Written by: Michele De Minico CNP
As one of the Holistic Nutritionists at the Healthy Planet, I am fortunate to be able to assist our customers with their needs. With growing numbers, I see customers who come in requesting remedies for stress conditions. Many of these conditions are described as; anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, general malaise, hormonal disorders, immune deficiencies, digestive problems, and heart disease, to name just a few.
Stress in and of itself is not a bad thing. The initial flight or fight response (acute stress), may be beneficial for survival, however, most of us tend to stay in a chronic state of prolonged stress. When we are looking at stress it is important to consider if the stress is physical, mental or spiritual. Stressors are events or situations – internal or external, pleasant or unpleasant – that require the body systems to adapt and respond in order to maintain balance.[1] We can have external stressors such as, weather, chemicals, poor nutrition, EMF’s or internal stressors such as, mental, emotional and spiritual stress.
Nature has given us many herbs that assist the body in returning to a state of balance or homeostasis. These herbs act on our nervous system and in turn benefit our adrenal glands, as prolonged stress can cause adrenal fatigue. The herbs are categorized into four main groupings depending on their action on the body.
Adaptogenic herbs help the body to adapt to stressors in life. They support the body, the pituitary and adrenal glands. Adaptogens are very beneficial to the body in many ways but they are particularly good at fighting fatigue, anxiety and any number of traumas that occur in the human body. They are systemic which means they work on the whole body to bring it back to a state of homeostasis. They can be used long term, though taking a week break after consuming them for four weeks is beneficial, to prevent the body from becoming used to the herb.[2] This rule applies for the use of all herbs.
The majority of adaptogenic herbs can be broken down into three categories.
1) Ayurvedic Herbs: Amla, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Gota Kola and Shatavari
2) Chinese Herbs – Asian Ginseng, Astragulus, Cordyceps, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), Licorice, Reishi, Schisandra and Gogi Berries.
3) Western Herbs: American ginseng, Rhodiola, Borage and Nettle.
Nervine Tonics strengthen and nourish the nervous system. Nervine tonics are beneficial for chronic stress and most of these are mildly relaxing and many have anti-depressant effects. They replenish nervous energy, which means they assist with nervous stress that is debilitating and exhausting. Some have been found to assist with fibromyalgia pain and MS. There is a caution when using these as many are *contraindicated when taking prescription anti-depressants, or morphine type drugs.
Some Nervine tonic herbs include: Oat straw*, St. John’s Wort*, Skullcap, Blue Vervain, Damiana, and Wood Betony.
Nervine Relaxants are stronger and have a more immediate effect than the nervine tonics. They are beneficial for immediate acute symptoms and have a sedating effect; therefore it is best to take these herbs at bedtime. Some beneficial uses for nervine relaxants include; insomnia, palpitations due to anxiety, anxiety, and as an antispasmodic.
Nervine Relaxants can be broken down into two categories.
1) Relaxants: Lime Blossoms (Linden Flower), California Poppy
2) Hypnotics: Hops*, Valerian**, and Passion Flower.
*There are contraindications with the use of Hops for acute depression or with those susceptible to depression.
**It also should be noted that 90% of the population will become relaxed with Valerian Root; however 10% of the population will become “wired” when taking it. This is due to the herbs ability to release stress and relax the body; therefore, the body can now use its energy stores for energy and not for the stress you were holding on to.[3]
Nervine Stimulants improve mood, awareness and energy levels. They may also cause dilation of bronchial and vascular systems. Remember that direct stimulation of the nervous system is not very often indicted. It is more appropriate to stimulate the body’s innate vitality with the help of nervines, which have a much deeper and longer-lasting effect.[4]
Nervine Stimulants include: Kola Nut, Mate and Black teas and Coffee. The best non-caffeinated choice is Peppermint Tea.
It is important to remember that we tend to over-stimulate ourselves already – coffee being the biggest culprit, so Peppermint tea is a wonderful choice for those that need the stimulation without the caffeine.
The Healthy Planet has many of these herbs in single doses; good sources are St. Francis or New Roots tinctures or Natures Way capsules. Many companies also carry combination herbal formulas that are geared toward specific issues. Another beneficial source for herbal consumption is in the form of Teas. The Healthy Planet carries a wide variety of teas that are sure to get your Nervous System to a balanced state.
[1] Jensen, Karen ND. and Scauch, Marita ND. The Adrenal Stress Connection : ActNatural Corp. Hillsburgh, ON, 2010
[2] www.herbalist.com
[3] Elliotson, Susan MNIMH, RH The Institute of Holistic Nutrition: Herbal Medicine, Toronto, ON. 2009
[4] Hoffnamm, David RH, Holistic Herbal: HarperCollins Publishers, Hammersmith, London, 1990
