Kick Stress’s Butt Naturally
Posted on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 5:26 amIntroduction: Homeopathic Philosophy
Herbal remedies combat stress are popular: one need only check the Internet for the amount of websites promoting herbal and homoeopathic remedies. Stress is a common predicament today. It can lead to all manner of health problems: everything from ulcers to impotence; heart problems, digestive problems even leading to cancer. Not everyone goes to doctor, or necessarily trusts modern medicine. Homoeopathy is a controversial alternative and many of its remedies are so dilute that conventional science argues it can not really be effective. However, homeopathy seeks to use chemicals, particularly from naturally occurring compounds such as herbs, to treat like with like with like: this recreates symptoms in a minute way. The symptoms are seen as the body’s way of attempting to restore its own equilibrium.
Herbs are Chemicals Too!
One of the more commonly cited reasons for turning to herbal remedies to combat stress is the belief that being based on natural compounds, side effects are less likely. What is not so commonly understood is that many of the properties that make herbal remedies so effective are why many of their constituent chemicals are used as the basis for conventional drugs. Valerian root, recommended as a sedative, is 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
Human beings have been using herbal remedies for millennia. Some of the treatments that we use today were originally based on natural materials. Herbal remedies are an effective treatment for many conditions, not limited to but including conditions such as stress.
