Stress Kicker - Natural Herbal Remedies
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Introduction: Homeopathic Philosophy
Herbal remedies for stress have become prevalent in the last few years. The world is a busy place and people find themselves constantly having to juggle work and personal commitments. This inevitably leads to stress. Stress itself can be a killer as it leads to chemical reactions within the body that can be harmful. Some will resort simply with going to the doctor to be prescribed conventional drug treatments. Some would prefer more natural methods and in recent times there has been an upsurge in herbal and homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is controversial as most compounds are predominantly water. The philosophy behind it suggests, however, that as symptoms are the body’s attempt to achieve balance, minute quantities of compounds which induce the symptoms, will in effect, boost the immune system.
Herbs are Chemicals Too!
The common faith behind this trust in herbal remedies is that they are natural, trusted for centuries and will have fewer side effects than conventional drug therapies. Yet many of the herbal remedies for stress are related, if not the active ingredient, for the synthetic counterparts: valerian root for instance, a common substitute for sleeping pills, forms the basis of valium!
If They are Chemicals What Do They Do?
In fact herbal based stress remedies will work in the same way as prescribed drugs: altering chemical functions in the brain and the nervous system. Rhodiola is widely used to help deal sleep disorders, but what it does is boost the serotonin levels in the brain and therefore suppressing the chemicals that cause depression. Some stress relieving herbal remedies make have unexpected effects. For example, give Cat Nip to Tiddles and see the excitement; but take it yourself and you might find yourself becoming more sleepy as well as finding your digestion improving. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal stress remedy, but as well being calming, it can also help boost the immune systems during downturns in mood. Unfortunately herbal remedies are not always without sides effects: St Johns Wort, a widely used herbal anti-depressant can prove problematic when taken with certain conventional drugs. As ever, consult a health professional if in any doubt.
Other uses For the Herbs
However, herbal stress remedies do not necessarily have to be ingested to be effective. Aromatherapy has always been a popular way to relax. Lavender oil, either burned or dropped in a bath is claimed by many to be soothing and calming. In the end, whatever herbal remedy is chosen, stress can also be combated by exercise, a good diet and time dedicated to switching off.
Conclusions
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years. Some of the medications we use today were originally based on natural materials. Herbal remedies are an effective treatment for many ailments, not limited to but including conditions such as stress.
June 07 2008 09:59 am | Health