What is Stress ?
The word stress can be such a complex word there are so many variables in our lives that make up this word. Also, each person's perspective plays a large role. What might be a major stressor to me may be minute to the average person. I often wondered where the stress came from and after years of research I have gathered its true origin is our prehistoric ancestors. The sympathetic nervous system also known as the “fight or flight” response was used by our ancestors to detect if they were in immediate danger. If this threat was a hungry animal chasing you this “fight or flight” response would give you enough adrenaline to hopefully get you to safety. Stress isn’t all bad it has a lot of health benefits that big energy drink companies profit from. This includes increased brain activity, expanded airways, heart strength, blood viscosity, clotting, and even increased blood flow to organs. But there are cons to being under chronic stress. This includes memory issues, insomnia, fatigue and feeling wired, depression/anxiety, increased inflammation and so many other immune system/organ and digestive problems. If Chronic stress is not properly managed your hormone regulation will be thrown off resulting in the hormone cortisol getting involved. Cortisol also known as the stress hormone over time releases a steady supply of sugar from storage into your bloodstream. This sugar acts as fuel to help give your body that extra boost resulting in possible excessive weight gain or weight loss. In my opinion, the best way to manage your stress is to accept the fact that in modern society stress is just a part of our daily lives. Once you move past the acceptance phase implementing things like daily meditation and yoga or any form of exercise will make a world of a difference.
Key Herbs
Essential Oils
References
Chevallier, A. (2018). Herbal remedies handbook more than 140 plant profiles: Remedies for over 50 common conditions. DK Publishing.
Curtis, S., Thomas, P., & Johnson, F. (2016). Essential oils. Dorling Kindersley.
Duke, J. A. (2002). The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the best herbs for healing. St. Martin's Paperbacks.
Groves, M. N. (2016). Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. Storey Publishing.
Subscribe to our Newsletter for more