glands (tiny endocrine glands that sit on top of kidneys and produce cortisol in times of stress) a rest and can handle stress better.
Ginseng can help energize the body and increase the resilience to daily stressors. It does not necessarily have relaxing properties, but it helps to increase the body’s resistance to damaging effects of stress. If you feel worn out – Siberian Ginseng can be great at gently boosting your energy levels.
Also known as Indian Ginseng, is a very popular adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body to cope with stress. It can have a dual relaxing and energizing effect, but the best results are achieved with long term use for chronic stress.
Rhodiola This is a great partner for Ashwagandha, a combination of these two herbs tends to be very effective. Rhodiola is also an adaptogenic herb and helps the adrenal glands to handle the daily stressors. It has an energising, anti-fatigue effect and can help increase stamina. Like Ashwagandha, it is suggested to take Rhodiola for a few months for best results.
Instant RelaxersMight be one of the oldest relaxing herbs, used since the Hippocratic times. It is one of the nature’s gentlest, non-addictive tranquilizers. Valerian is one of the most popular herbs for sleeping issues and insomnia, but can also be used for anxiety during the day. However this herb can be sedating and it is suggested to be careful and not drive or use any technical equipment when taking Valerian. It might be best to keep it by your bedside for those times when your internal chatter does not switch off.

Mild Soothers







Special UpliftingThis herb needs a category of its own due to its unique anti-depressant properties. The active ingredients hypericin and hyperforin are thought to contribute to the effects of the herb on the nervous system. It is suggested that St. John’s Wort works similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, by making the mood-uplifting neurotransmitters more bioavailable. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin carry messages from one nerve ending to the next. Once the message is delivered, the neurotransmitters are reabsorbed and inactivated. St. John’s Wort can help and prolong the effectiveness of the feel-good neurotransmitters, uplifting the mood and wellbeing.
Herbs can be an amazing helping hand when the going gets tough, but it is also very important to identify what is disrupting peace in your life and address those factors. Additionally, a healthy balanced diet, relaxation techniques (mindfulness meditation, deep breathing) and gentle exercise like yoga are essential for reducing the stress load.
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- Ashwagandha Dosage for AnxietyFeb 04, 2021I found a supplement that is 500 mg, 120 Count. Do you recommend taking 1 capsule daily? or 2 capsules? I also take thyroid medication and an SSRI among other things.
- The amazing Ashwagandha benefits for womenFeb 04, 2021Hello Dia, Thank you for your comment. Research is confusing when it comes to testosterone levels with PCOS and using Ashwagandha. As it is an adaptogenic herb, it will 'adapt' to the environment of the body to support hormonal balance. A huge therapeutic benefit of Ashwagandha is its ability to balance cortisol levels, which could improve stress and symptoms of PCOS also. If you are currently using any medications or under medical supervision, please seek advice from your practitioner to ensure there are no interactions. I hope this helps :)
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- The amazing Ashwagandha benefits for womenJan 20, 2021Hi Simie, thank you for your message. Ashwagandha is safe to be taken alongside other supplements including Vitamin E and Calcium. We would advise you check with your GP for interactions with estrogen medications for menopause as there are different variations of these medications. I hope this helps :)