Stress impacts the vast majority of people worldwide. According to the American Institute of Stress, in the U.S. alone 77% of Americans regularly experience stress and 73% of them experience adverse side effects. An incredible amount of 76% of Americans cited work as their major contributor to stress. (1) This means that on average roughly only 30% of Americans are experiencing less stress! Although it is hard to consider what this small percentage is doing to advert the daily stresses there are several things we can do in our lifestyle to make a difference and bring some relief. Although quitting your job probably isn’t practical doing things to improve your quality of life will help change the outlook over time. Check out this table from the American Institute of Stress, it puts the impact of daily stress into perspective.
Adaptogenic herbs can reduce cortisol levels helping to reduce chronic stress. (2) They help the body adapt and respond to many different types of stressors. On top of that adaptogens have many other benefits aside from helping to reduce stress levels! Many of them are also general tonics, fatigue-fighting, mood-boosting, antioxidant-rich, aphrodisiac, immune-boosting and modulating, and can improve cognitive function. Some of my favorite adaptogen herbs are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Listed below are the benefits of each one!
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Adaptogen
General Tonic
Improve vitality
Promote fertility (3)
Balance Thyroid hormones (4)
Anti-microbial
Aphrodisiac
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Improve Cognitive function (5)
Menstrual disorders
Anti-inflammatory
Cardioprotective
Antioxidant
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Adaptogen
General Tonic
Improve Cognitive function (5)
Anti-aging
Arthritis (6)
Respiratory diseases
Cardioprotective
Promote fertility
Balance blood sugar (7)
Anti-microbial
Hepatoprotective
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Diaphoretic
Antioxidant
Anxiolytic
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Adaptogen
General Tonic
Anti-fatigue
Enhance cognition
Anti-inflammatory
Liver detox
Immune boosting
Antioxidant
Hepatoprotective (8)
Aphrodisiac
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Adaptogen
General Tonic
Strengthen and regulate the immune system
Anti-inflammatory
Cardioprotective (9)
Antioxidant
Hypotensive
Anti-diabetic
Diuretic
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Adaptogen
General Tonic
Diuretic
Anti-diabetic (10)
Increase cognitive function
Promote fertility
Anti-fatigue
Anti-inflammatory
Digestive Aid
Nephroprotective (11)
Although there are many other adaptogenic herbs these are some of the ones I find myself using often. I love the taste, the aroma, and the benefits of all of them! You can find most of these herbs featured in my tonic formulations! Feel free to check them out for a quick and effective remedy!
In conclusion, stress affects almost all of us on a daily and sometimes continuous basis. It is important to recognize stress and the stressor and address it when it occurs. Also, many other complementary modalities can help lower and manage stress. Guided meditation, breathing techniques, acupressure, mindfulness, and weekly exercise are just a few examples of my favorite techniques.
*These statements are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a physician before starting new supplements.
