Stress herbs

The best stress herbs are basically the adaptogens, there are other herbs and natural supplements however that exert calming and relaxing effect and may help as well for the extreme stressful conditions.

Usually those herbs should be avoided during driving, and alcohol intake should be restricted.

I will discuss some of the major herbs used for their calming effects:

• Kava Kava:

It has no side effects or withdrawal symptoms, but recently several case studies have shown that kava supplementation may be linked to some liver damage in some people. Avoid combining alcohol and other sedatives with Kava Kava. Avoid using Kava before driving.

• Valerian :

Valerian has been used as for anxiety and sleep for very long time. Valerian work in the brain similar to the action of prescription tranquilizers such as Xanax and Ativan. It is one of the best studied stress herbs. One major problem with this stress herb, it loses its activity quickly if it is not processed and stored in exactly the right way.Valerian is regarded as a mild tranquilizer and considered as safe.Valerian doesn’t appear to be addictive or causes hangover but it may impair concentration. It should not be taken with alcohol or other sedatives.

• St John’s wort :

St John’s wort is very well known and used herb as an alternative to antidepressant medications. It is effective in balancing mood and lifting spirits, it is also beneficial in relieving fatigue associated with high stress. It is one the famous stress herbs.St John’s wort may be as effective as prescription antidepressant but without the classic side effects associated with them. St John’s wort is quite safe, the most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal upset, and insomnia when taken at bed time. It may cause photosensitivity in fair skinned individuals, increasing the risk of sun burn. It may have also some interaction with prescription medications.

• Hops:

Hops has been classically used as sedative-hypnotic, and anti-spasmodic. It is also one of the best stress herbs.Hops have many constituents, some of them are estrogenic and it is for this reason to relieve menopause symptoms. Some other constituents are called humulone and colupulone. Humulone has been shown to decrease tumor formation and inflammation in mice. Colupulone possess antibacterial activity. It is considered as safe, but may interact with medications and alcohol. It does affect vigilance and attention and therefore should be avoided when driving.

• Skullcap:

Skullap has anticonvulsant and sedative effects. It is also used as a stress herb. Some studies have shown also anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and bactericidal effects. It is considered as safe, but also may interact with medications. One major problem with skullcap supplements is they have been found frequently adulterated with other herbs.

• Chamomile:

Chamomile is known to have sedative, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and antiallergenic propreties. It has shown to inhibit the development of stress induced ulcers.Chamomile is considered safe, but may interact with anti-coagulant at high doses.

• 5-HTP:

5-HTP is a derivative of the amino-acid tryptophan. 5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, high dose of 5-HTP has the potential to increase serotonin levels. Taking 5-HTP may help sleep and relaxation in high stress periods, it may cause depletion of catecholamines neurotransmitters in the brain when used alone. I do not recommend amino-acids without the supervision of a health care professional acquainted with their use for an appropriate protocol.

http://www.get-healthier.com/stress-herbs.html
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