Stressful Times Call for Stressless Measures

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“Fight or Flight”; it is or survival instinct to avert danger, real or imagined.  When the fight-or-flight response is initiated, adrenaline permeates the bloodstream and the body physiologically analyzes the “threat”. But when the pressures of daily life keep us in a chronic heightened state of stress, our nervous system (fight-or-flight responses) has to work overtime, setting in motion a cascade of symptoms that can take a physical toll on our bodies.

Increased stress is a fact of modern life and now the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered every aspect of our lives, on top of an already stressful world.  And many carry residual or unprocessed trauma that can create chronic toxic stress and lead to chronic health issues. 

In an acutely stressful situation, the cascade of hormones and physiological reactions in the body make complete sense: they enable us to respond quickly and effectively during moments of danger or emergency. During the activation of the fight-or-flight response, the brain sends messages to the sympathetic nervous system through the adrenal glands.

As the adrenaline subsides, the central stress response system, the (HPA) hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal is activated, and pumps cortisol into the bloodstream, keeping the body on high alert. In a true fight or flight situation, cortisol and adrenaline levels drop, and the parasympathetic response takes over.  However, when continually activated, the HPA axis maintains high cortisol levels in the body, resulting in a chronic state of hypervigilance.

Stress can wear you down. It can impact the nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, immune system and more. Mentally and emotionally, it can lead to exhaustion, frustration, anger, and an inability to manage emotions.  While there are many contributing factors to health status, stress impacts our ability to manage and process nutrients, sleep, physical activity and relationships.

But there is much you can do to develop a personal plan that will balance your life and keep your stress in check.  Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, exercise regularly, meditate, hone creative skills and nurture your personal relationships while keeping them in perspective; and explore the many benefits of liquid herbal tinctures that can rejuvenate, balance, and nourish our bodies.  Most herbal tincture remedies can be taken safely over a long period of time and many offer even greater benefit when they are used on a daily basis.

Here are some herbs that you may want to try:

Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered to be the most sacred plant, both spiritually and physically. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps restore the body to a more balanced state; especially in times of stress.

Sometimes referred to as “liquid yoga”, the effects of Holy Basil may be subtle at first, but they are real and undeniable.

The high levels of cortisol that are created under stress can lead to complications such as leaky gut syndrome, increased appetite, weight gain, thyroid disorders, chronic inflammation, slow metabolism, abnormal immune responses.  Stress can also cause an increase in the degeneration of brain neurons, a common problem for those who suffer from depression and anxiety. Holy basil contains phytonutrient potent oils such as rosmarinic acid, eugenol, ursolic acid, caryophyllene, and others. It also contains high levels of vitamin C and A which are essential antioxidants that go through the body scavenging free radicals and improving cell integrity and genetic expression.  Because of the stress-relieving properties of the herb, it may be used to help control binge eating, which aids in beneficial weight loss. This herb is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Oat Grain (Avena sativa) is considered to be a powerful sedative and effective stress reliever that has shown in studies to aid in improved attention and concentration and focus. Oat Grain has been found to be very beneficial for nervous conditions including exhaustion, insomnia, and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

When treating mild depression, Oat Grain can be combined with other nervines like Passionflower, St. John’s wort, Motherwort, Lemon Balm, or other herbs, that act as natural anti-depressants and mild sedatives, to aid relief of nervous tension and anxiety and to enhance cerebral function. has been suggested that Oat straw and oat grain may improve attention, focus, and concentration in the elderly as well as in children, calming their moods in different stages of growth. Several small studies in the 1970’s suggested that Oat Grain may help tobacco users ‘kick the habit’ by easing the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine and other addictions.  It gives the body a positive energy boost and improves mood.

Stinging Nettle has been used for centuries as a medicine and also as a food. This mineral and vitamin-rich herb offers a natural, nutritious way to improves thyroid function, uplift a weary body and reduce fatigue as well as,. Nettle’s high iron content makes it an excellent remedy for combating anemia. A compound found in Stinging Nettle extract, kynurenic acid, is a substance that is getting attention recently due to the positive cognitive benefits it has had in animal studies. This compound may also help with ADD, ADHD and similar disorders. And Stinging Nettle packs a mighty nutritive punch. High in vitamins A, C, D, and K, chlorophyll, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, this plant is an important ally when during times of high stress, or are in recovery from overwork and overwhelm.  It has a hypotensive effect and helps the body release toxins.

Skullcap, aka Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a natural way to relax, ease your nerves and get a restful sleep. It is considered to be very useful for alleviating the difficulties of alcohol, barbiturate and drug withdrawal.  This is an excellent source if you hold tension in your body, grind your teeth or experience body pains related to anxiety and stress. This is a great herb if you practice body-based stress relief practice, such as yoga.

Skullcap can be helpful for general anxiety and easing acute anxiety and panic attacks.  It can calm the nerves, quiet and strengthen the nervous system, and is a valuable remedy for controlling nervous irritation, excitability, restlessness, hysteria, anxiety, hyperactivity, fatigue, insomnia, night terrors and nervous headaches.

Skullcap has also been useful to relieve menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, muscle spasms, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cramps due to stress. This herb has been given to alcoholics who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms and delirium tremens (DTs). It is believed to be helpful in treating barbiturate, tranquilizer and drug withdrawal symptoms.

–Lemon Balm is the ultimate medicinal plant for emotional detox and has been used for centuries to “restore the joy of life to even the most melancholy” and alleviate stress and anxiety. The herb is used for nervous agitation, functional gastrointestinal complaints, menstrual cramps, urinary spasms and symptoms of PMS. It is also said to improve memory and mental function. And for a good night’s sleep, try Lemon Balm. Studies have shown that when combined with Valerian root tincture, it improves sleep patterns.  It has been used for thousands of years as a calmative that is good for all kinds of nervous problems, including tension headaches, migraines, neuralgia, hysteria, nervous tension, stress, anxiety, excitability and heart palpations. Lemon Balm can temper the inability to listen or sustain attention and fidgeting.   And it can relax muscle tension without daytime drowsiness. 

Lemon Balm is effective in calming the digestive tract and relieves dyspepsia, colic, gas, upset stomach, indigestion and stomach cramps. The herb has been used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), often stopping the spasms and relieving the pain and cramps associated with the disease. And although it is strong enough to ease spasms, it is not so strong as to cause constipation. It is thought that the volatile oils of Lemon balm contain chemicals that actually relax muscles, particularly in the bladder and stomach, thereby relieving cramps, gas, and nausea.  

Turn over a new leaf, breathe deep, reorganize your life priorities and habits and take control of your stress levels.  A proactive plan can give you a new lease on your life and enrich the lives of those around you.