Manage stress with super herbs
One of the buzzwords in the wellness industry last year was adaptogens. These are herbs that help the body adapt to stress in a way that will not leave us feeling helpless, anxious, and forever exhausted. Lately, these have been added to drinks, food and beauty products.
This special group of herbs helps balance, restore, and protect the body. Aside from increasing the resistance of the body to the adverse effects of long-term stress such as chronic illness, mental issues, and obesity, adaptogens also strengthen the immune system and promote a sense of well-being.
Extensive research has been done on the subject, as initiated by Russian scientists who have published more than 1,500 clinical and pharmacological studies on adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens were found to help regulate important hormones, boost the immune system, increase physical endurance and mental focus, as well as help balance mood.
Dr. Edward F. Group III, founder of the Global Healing Center in 1998 and a best-selling author, gave a list of 14 powerful adaptogenic herbs. He said that these herbs could be taken in supplement form, brewed in teas or used to spice up meals.
Asian ginseng, also known as panax ginseng, promotes physical endurance and mental clarity. It has antioxidant properties.
Holy basil (sulasi in Tagalog or tulsi) is from the mint family and is known for centuries for its antioxidant and soothing properties.
Milk thistle has silymarin, which supports liver health and metabolism to help manage the hormones associated with stress.
Ashwaghanda or Indian ginseng, provides energy and is taken to keep the mind sharp.
Rhodiola rosea or golden root is a popular herb among the Sherpas on Mt. Everest because of the way it supports regular energy levels and fights altitude sickness. Studies also show it helps encourage normal cortisol levels.
Ginseng eleuthero or Siberian ginseng is known not only for its adaptogenic properties but also as a natural energy booster.
Rosemary (romero) is a cooking herb that does a lot more than add flavor and aroma to food. Two of its compounds, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, support heart, digestive, and liver health.
Aloe vera (sabila) is a powerful herb and superfood. A pair of its compounds, acemannan and aloctin A, support immune and adrenal health.
Gotu kola (takip kohol) is a common herb in both traditional Indian and Chinese medicines. It stimulates blood flow, helps reduce swelling, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Astragalus (astragalo) or huang chi was traditionally used by the Chinese to encourage good health and fight stress. Its active compound, called TAT2, protects against aging, supports detoxification, and is nutrition for the kidneys.
The seeds, leaves, roots, and oils of the moringa oleifera (malunggay) plant are used in Southeast Asia as an ingredient in common dishes. As part of traditional medicine, it supports the immune response, eases inflammation, and promotes energy and adrenal health.
Schisandra is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote good health and overall wellness. Research shows it has powerful antioxidant properties that help your body stay balanced.
Bacopa is a popular Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to support brain health like memory, focus, and thinking.
Licorice root has traditionally been used to promote many aspects of wellness, including normal metabolic function.
“Think of adaptogens like a thermostat. They keep your body’s stress response at a desirable level, much like the way a thermostat keeps the temperature from becoming too high or too low. They’re good for you all the time, not just when you have a high level of stress,” Dr. Group said.
This list is by no means a comprehensive guide. It gives us options to consider if we feel the ravages of chronic stress in our lives. Sufficient quality rest, hydration, proper nutrition, meditation, prayer, hobbies, advocacies, regular exercise, and volunteer work, among many others, may help manage stress levels too.
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