Herbal Stress relief

Herbal stress relief products

Herbs are either used individually or in combination with other herbs in stress management therapy.

Here are some of the prominent herbs used in stress management along with their medicinal properties:

Kava:
Kava (also referred to as Kava Kava) is famous amongst other stress-busting herbs. It is an ancient plant, belonging to the pepper family, normally grown in Indonesia and the Polynesian islands. Traditionally, Kava is consumed like any herbal tea. The tea extract is derived from its root and/or stump. The kava extract comes both in liquid, solid and pill form. Kava is said to relax muscles and aid in getting a good sleep.

Valerian:
Valerian is regarded as the oldest stress reliever. It is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It is used in the herbal stress management therapy as a sedative, as it soothes tensed muscles and relaxes the nervous system. Valium is not derived from Valerian.

Passion flower:
Passion flower is a grouping of flowering plants. Their extract contains alkaloid that boasts of anti-depressant properties. Passion flower is also known for painkilling properties. In herbal treatments, it is believed to act like a sedative.

Hops:
Hops are grown across the world. This flower is primarily used as a flavoring agent in beer, and in herbal stress relieving medicine. In herbal stress therapy hops are used as mild mind-pacifiers as hops-extracts have mild tranquilizing properties.

Catnip:
Catnip or Nepeta has excellent properties. When used as an herbal tea, catnip induces sweating. It also helps relieving digestive problems.

Chamomile:
Chamomile is a native European plant. This is used as an herbal stress reliever. Chamomile relieves gastric ailments such as colic and dyspepsia. It also aids sleep and therefore known as mild herbal tranquilizer.

Rhodiola Rosae:
Rhodiola Rosae is a plant that grows in the cold regions across the globe. Russian research shows that this plant is effective for treating ailments related to depression. It also reduces fatigue.

St. John's Wort:
This is a yellow-flowering perennial herb which was primarily grown in Europe. Its extract is used in herbal stress relieving medicine and it is prescribed to fight depression.

Ginkgo:
The Ginkgo herb is not a plant or a shrub. It is a tree. The extract of its leaves contains flavanoids that are believed to enhance memory and improve blood flow.

Types of Stress Relievers
Stress relievers can be categorized as

Drugs
Psychotherapy
Diet
Deep Breathing
Meditation
Yoga
Music
Positive thinking
Stress balls and games
Alternative medicine including Herbal stress relievers and herbs

The definitive guide to adaptogenic herbs, formerly known as "tonics," that counter the effects of age and stress on the body

-Reveals how adaptogens increase the body's resistance to adverse influences

-Provides a history of the use of these herbal remedies and the actions, properties, preparation, and dosage for each herb

We all deal with stress every day, and every day our bodies strive to adapt and stay balanced and healthy.

In Adaptogens, authors David Winston and Steven Maimes provide a comprehensive look into adaptogens, non-toxic herbs such as ginseng, eleuthero, and licorice, that produce a defensive response to stress in our bodies.

Formerly known as rejuvenating herbs or tonics, adaptogens help the body to "adapt" to the many influences it encounters. They increase stamina and counter the normal effects of aging and thus are becoming important tools in sports medicine and in the prevention and treatment of chronic fatigue and other stress-related disorders.
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[sample monograph]
AMERICAN GINSENG

Botanical Name: Panax quinquefolius
Family: Araliaceae
Common Names: Sang, seng
Taste/Energy: Sweet, bitter, slightly cool, and moist.
Parts Used: Root and leaf
Location/Cultivation: American ginseng is native to the eastern United States and Canada, from the Catskill Mountains of New York and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, north into Ontario, west to Iowa, south to Arkansas and Kentucky, and east through the highlands of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. American ginseng requires rich soil with humus and full shade, and it prefers deciduous woodlands, especially those with tulip poplars. It takes a minimum of seven years to grow a mature root from the time of germination. Due to this plant's endangered status, wild plants should be left alone, and you should avoid purchasing products labeled "wild American ginseng." The best American ginseng on the market is grown organically in the woods.
Safety Rating: * * *
Properties: Adaptogen, antioxidant, bitter tonic, mild central nervous system stimulant, mild demulcent (soothes mucous membranes), hypoglycemic agent, and immune amphoteric.
Constituents: The active constituents include triterpene saponins such as the ginsenosides and panaxosides. The bitter taste comes from its sesquiterpene content.