How The Natural Herbs Of Ashwagandha, Brahmi And Gotu Kola Support In Stress Management?
Stress has been linked to many diseases. Acute and chronic stress can lead to some serious health conditions, which may not only be physical but emotional or mental as well. Anxiety and depression, for example, are common problems that are associated with people who stress way too much. On the other hand, it may also cause hypertension and / or cardiovascular issues.
Learn to Manage Stress
However, it is important to understand that stress is a rather normal part of your day to day life. Stress is simply your body’s reaction to external stimuli that needs your response. Everyone experiences a little bit of stress here and there. It may be accompanied or followed by distress or discomfort. However, what makes all the difference is how you manage that stress. Whether you succumb to it or fight it back, is a choice. It is said that one of the greatest weapons against stress, lies in our ability to choose one thought over another. Apart from happy thoughts, staying calm and surrounding yourself with positive vibes and positive mind does help.
Natural Support
Besides, there are several herbs and plant extracts that are natural stress busters. These are easy to include in your daily diet, and deliver results that are promising and effective. Their regular consumption not only alleviates the symptoms of stress but also improve your overall quality of life. They have been backed by ancient ayurvedic insights and experiences of many around world. Let’s have a look at some of these herbs.
-
Ashwagandha
There is no wonder as to why they call ashwagandha an effective adaptogen, something that assists your body in managing and relieving symptoms of stress. This traditional medicinal herb, having the Latin name as Withania somnifera, or is called as winter cherry, comes loaded with many health benefits. Its therapeutic quotient can be owed to the presence of the chemicals called as Withanolides. The same chemicals also help revitalise your body. Although, Stress is believed to be triggered when the presence of a particular hormone i.e. Cortisol goes beyond its natural range in your body. Ashwagandha has the tendency to bring down its levels and provide relief from stress. At the same time, it also helps in increasing the levels of other hormones in your body, thus maintaining a hormonal balance. Animal studies indicate that the presence of ashwagandha extract in the body also blocks the stress pathways in the brain.
-
Brahmi
Brahmi is one herb that has constantly been featured in a variety of ayurvedic preparations. In fact, it has been extensively studied for its incredible adaptogenic effects. Adaptogens are plants or plant extracts that contains anti-stress agents, antioxidants and immunity boosting agents. It, therefore, becomes a natural choice for someone who is experiencing chronic stress. Not only this, brahmi also helps calm your mind by increasing the levels of a hormone called Serotonin in your body. Also known as Bacoba monniera, this particular herb contains some excellent antioxidants. These help prevent the oxidative damage to your body. Having aptly been named after the Great Lord Brahma, Brahmi helps promote the healthy functioning of mind, memory and intelligence.
-
Gotu Kolu
This particular herb is also becoming increasingly popular for its stress relieving and anti-anxiety properties. Regular consumption of this herb makes you sleep longer and better, which in turn fights the problem of stress. The same also prevents oxidative damage and makes you lead a longer and healthier life. No wonder why they also call it ‘the herb of longevity’. This herb also exhibits effective anti-depressant activity. It is believed to help fight the signs of chronic depression, a rather serious result of chronic and prolonged stress. Apart from improving memory and intellect, this particular herb of Gotu Kola also helps you fight fatigue and psychiatric disorders, promotes liver and kidney health, heals wounds, looks after your skin, promotes the functioning of circulatory system in your body, etc.
So if you happen to be stressed out and wish to do something about it, make friends with nature. Let these herbs do their magic and take you right from distress to de-stress!
About the Author
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
Related Posts
Stress And Sleep Loss Are Related!