Four Herbs That Can Greatly Reduce Stress

“Healthy adrenal functioning is important for optimal health in general. Adaptogenic herbs are certainly not the only way to protect and support your adrenals, or even the most ideal strategy. But they can be helpful during times of stress.”

Rhodiola

The perennial plant rhodiola rosea, sometimes called “golden root,” “roseroot” or “arctic root,” is another powerful adaptogen known to enhance vitality by helping your body maintain homeostasis and adapt to physical, chemical and environmental stress.

  • Have potent anti-inflammatory activity.15
  • Enhances nervous system health and cognitive function.
  • Modulate immune function (raising low immune function and reducing overactive function) and protect against viral infections.16,17
  • Improve male and female sexual functioning, reproductive health and fertility
  • Enhance athletic performance and shorten recovery time.18

Ashwagandha

An herb native to Asia and India, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been a powerful tool in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

  • Help your body adapt to stress1; by balancing your immune system,2 metabolism and hormonal systems.3
  • Increase strength and promote health when used regularly. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is classified as “Rasayana,” a type of essence that helps in the healing of the body and the lengthening of life.4
  • Protect your brain from oxidative stress.5
  • Support healthy levels of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides that are already in the normal range.

Ginseng

There are several different types of ginseng, and they are not necessarily interchangeable. Of the three major varieties, only two are actually ginseng:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): This tan, gnarled root contains ginsenosides, which are thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Chinese medicine, which has used ginseng for thousands of years, considers American ginseng a “cool” calming tonic.31

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): Sometimes referred to as Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng also contains ginsenosides, although in different proportions than American ginseng, and is considered an adaptogenic herb. According to Chinese medicine, Asian ginseng is a “hot” stimulant.32

Like ashwagandha, Asian ginseng impacts thyroid hormones. More specifically, it contains properties that block production of excessive amounts of reverse T3 (rT3). A study looking at the impact of ginseng injections found it produced healthy increases of T3 and T4 and a reduction in rT3.33

Tulsi

Highly revered in India for over 5,000 years, tulsi, also known as holy basil, has been valued for its many health-promoting properties. Tulsi tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage with a complex and unique chemistry. It contains hundreds of beneficial phytochemicals — non-nutritive plant compounds with protective and health promoting properties. Working together, these compounds have adaptogenic, and immune-enhancing properties that combat stress, bolster your immune system and promote healthy metabolism, including helping your body maintain an optimal level of blood sugar.

Click to read the original article by Dr. Mercola

Sources: 

“Four Powerful Adaptogens for Adrenal Support” by Dr. Mercola

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