Herbs for Hectic Times
by author Rand Smith, Herbalist

Famous author and personality Deepak Chopra likes to tell a story about a medical doctor who had not had a check-up for 25 years. When the doctor finally was compelled to get a physical for life insurance requirements, a large dark spot was found on his lung. It was diagnosed as inoperable cancer. A couple of months later, the doctor was dead.

Some days after the funeral, Chopra was sorting through the physician’s effects and came across a chest X-ray that was 25 years old. Out of curiosity, he put it up to the light and, lo and behold, there was that same dark spot on the lung! The deceased doctor had lived a vigorous life all those years until, in effect, he was killed by the worry and fear, not by disease itself.

Many experts feel that fear and worry–stress–is the underlying cause of 80 percent of all our health problems. The opposite of stress–relaxation–is something people today seldom experience. It is almost as if we conspire to avoid it. But before you seek nervous fortitude in a martini, a cigarette or a prescription antidepressant or sleeping pill, you might want to try nervine herbs, which specifically enhance nerve power.

It’s best to treat stress symptoms while they’re still comparatively mild with low, nutritional doses of nervine herbs, available in tea, tincture or capsule form. Use as directed or, if your symptoms are already severe, see a qualified natural health practitioner for expert advice.

Chamomile relaxes the nervous system. As a natural antispasmodic, sedative and relaxant, it’s particularly good for headaches, anxiety and insomnia. Its high concentration of bio-available calcium makes it particularly useful for soothing the nerves.

Hops contain the active ingredients lupulinic acid and humulon, which help make them an excellent remedy for insomnia, tension and anxiety. Soothing and calming, hops can also be a strong sedative.

Kava kava’s capabilities as a relaxant for anxiety and insomnia are scientifically well supported (see box).

Oats may most conveniently be taken in the form of porridge or oatmeal. The oat seeds can also be administered as a tincture. Both a relaxant and a tonic, oats are one of the best remedies for "feeding" the nervous system.

Passionflower encourages sleep by reducing nervousness. It’s also useful for worry, nervous excitement and muscular twitching.

Skullcap contains an excellent nervine named scutellarian. Like oats, skullcap relaxes the user while reviving the central nervous system. Popular both in western and Chinese herbal medicine, skullcap is valuable in treating insomnia, nervous disorders, "hysteria" and certain types of convulsions.

Valerian root contains valepotriates, which researchers have determined are the compounds that contribute to its soothing, calming and sedative effect. Valerian is useful in any chronic or severe condition where the whole system needs to be relaxed: chronic anxiety, chronic insomnia, migraines, panic attacks, palpitations and vertigo.

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens are safe natural substances that have a balancing, homeostatic effect on various body functions and increase resistance to stress. Taking herbal adaptogens should produce a feeling of calm and relaxation. Unlike drugs prescribed for stress, herbal adaptogens can also deliver the "side benefit" of strengthening the immune system. Adaptogens are best taken daily.

Ashwaganda is the primary strengthening tonic and adaptogen of ayurvedic medicine. It is used for physical weakness, nerve weakness and the effects of old age.

Ginseng (Panax spp) is a mildly stimulating adaptogen that improves memory, decreases fatigue and increases one’s ability to handle stress.

Reishi mushroom can have a dramatically relaxing and strengthening effect on the nervous system. By relaxing tense muscles as well, it relieves insomnia and increases sleep time.

Schizandra berries also have a tonic and sedative effect, making them helpful both for insomnia and low energy, especially low mental energy.

Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero) is widely used to relieve stress, to help people adapt to life changes and time zone changes (jet lag) and to enhance athletic or work performance.

De-Stress Nutrients

A herbalist with 10 years of experience, Rand Smith is a lecturer, local television and radio guest, and regular contributor to several health magazines. He currently works at the Spectrum Health Centre, an integrated centre in Winnipeg, Man.

Source: alive #234, April 2002