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Herbal Remedies for Stress
GINSENG (Panax ginseng) Favored by Chinese practitioners for fatigue and stress, ginseng is a stellar energy tonic. Don't expect a sudden burst of energy from ginseng. It works to restore vigor by promoting whole-body health, which results in enhanced energy output. It's like giving your body a tune-up so you can get more mileage out of your fuel tank. Ginseng contains energy-boosting biochemicals called saponins. In one study, researchers found that ginseng saponins prolonged laboratory animals' endurance during aerobic exercise. Ginseng's chemical constituents also work to stimulate the central-nervous system and enhance the utilization of glycogen, which is the form of sugar your muscles burn when you move. These actions give a turbo boost to your biological batteries.
SCHISANDRA (Schisandra chinensis) Since antiquity, the Chinese have esteemed the tiny, colorful schisandra berries for their ability to build stamina by helping the body adapt to its environment. Schisandra is often combined with ginseng for the synergistic effect the combination has on stressed and fatigued bodies. In addition, scientific studies support the use of schisandra as a liver tonic. If your liver is compromised in any way, you will consistently lack energy and endurance. In one double'blind study, using a test group of athletes, researchers found that adaptogenic herbs like schisandra decreased the amount of nitric oxide and cortisol produced in the body during periods of heavy exercise. This effect was considered stress-protective and supported the value of adaptogenic herbs for enhanced performance, especially during physically demanding times.
GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba) Is your mind making your body tired? When your body gets tired, breathing may become shallow, causing you to yawn repeatedly. A yawn is the body's attempt to increase falling oxygen levels, which may have a direct impact on mental efficiency. Ginkgo actually boosts the oxygenation of the brain by increasing circulation and also enhances the way brain cells burn sugar. Hence, you stay more mentally alert.
Dosage: Ginseng is available in tablet, capsule, liquid-extract and tea forms. To boost physical and mental stamina, take 200 to 400 mg daily of a product that contains 4% to 7% ginsenosides. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is better suited for stress management. It's important to use this herb consistently for up to one month to see a positive increase in energy and endurance. After four weeks, go off ginseng for two weeks. Women taking ginseng may experience breast tenderness, in which case, dosages should be reduced. If you feel anxious or agitated, reduce your dosage.
Dosage: Schisandra can be taken as a tea, alone or mixed with ginseng tea, lemon, ginger and/or honey. It also comes in tincture or capsule forms. Look for standardised products containing 18 mg (9%) schisandrins; take 200 mg daily.
Dosage: Take 80 mg three times daily. Look for products containing 24% glycosides. To avoid overs timulation, take ginkgo before 6 p.m. Ginkgo is a natural blood thinner, so use caution if you are on aspirin or other blood thinners.
