Regimens Detail: Stress Management - A Daily Challenge in the Modern World (back)

Wholistic Suggestions and Herbs for Stress Treatment
                                                                      
As we all know, stress has become part of our daily life in this fast paced modern world. The morning traffic-tangled commute to your job, the work deadlines, the bills to pay, the house to clean, the school assignments to finish, no matter what age you are there's no getting away from stress. The key to health though is our reaction to it.

Stress is a biological response to 'stressors' in our environment. These can range from temperature change, physical or emotional trauma, environmental toxins or microorganisms. The  excitement of a new job or relationship, the tragedy  of sickness, divorce or loss of a loved one all cause a stress response.

If we are constantly reacting to stress in a negative way the body becomes 'dysregulated' due to our innate 'flight or flight' response which causes to body to release adrenaline and other hormones.

If we continue down this path of unregulated stress response, the body loses the ability to adapt and disease processes such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, immune suppression, diabetes, IBS and general exhaustion can result.

How can we protect ourselves and prevent this from happening?

There are a number of important things to remember:

  • Eat regular meals in a calm environment to keep your blood sugar stable. Never skip breakfast, it's the  most important meal of the day.
  • Restrict an excess of caffeinated drinks, alcohol and refined carbohydrates in your diet.
  • Identify your main stressors and develop coping strategies (see book list at end of protocols)
  • Make time for regular exercise, even if it's only a daily walk around the block (smell the flowers while you're out there too!).
  • If you do get 'stressed out', practice some breathing or relaxation exercises.
  • Enlist the help of some of the herbs and supplements below to support your nervous system and adrenals.
For Everyone:

Take a good food based daily vitamin or high potency B vitamin, choose ONE from below list:

Basic Multivitamin (90's) by Smile. Smile's best-selling, vegetarian Basic Multi is in a small easy to swallow capsule. The Basic Multi contains iron and should be taken once daily.

B complex (90's) by Smile.  Smile's vegetarian Vitamin B Complex is food based for easier absorption. B Vitamins help to nourish and replenish the nutrient stores of the stressed organs, and maintain healthy nerves, skin, energy production and metabolism.

Only One (90's) by New Chapter. Only One is one of Smile’s staff favorites. New Chapter’s process   to our knowledge creates the most digestible form of vitamin intake available. This means that you absorb much much more of the stress reducing vitamins and that it is easier on your digestive system. Containing 25 Vitamins and 11 Minerals, Only One is the best choice for a multi from what we consider the best company.

Stress Support Multi (180's) by New Chapter. Delivers multiple Whole-Food nutrients most needed during periods of stress. Supports blood sugar balance, reduces oxidative stress and counters basic nutrient depletion usually associated with stress. Lemon Balm/Hops herbal extract combination offers nature's most effective phytonutrient response to stress.
 
Stress X (60's) by Trace Minerals.  How often does this happen: halfway through your day, you feel too tired to go on? What you may be feeling is not just exhaustion; it may be too much stress. The proven formula of ionic and trace minerals in Stress-X work with herbs known to help relieve stress, such as valerian root and Siberian ginseng. This powerful combination helps energize your system while still allowing it to soothe your nerves.

Perfect Health (90's) by Rainbow Light. combines Eastern and Western herbs plus Vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc to strengthen normal immune function and boost defenses when taken at first signs of illness. It contains a variety of herbs such as astragalus and Siberian Ginseng. It can be used for either the short or long term.
 
Energy Revitalization Packs (7 Single Serve Packets .07 ounce with B Vitamin UltraCaps) by Enzymatic Therapy.  Energy Revitalization  is a citrus flavored powder that gives you a “grab and go” packet with 20 Amino Acids and 6 minerals. You also get a UltraCap B Complex serving to quickly meet your stress reduction needs. Take one combination daily of the powder pack and the capsule.

If you can't avoid the stress in your life I would take both a multivitamin and an extra B complex daily.

Herbal Supplements as a Therapy for Stress

Herbs called Adaptogens are specific for helping our bodies cope with daily stress. They are considered to be adrenal tonics as well as a support to the immune system. Some of these include Panax Ginseng, Eleutheroccoccus (formerly called Siberian Ginseng, now called Eleuthero root), Ashwaganda, Shatavari, Astragulus, Holy Basil, Licorice, Schizandra, Gotu Kola, Mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga and Cordyceps, Rhodiola and a number of others.

See below for specific indications.

In addition to a one of the above multiple vitamins and/or vitamin B complexes add in the below supplement that matches you.

General vitamin supplements or herbal supplements to help cope with stress in your everyday life

Stress Advantage Super Critical (60's) by New Chapter. The herbs in Super Critical Stress Advantage have been used for millennia by women and men under stress, to prepare them for the ultimate challenge -- to create lasting wellness in a full life.

Strengthens cardiovascular, adrenal, and immune system response to stress. Contains the most powerful adaptogens from Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, and Russian traditional medical systems. Take 2 capsules daily (1 in morning, 1 in evening)

If  you have a history of diabetes in your family or tend to have unstable blood sugar levels (get shaky, fuzzy head, tired or cranky if you don't eat regularly).

Holy Basil (90’s) by New Chapter.  Reduces stress and supports adrenal health. Assists in balancing blood sugar levels for even energy.  Increases physical and emotional endurance. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is regarded as the most sacred plant of India. Take 3 capsules daily (1 in the morning, 1 at noon & 1 in the evening)

Holy Basil SuperCritical by New Chapter (60s).  The higher potency of this super critical extraction of Tulsi acts faster than the original and allows you to take fewer softgels per day. Take 2 capsules daily, (1 in morning and 1 in evening)

If you have a hard getting going in the morning, particularly without that large mug of coffee. You probably also have a 3 PM drag time. Helps stop those afternoon sugar/carb cravings

Ultra Energy Plus (60's) by Rainbow Light. This herbal supplement blend combines high energy 'super foods' such as bee pollen, spirulina, wheat and barley grass with amino acids, B vitamins and adaptogenic herbs ( Schisandra, Poria, Codonopsis, Licorice) to support long term energy and blood sugar levels.  Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1- 2 tablets after lunch

You have been under stress for a prolonged period of time and often feel tired.

Adrenal Factors (90's) by Michael's. This vitamin and herbal supplement is comprised of  a classic blend of herbs specific for energy and endurance (Eleuthero, Ashwaganda, Tumeric, Juniper) with calcium, vitamins C and B's to build adrenal strength.

Take 2 tablets twice daily

Plus Chinese Ginseng Capsules (100's) by Smile Herb Shop.  Take 2-4 caps daily. These 500mg capsules are standardized to 5% ginsenosides content by a process known as Ultra Extract process which makes them easier to digest always a key to the successful use of herbal medicine. We chose these capsules to put our name on because of their high quality and reasonable price.

You feel like your immunity is compromised by stress and you often fall ill.

Deep Health (60's)  by Herbs Etc. A full spectrum herbal supplement containing herbs and medicinal mushrooms to support both adrenal health and the immune system (Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Astragalus, Eleuthero, Schisandra).

2 gelcaps daily

OR

Adrenal Health (60's) by Gaia Herbs. A full spectrum herbal supplement with classic adaptogens such as Holy Basil, Ashwaganda, Schisandra, Oats and Rhodiola in a concentrated form to boost long term energy.

2 gelcaps daily

Plus Elderberry Concentrate (8 ounces) by Natural Sources. 1 tsp twice daily as drink, tea or straight. Elderberry is one of the wisest herbs available for respiratory distress, fever, and congestion.  Smile also has 5 other elderberry products. (Use the universal search at the top of this page to find them)

Stress affects your digestive system, causing bloating, indigestion or unsettled stomach.

Energy Capsules (100’s) by Solaray.  Take 2 capsules with a meal, either at breakfast or lunch.

This supplement combines adaptogens such as Eleuthero and Gotu Kola with mineral rich Kelp and digestive tonics such as Peppermint, Cayenne and Ginger.

If you feel like the stress in your life is disrupting your reproductive hormones.

For Women: Shatavari Capsules (60's) from Ayurceutics.  Take 2 tablets daily. Shatavari is one of the primary herbs for stress in Ayurveda, the herbal medicine of India. Known as “Women’s Ginseng” Shatavari has long been one of the main herbs for stress from the rich herbal tradition of India. The part used is the root

For Men: Ashwagandha Capsules (60's) from Ayurceutics, take 2 tablets nightly (can also help with sleep) or  Ashwaganda Tincture from Herb Pharm (1oz) take 15 drops twice daily.

Ashwaganda or Winter Cherry is one of the most soothing herbs from India for stress. Ashwaganda also is known as an herb that builds adrenal reserve. The part used is the root.The dry whole root of the Withania somnifera plants is used to make the ashwaganda tincture. The root is hand-harvested only in the autumn and then dried and extracted. Ashwaganda is used to treat tiredness and general debility, nervousness and sexual debility, lack of concentration and memory loss, drug burnout, and headache

For stress with headaches, neck muscle tension or aching lower back.

Headache Relief (30’s) by New Chapter.  Headache Relief provides a potent and effective herbal method for achieving relief from one of life's most common and unpleasant experiences. Provides relief for all types of headaches- tension to migraine.
 
Neck and Shoulders Support (120's) by Planetary Formulas. Combines kudzu, traditionally known in Chinese medicine to support the upper back, with other classic Chinese herbs that have a renowned ability to promote relaxation.

Lower Back Support (120’s) by Planetary Formulas. Combines classic Chinese herbs known for their ability to support the back with the primary herbs of the famous Rehmannia Six Formula.

Also ADD a good mineral supplement

Everyday Calcium with Enzymes (120’s) by Rainbow Light. Features a 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium, with high potencies of both minerals to cover all your bases in one everyday formula. Everyday Calcium includes plant-source enzymes for easy digestion, and features 1200 mg of calcium and 1200 mg of magnesium per four tablets. Also includes 200 IU of vitamin D, which protects calcium stored in bone and 350 mg of foods and herbs that naturally supply calcium and its co-nutrients for better absorption.
 
Don't forget to drink plenty of water!!!

If you have been under stress for a period of time and suffer from periods of anxiety or depression or have a past or family history of either, please see our separate regimens on those conditions.

Author: By Claudia Joy Wingo
Last Updated: 0000-00-00

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