Stressin’ Out

Stress seems to be an unavoidable part of life. Some people handle it well are others are more negatively influenced by it. Many react to stress in their lives with a myriad of nervous system complaints: insomnia, restlessness, nervousness & generally being agitated in their day to day lives. Others find that their immune system becomes compromised, setting up a pattern of acute cold and flu infections & in many cases, chronic lingering viral syndromes.

Whether it be the nervous system or the immune system that becomes compromised, there are a number of effective remedies to support folks under stress. I’ll only give you two to ask your herbalist or Acupuncturist about: Eleutherococcus senticosus or as it is better known Siberian Ginseng & Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus for short.

Siberian Ginseng & the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are in a category of herbs that assist the body in adapting to stress; all kinds of stress–metabolic, physical or psychological. It is reported that these herbs have immune enhancing properties and support adrenal function! These adaptogens can be used by most folks under stress to support energy as well as protect against further weakening of body metabolism.

Closely related to the adaptogens is Astragalus a noted herb from China that is a strong tonic for energy & the immune system. In TCM, it is used to support resistance & protect the body from disease and sickness.

Remember, this info is given as information for each of you readers to check out & ask questions about & not for you to run out & use without professional direction. Take what I write with a grain of salt (“Cum grano salis”) Dr. Al