Absolutely. Mental and emotional stress play a significant role in physical health. When stress hormone production is increased, we know it. We feel it. A poll last week indicated that eight out of ten people asked report feeling “extremely anxious” about the economic crisis we’re dealing with right now. They’re worried about their jobs, keeping their homes, the plummeting value of their investments, the rising costs of filling their gas tanks and heating their homes. They’re worried about their futures, and by extension, their children’s futures. And let’s face it, there IS a lot to worry about. These are not arbitrary or fabricated concerns. These are serious matters. People are stressed.
Increasing numbers of people are asking for supplements which can aid in the management of stress, or the body’s ability to cope with stress. Some people will ask for something to help “calm their nerves” or “help them sleep” or “stave off depression.” However they may put it, the plea is often the same: I need help dealing with chronic stress. What can I do to feel better, at least physically?
Mental and emotional stress do have a direct impact on the physical health of the body. Every naturopath and even the majority of those practicing Western Medicine will agree on that: Chronic stress is a significant contributor to illness and the body’s malfunctioning. Chronic stress leads to depletion of the immune system, which leads to illness and disease. So yes. Stress can definitely make you sick.
Thankfully, Nature has provided ways that we can help ourselves. Without a prescription. There are a number of ways that herbs can help the body adapt to stress. People have been using adaptogens for centuries. And for good reason. They really work. They help the body adapt to stress in ways that pharmaceutical medicine cannot quite duplicate.
Some adaptogens to try: Ashwaghanda, Rhodiola, Maca, Astragalus.
Each of these are powerful adaptogens which promote a healthy response to stress. If you feel like your body could use a little assistance adapting to stress in your life, you may not need a pharmaceutical. Nature has plenty of offer. Give it a chance.
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