Best Herbs For Stress

We are well aware of how stressful our lives have become with financial, relationship, family and many other concerns. We have learned over and over how stress can take a harmful toll on our mental and physical health. This is a very serious health concern that we often underestimate. Stress affects digestion, heart function, blood pressure, weight gain and loss, blood sugar levels, sleep patterns, and lower our immune system leaving us open to viruses and infections.

Unfortunately, many of the prescription synthetic drugs people are given to help them reduce and cope with stress, e.g. prescription antidepressants, carry the high potential of unwanted, harmful physical and emotional side effects. Because of this, many of us have began to discover the benefit of natural compounds and substances which help to relieve stress and it’s harm to our health. These natural supplements from plants relieve stress without potential for harmful side effects and often have health benefits beyond natural stress relief for our overall health and well being.

Many studies have shown that those of us who have added flaxseed oil supplements to our diet are able to emotionally cope with stress with much more ease and with far less physical harm from stress. Flaxseed oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for it’s seeds which are rich in health improving oil containing high levels of Omega 3. Most of us report a feeling of comfort and calmness when taking flaxseed oil with Omega 3. Omega 3 maintains optimal levels of serotonin in our brains. Serotonin is responsible for nerve connections and emotional response recognition. This helps us cope more easily with any stressful disturbance in our lives. Flaxseed oil also contains tryptophan which is an amino acid and a serotonin stabilizer. Tryptophan helps relieve anxiety and depression. Flaxseed oil helps us maintain a healthy blood sugar level to help us remain calm and stable. Flaxseed oil inhibits the body’s production of arachidonic acid and other stress causing chemicals. Flaxseed oil also contains B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium which have long been known to help with stress relief and health improvement. The Omega 3 in flaxseed oil is an essential fatty acid which are essential for the function and physiology of our brain. Omega 3 improves cognition, memory , emotional stability, mood, concentration and restful sleep which are essential for dealing with stress and it’s potential for harming emotional and physical health.

Flaxseed oil supplements are coming to be known as possibly the most beneficial health improving supplement next to a multivitamin. Flaxseed oil contains omega 6, omega 9, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, zinc, and, most importantly, 50 % more Omega 3 than can be obtained from fish oil. Omega 3 helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, plaque, and cardiovascular arrhythmia. Omega 3 helps to lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides and prevent clots in arteries and is therefore of great benefit in prevention of strokes, heart attackes and thromboses.Flaxseed oil helps relieve arthritis and inflammation of joints. Omega 3 has been known to kill certain cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Omega 3 helps with skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Flaxseed oil contains soluble and insoluble fiber that cleans the colon of toxic material, metabolic waste, heavy metals and dried mucus and well as being an excellent food for healthy intestinal bacterial flora which fights disease. Flaxseed oil contains a complete amino acid spectrum. There is about 25 g of protein for every 100g of flaxseed oil. Flaxseed contains more lignans than vegetables and whole grains. Lignans have anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits, as well as antioxidant properties.

Flaxseed oil has been shown to be of benefit for reducing high blood pressure, water retention, strengthening immune system, recovery for fatigued muscles, increased energy and stamina, healing of sprains and bruises, weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate that burns fat, improving the absorption of Calcium, strengthening finger and toe nails, improvement of eyesight and perception of colors, improved liver function, relief of some allergies and asthma as it improves respiratory function, relief of premenstrual syndrome in females, elimination of constipation and/or diarrhea and, of course, improved brain function.

If we are experiencing the normal stress of living or excess stress from conflict or crisis, we can help ourselves greatly by taking advantage of the properties of flaxseed oil supplements that reduce the harmful effects of stress on our emotional and physical health. In addition, we can experience the many, wide spectrum, health-promoting benefits that flaxseed oil can provide for us.

Magnesium Anxiety Flaxseed, Health, Improve, Naturally, Relieve, Stress

Recent studies have found the importance of magnesium as a nutrient and its impact on general and heart health. Nutritional magnesium is deeply involved in the production of energy, the uptake of oxygen, the function of the central nervous system, the balance of electrolytes, the metabolism of glucose, and the activity of muscles, including the heart. When magnesium’s importance in the heart muscle is closely examine, the microscope is necessary, as it gets right down to the cellular and molecular levels.

Magnesium has an essential role in many of the functions of energy production and is an integral part of the energy and protein molecules, without which the heart would not have the proper energy to contract and relax. Magnesium is also essential in the construction of the cell membrane, as the heart is composed of cells and the magnesium plays a role in the strength of the heart muscle itself.

When magnesium levels begin to get too low the body will try to adapt, but the basic functions of energy production and cell structure are affected. Without enough magnesium, the cell is unable to keep the proper number of high-energy molecules that is needed to function properly. It doesn’t just end there though, as just about everything starts to go once magnesium falls below a certain level, and then cellular damage can result. Sodium balance and electrolyte balance also start to change, while the cell is unable to have a fully integrated membrane system due to magnesium deficiency, calcium and sodium start to rush into abnormal areas for the muscle cells which can cause cellular damage.

If a person is not getting adequate magnesium, they may go into a marginal state, which can be taken to a depleted state with a certain trauma or excessive physical, emotional, or mental stress. This depleted state can manifest as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and possibly even a heart attack. Magnesium requirements increase during times of stress which include exercise, mental and emotional issues, high noise, chemical toxins, and others. Requirements for magnesium also rise during healing from a bodily trauma such as an injury or operation.

A low magnesium condition can be worsened by a high intake of calcium, as calcium can not be optimally utilized without the proper balance of magnesium, and a high calcium intake without magnesium will cause further drainage of any magnesium reserves. Although calcium is necessary at the cellular level for muscles to contract, nerves to fire, and hormones to be produced and released, too much calcium and too little magnesium is a disaster. Another problem related to heart health is cholesterol, a fatty substance found in many areas of the body. Since cholesterol has gotten such a bad name, many people do not know that it is actually produced in all cells naturally and is important for proper bodily functions.

Finally, one of the reactions that are involved in cholesterol production is called rate-limiting reaction, as it keeps control of the amount of cholesterol manufactured. The rate-limiting reaction requires magnesium, which can cause cholesterol to continue to be manufactured beyond the cells control if magnesium is unavailable, resulting in cholesterol buildup. As you can see, magnesium is vital to the body and if not obtained from your diet, should be supplemented through a vitamin supplement from a health food store. For more information on magnesium and its healthful effects on the body, feel free to contact your local health food store.

Magnesium Anxiety Health, Improve, Magnesium

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural aromatic compounds from plants to affect one’s mental or physical health. Essential oils, are known as hydrophobic i.e. non-water mixing or volatile i.e. air mixing. Essential oils are sometimes referred to as an “oil of” a plant e.g. oil of lavender. Essential oils are referred to as “essential” because they are the perceived “essence” of a plant..

Essential oils and other elements used in aromatherapy are used for relieving a variety of discomfort from indigestion to headaches. Aromatherapy is used to alter mood, inspire confidence, ease depression, and increase energy. In many cultures essential oils are used for their antiseptic value to treat infection. In France, essential oils viewed and considered in a similar way prescription drugs are in the United States. Essential oil treatments can be delivered in many different ways- direct inhalation of vapors, inhalation of steam from a vaporizer, through massage, or through therapeutic baths. It is important to note, however, that essential oils are diluted in carrier oils (neutral, odorless oils) before being used on skin. Essential oils can be used singly or in combinations with other essential oils.

Other products used in Aromatherapy besides essential oils include absolutes, phytoncides, and infusions. Absolutes are essentially purer forms of essential oils that have had their lighter, less dense components extracted with ethanol. Phytoncides are natural antimicrobial liquids used by many plants to protect themselves from rotting or being eaten by insects and animals. Infusions are oils or other liquids that have been infused with herbs, flowers, or berries.

One of the more popular and widely used aromas is lavender. Lavender grows well in rocky environments that have good sunlight. Lavender has woody branches and green leaf-like shoots resembling rods. The grayish green leaves are oblong and in curled spiral patterns. Lavender oil is taken from the flowers of the plant with steam distillation. Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris. . Lavender’s Latin name Lavare, means “to wash”. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Lavender aroma eases nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity. Lavender essential oil induces sleep and is recommended for insomnia. Lavender essential oil helps ease pains caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. Massage with lavender oil helps relieve pain in the joints. Lavender oil helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces inflammation of the urinary bladder. Lavender oil is often helpful for respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Lavender oil helps skin because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties. Lavender oil is used for various skin disorders e.g. acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburn.. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema. Lavender essential oil is useful on lice and lice eggs or nits in hair. Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation by lowering blood pressure and hypertension. Lavender oil for digestion increases the mobility of the intestines increases production of gastric juices and bile and so eases indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea. Lavender oil also helps improve the immune system. Lavender can be used as an insect repellent for mosquitoes and helps heal insect bites. As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breast feeding women, people with diabetic concerns or people with unusually sensitive skin should avoid using lavender essential oil.

The health benefits of aromatherapy has been underestimated. Aromatherapy has often been considered to be only a way to make “everything smell nice”. The health benefits of aromatherapy are much more powerful and effective than is commonly perceived or known by most people. Aromatherapy is a deeply beneficial natural healing modality for enhancing emotional balance and physical health. .

Lavender Aromatherapy Aromatherapy, Health, Improve, Lavender