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Natural Cures for Stress
| Natural Cures for Stress The term stress implies any condition that harms the body or the mind. The most common disorders associated with stress are heart disease, diabetes, headache, and peptic ulcer. The body and the mind react to any stress factor. A large number of physical changes take place when a person is under stress. The brain and nervous system become intensely active; the pupils of me eye dilate; digestion slows down; muscles become tense; the heart starts pumping blood harder and faster; blood pressure increases; breathing becomes faster, hormones such as adrenaline are released into the system along with glucose from the liver, and sweating starts.All these changes take place in a split second under the direction of the nervous system. |
| If the stress factors are removed immediately, no harm accrues and all the changes are reversed. Stress in its earlier and reversible stage leads to poor sleep, bad temper, continual grumbling, domestic conflict, repeated minor sickness, accident proneness, a feeling of frustration, and increase in alcoholic intake. Stress may be caused by a variety of factors both outside the body and within. External factors include loud noises, blinding lights, extreme heat or cold. X-rays and other forms of radiation, drugs, chemicals, bacterial and various toxic substances, pain, and inadequate nutrition. The factors from within the body include hate, envy, fear, or jealousy. Nutrients as a Natural Stress Cure:
potassium, and magnesium which reduce the feeling of irritability and anxiety. Vitamin A is found in green and yellow vegetables. Some of the valuable sources of vitamin B are cashew nuts, green leafy vegetables, yeast, sprouts, and bananas. An element of vitamin B complex, pantothenic acid, is especially important in preventing stress. It has a deep effect on the adrenal glands and the immune system; an adequate amount of this vitamin, along with vitamin A, can help prevent many of the changes caused by stress. Potassium deficiencies are associated with breathlessness, fatigue, insomnia, and low blood sugar. Potassium is essential for healthy heart muscles. Nuts and whole grains are good sources of this mineral. Calcium is a natural sedative. Deficiencies can cause fatigue, nervousness, and tension. Dairy products, eggs, almonds, and Soya beans are rich sources of this mineral. Magnesium is known as nature's tranquillizer and is associated with the prevention of heart attacks. It is found in many fruits, vegetables, seeds, dates, and prunes. Other Foods that Relieving Stress:
include yoghurt, blackstrap molasses, seeds, and sprouts. Yoghurt is rich in vitamins A, D, and the B complex group. It relieves migraine, insomnia, and cramps associated with menstruation. Blackstrap molasses, a by-product of die sugar- refining process, is rich in iron and B vitamins. It guards against anemia and is good for heart disease. Seeds such as alfalfa, sunflower, pumpkins, and sprouts are rich in calcium and quite effective as deterrents of listlessness and anxiety. Herbs for Stress
When made into a medicinal-strength infusion it also acts as a mild sedative.Chamomile can help to relieve tension headaches and digestive upsets related to stress. To make a medicinal infusion, pour one cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of dried chamomile. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink up to three to four cups a day. Linden (Tilia vulgaris), also known as lime blossom, is a wonderful relaxing herb for nervous tension. It has a general relaxing effect on the circulatory system, which is helpful in cases of hypertension or migraine that are stress related. To make a delicious, slightly sweet and floral-tasting tea, pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried linden blossoms. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink up to three cups daily. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a mild, minty-tasting herb that helps to relieve tension and also eases nausea and digestive upsets. The essential oil in catnip that cats find so intoxicating has mild sedative properties for humans. Pour one cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of dried catnip. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink up to three to four cups a day. Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) relieves nervous tension and is considered a tonic for the nervous system. It eases mood swings and stress-related headaches and is helpful for PMS. Skullcap has a slightly bitter flavor. Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried herb, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink three cups daily, or take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat nervousness and insomnia and is a popular sedative in Europe. Research studies have found valerian to be as effective as the prescription drug Valium, but without the negative side effects. Valerian is a safe herbal sedative, but it should be reserved for those times when a strong tranquilizing effect is needed. For a small percentage of women, valerian can cause agitation instead of relaxation. If you've never used valerian, it's best to begin with a small dose to judge its effects on you and to then increase the dosage as needed. Valerian has a pungent, earthy odor and flavor. Take one-half teaspoon of extract or two capsules three times a day. If you wish to make a tea, pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of the dried root, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and drink up to three cups daily as needed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, because large amounts can cause morning grogginess or headaches.
help to calm and bring balance to the mind and the body and facilitate emotional and physical harmony through paying attention to the breath. Two simple yoga postures that encourage a deep sense of peace and relaxation are the head-to- knee pose and the child pose. Practice these poses daily, at any time of day that is convenient for you. Aromatherapy for Stress
baths and massages, or even by placing a drop or two on a handkerchief and inhaling the fragrance. The following essential oils are especially helpful for easing emotional distress. Bergamot has a sweet, spicy, citrusy fragrance. It has a refreshing and uplifting effect on the emotions and is helpful for both stress and anxiety. Bergamot contains a compound called bergapten that can cause skin photosensitivity, so use a bergapten-free oil. Frankincense has a warm, rich, sweet balsamic fragrance and has been used as an incense since ancient times to promote a sense of peace and to soothe the spirit. It has sedative properties and slows and deepens the breathing, which helps to relieve stress and anxiety. Lavender has a sweet, herbaceous, floral, and balsamic fragrance. It is balancing for the body and emotions and helps to relieve anxiety, nervous stress, and headaches or insomnia that are caused by tension. Marjoram has a warm, herbaceous, slightly spicy fragrance. It has potent sedative properties, eases nervous tension and irritability, and is helpful for stress-related disorders such as muscle tension and headaches. Rose has a sweet, floral, intensely rose fragrance. it has mild sedative and balancing effects on the psyche, is soothing and comforting, and promotes a feeling of well-being. Sandalwood has a deep, rich, woodsy fragrance. It has mild sedative properties, engenders a sense of peaceful relaxation, and is helpful for relieving anxiety and all stress-related complaints. Burning sandalwood incense creates a peaceful atmosphere. Ylang ylang has a very sweet, exotic floral fragrance and has a sedative and slightly euphoric effect on the emotions. It is helpful for both anxiety and nervous tension. A drop or two of ylang ylang is sufficient-beware of overdosing, because too much can cause headaches or nausea. |
Homemade Herbal Tea Recipes for Stress
1 tablespoon linden flowers 1 tablespoon catnip 2 cups water Pour boiling water over herbs, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink up to 3 to 4 cups daily. |
Herbal Sedative Tea for Stress
1 tablespoon skullcap 1 tablespoon linden flowers 2 cups water Pour boiling water over herbs, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink up to 3 cups daily for up to 2 weeks. This recipe can also be taken as a concentrated liquid extract. Buy one ounce each of valerian, skullcap, and linden and combine in a dark-glass bottle. Shake well, and take one teaspoon 3 times a day with a small amount of warm water. |
Body and Mind - Relaxing Bath for Stress
1 cup baking soda 10 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops marjoram essential oil Draw a tubful of warm water, and while the water is running add the Epsom salts and baking soda. After the tub has filled, mix the lavender and marjoram essential oils into the bath water. Darken the room, light a candle, put on soothing music, and soak for 15-20 minutes. Imagine as the tub drains that all of your tension is draining away with the water. |
Stress- Relieving Massage Oil
1 ounce jojoba oil 15 drops lavender essential oil 15 drops sandalwood essential oil 10 drops frankincense essential oil Combine almond and jojoba oil with essential oils in a dark-glass bottle. Shake well, and store tightly capped in a cool, dark place. |
Yoga Exercise to Stress #1
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Yoga Exercise to Stress #2
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