Life is not without its share of stress. Even activities such as skiing down a mountain, aiming for higher goals or falling in love can take a toll on one’s nerves. All too often, during difficult times, people take worse care of themselves by either over or under eating, using more sugar, caffeine or alcohol. Though stress may often be unavoidable, we can come through most ordeals of our life-styles are balanced by faith, rest, good nutrition and exercise.
Stress actually depletes the body’s reserves of vitamins and minerals. Chronic muscle tension prevents good circulation and can leave a person more prone to illness. A stressful period in life should be an opportunity to take better care of oneself. During tense times, you owe it to yourself to choose nutritious foods. Small, frequent whole grain meals help to keep the blood sugar on an even keel as well as providing important B vitamins. Oatmeal and yogurt are two foods that are easy to digest and rich in calming calcium.
Nature’s floral pharmacy provides many herbs that nourish and support a frayed nervous system. Among them are:
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – A general tonic that helps to relieve pain and muscle soreness. It is an excellent nervine.
- Oatstraw (Avena sativa) – Rich in calcium, stress soothing, even used in clinics in Europe and Asia to help people deal with the stress of giving up addictive substances.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – Strengthening and calming to the nerves. Its very aroma is a pleasure to take in.
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum speies) – Calms the central nervous system, improves circulation, benefits muscle soreness.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – Antispasmodic, sedative, has traditionally been used for depression and anxiety. The ancient physician, Avicenna said of lemon balm, “It causeth the mind and heart to be merrie.”
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – It only makes cats excited. In humans, this member of the mint family, lowers central nervous system activity.
- Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – High in calcium and magnesium. This herb has been used throughout history for pain , fear, headaches, muscle spasms and even drug and alcohol withdrawal. This herb can help rebuild the nerve sheaths. Skullcap is considered to be one of the best tonics for the nervous system.
- Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) – Long used for worry and insomnia. Slows the breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Kava kava (Piper methysticum) – This root has been used in Polynesia for insomnia and nervousness as well as to relax the muscles.
- Lavender (Lavenda ul officinalis) – Very calming, its beautiful aroma has been used traditionally to “Left the spirits when feeling blue.”
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragans) – Small amounts of this spice has been used throughout history for various nervous disorders.
Other Herbs that aide stress reduction:
Both of these plants may not have an appealing taste for most people and are best taken as a fresh plant extract or in freeze dried capsule form. Before using addictive sedative drugs, consider the beneficial botanicals that have a long history of safe usage. There are many combinations available in natural food stores that contain effective herbal combinations.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) – A safe, reliable sedative that helps to induce sleep, contains B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and contains lupulin as a natural sedative.
Valerian (Valerianan officinalis) – Long valued for its ability to induce sleep, calm anxiety and relax muscles. In Europe, it is the most common non-prescription sedative.
Written by Brigitte Mars
Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant with over forty years experience. She is the author of Beauty by Nature, Rawsome!, The Sexual Herbal, Addiction Free Naturally, Healing Herbal Teas, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, and co-author of The Country Almanac of Home Remedies, and The Hemp Nut Health and Cookbook. Brigitte has had a radio show on KGNU called Naturally for over twenty years. She is a professional member of The American Herbalist Guild. Ms. Mars teaches at Naropa University, Boulder College of Massage, Omega Institute, Kripalu, and Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts. Brigitte is a blogger for The Huffington Post and Care2. www.brigittemars.com, 303 442-4967, brigitte@indra.com
