Tripod Home | New | TriTeca | Work/Money | Politics/Community | Living/Travel | Planet T | Daily Scoop

LIVING & TRAVEL Stress Relief Published April 9, 1996 Check out last week's Herbs to Cure a Cold (4/2)

What flavor is the stress in your life? Traffic? Work? Your mother? Personally, I don't like stress. It's a mind/body state I avoid when possible. Changing your lifestyle -- driving less, sleeping more, eating better, exercising, drinking less coffee, meditating and simply breathing right -- work best to address chronic stress. Examine the root cause of your problems rather than trying to mask your symptoms. But as a supplement to lifestyle changes, there are a couple of herbs that can help you out when you're stressed. When you "stress," your body reacts both physiologically and psychologically. Physiological responses begin with your adrenal gland releasing adrenaline and/or noradrenalin into your blood stream. The initial response, coined the "fight or flight" reaction, may do the following: Increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Increase your nervous-system activity. Constrict your blood vessels, thus forcing blood to leave the skin to provide more oxygen and sugar to your muscles (this is why you go "white" with shock). Make you sweat and look like a nervous wreck. Psychologically, you might react in many ways: You experience anxiety or fear. You deny you're stressed, thus protecting yourself. This short-term approach may help, but it may also make you more stressed in the long run if the problem is not dealt with. You intellectualize your stress. This usually amuses friends. Here are two herbs you can try to better manage stress in your life. Consult your health care practitioner or trained professional before beginning any herbal supplement program. Herb: Ginseng AKA: Panax spp. Where found: Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) is native to North America, while Panax ginseng is found in China and cultivated throughout China, Russia, Korea and Japan. Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Siberian ginseng, grows in mountain forests of Japan, Korea, Russia and northeast China. Most used part: The root Scientific stuff: Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to environmental and psychological stressors. Scientists have determined that the eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng (a series of steroid-like compounds) counteract the alarm stage of stress response in the body, thus protecting the adrenals from adverse stress effects while normalizing pituitary and pancreatic function. Indications: Therapeutically, ginseng works best with the weak or elderly. The Chinese value its ability to improve overall health, strengthen resistance to disease, and increase strength and performance. Research confirms ginseng may help improve physical and mental performance and stimulate the immune system, according to Rob McCaleb, president of the Herb Research Foundation. Contraindications: Chinese herbalism warns against using ginseng during bronchitis and acute inflammatory disease. Like all herbs, ginseng should be avoided by pregnant women until they consult a physician. Try this: Place 1/2 teaspoon of powdered root (available at natural foods stores) in a cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer gently 10 minutes. You can also buy whole roots, which are steamed to soften and then sliced and dried. "Simply suck on a piece the size of a corn kernel till it dissolves," writes herbalist Brigitte Mars. Don't do this: Don't expect ginseng to turn you into a super hero. Enough ginseng may make you feel the "ting" of a caffeine buzz, but you should use it wisely to help your body deal with physical and mental stress and/or fatigue. Herb: Valerian AKA: Valeriana officinalis Most used part: Roots, stolons and rhizome (root-like stem) Where found: This large (up to 5 feet tall), fragrant perennial grows throughout temperate North America, displaying pink or white flowers. Scientific stuff: The sedative action of valerian is partially due to its valepotriates, found in the root. The volatile oil found in valerian root has anti-microbial, carminative (makes you pass gas) and relaxing properties. Indications: Used worldwide to aid sleep, valerian's main indications are anxiety, nervous sleeplessness and symptoms of tension such as indigestion or muscle cramping. Valerian, like most herbs, is best used for two to three weeks at a time. Contraindications: Valerian is considered GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) as a food additive by the FDA. It may stimulate rather than sedate some people. Large doses over an extended period of time may cause headaches, lethargy or depression. Pregnant women should consult a competent health practitioner before using this or any herbal remedy. Try this: Try taking valerian before a stressful situation, such as addressing an audience or meeting new mutant in-laws. The tincture is the most widely used preparation, but you can prepare an infusion by using 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in a cup of tea. Don't do this: Don't think valerian is like valium. They ain't related. There are many other natural ways to help relieve stress: Kava Kava -- Piper methysticum, or kava, is an effective relaxing and stress-relieving plant originating from the South Pacific. It's been used for 3,000 years by native islanders who pound the fresh root into a beverage that promotes tranquillity. The active compounds, kavalactones, have been widely researched for their sedative, muscle-relaxing and sleep-enhancing properties. Try homeopathic remedies: Aconite for signs of anxiety, fear or nervous irritation, and physical and mental restlessness. Chamomilla is a good remedy for restless, irritable children, especially when they can't sleep. Nux vomica helps quell anxiety, despair, irritability and mental stress. Take your B vitamins, important nutrients for stess management: Thiamin (B1) is important for normal nervous system function, and when deficient, a person may exhibit signs of depression, apathy, anxiety or irritability. Vitamin B6 aids metabolism, immunity and neurotransmitter synthesis. Deficiency symptoms include convulsions, irritability and depression. Well, so much for slacking. Steve Taormina (Pisces) is managing editor for Delicious! Magazine and web editor for HealthCraze.com. This information is not medical advice, and I'm not a doctor. Send Steve mail at [email protected]