Presented by: Phil Rasmussen
Date: November 2017
Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can have negative health consequences. Stressors require adaptation, and prolonged exposure can lead to exhaustion.
Watch the webinar here.
Three Stages of Stress Response:
- Alarm: Rapid production of adrenaline and noradrenaline activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and inhibiting digestion.
- Resistance: Cortisol secretion helps maintain energy but can suppress the immune system and increase blood pressure.
- Exhaustion: Prolonged resistance phase depletes adrenal hormones, leading to weakened physiological and psychological functions.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
- Feeling overwhelmed, insomnia, irritability
- Muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, depression
- Substance abuse, poor concentration, digestive issues
- Lowered immunity, fatigue, hypertension, eczema, psoriasis
Anxiety and Depression
- Anxiety is characterized by fearfulness, agitation, muscle tension, and insomnia.
- Depression can both contribute to or result from anxiety and is influenced by neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Substance dependency (alcohol, stimulants, opiates) can worsen stress.
Managing Stress Positively
- Reduce stressors by setting limits and prioritizing responsibilities.
- Improve adaptation with self-care, relaxation techniques, diet, exercise, and phytomedicines.
Herbal Actions for Stress Management
- Anxiolytic: Encourages nervous system relaxation
- Adaptogenic: Protects against stress effects
- Neuroprotective: Supports brain function
- Antidepressant: Helps with mood balance
- Cognition Enhancement: Improves focus and memory
Herbal Medicines for Relaxation
- Valerian, Kava, Skullcap, Passionflower, Bacopa, Lemon Balm, Manuka, Chamomile, Zizyphus
- Kava (Piper methysticum): Effective for anxiety but should not be combined with excessive alcohol.
Adaptogens for Stress Resistance: Adaptogens enhance resilience to stress by modulating endocrine and nervous system responses. Examples:
- Panax Ginseng, Withania (Ashwagandha), Schisandra, Bupleurum, Rhodiola, Ginkgo, Licorice, Codonopsis, Andrographis
Key Adaptogen Effects:
- Enhance antioxidant activity
- Modulate HPA axis function
- Improve adrenal recovery and cortisol regulation
- Support mental and physical endurance
Specific Herbal Adaptogens
- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Nervous system and adrenal tonic, protects against stress-induced damage.
- Bupleurum falcatum: Potential treatment for depression and anxiety, influences GABA receptors.
- Schisandra chinensis: Enhances cognition, protects against neurodegeneration, supports memory and learning.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Calming, improves stress-induced cognitive performance.
- Ginkgo biloba: Adaptogenic effects, neuroprotective, useful for memory and circulatory issues.
- Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Counters metabolic and psychological stress, supports cognitive function.
Case Studies
- Jean (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression): Withania, Ginkgo, Passionflower helped reduce anxiety and improved energy.
- Bob (Work Stress, Digestive Issues): Withania, Magnolia, Filipendula supported stress resilience and digestion.
- Robyn (PMS, Stress, Insomnia): Withania, Vitex, Hypericum, Melissa improved mood, sleep, and energy.
Herbal Formulations
- Kiwiherb StressArrest®: Kava, Passionflower, Withania for short-term stress relief.
- Kiwiherb Calm Down: Withania and L-Theanine in a non-drowsy formula
Conclusion
Managing stress effectively involves lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and herbal support. Adaptogens and anxiolytic herbs provide natural support for reducing stress, improving resilience, and enhancing cognitive function.