Stress and related emotions can not only undermine the immune system, but can have significant impact on a number of other aspects of health as well. In fact, most common degenerative diseases have a significant stress component. Hypertension, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma, insomnia and heart disease all can be caused or exacerbated by stress, although there are other causative factors as well.
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can cause sleep problems, impaired digestion and immune function. It also causes a pro-inflammatory state that can promote the progression of cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis and other chronic degenerative disease. Chronic stress is known to cause anxiety and depression, and it increases blood pressure, pain and deposition of abdominal fat. Not only does cortisol increase abdominal fat, but many people’s response to stress is to eat more. This sets up a very destructive cycle that can lead to obesity and its resultant diseases such as heart disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
Stress is part of life, but chronic, high stress levels need to be addressed. Often, a combination of therapies is the best way to address this very real cause of health challenges. First is considering stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, Qi gong and prayer. Next, examine the basic diet to ensure it is not deficient in essential nutrients, especially magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is common in the United States and it can cause muscle spasm, anxiety and increased pain.
When turning to natural remedies, there are several types of herbs that are especially useful for dealing with stress and its impact.
First up are nervines, which are herbs that help restore the emotional foundation. Fresh milky oat is a slow-acting tonic remedy that calms shattered nerves, relieves emotional instability, reduces the symptoms of drug withdrawal and helps restore a sense of peace and tranquility to overstressed, angry and chronically upset people. Lemon balm is a wonderful mild mood elevator. Linden flower is used for stress especially with mild hypertension. One of my favorite remedies for stress-induced gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nervous stomach, constipation, acid reflux, heartburn, bowel spasms or hiccups is chamomile, combined with catnip. Skullcap is specifically indicated for stressed-out people who, when nervous or agitated, develop muscle spasms, nervous tics or tight, painful muscles. Passionflower can address circular thinking that causes insomnia, where a person can’t shut off her mind at night and just lays in bed thinking. Hawthorne, as a solid extract, is helpful for those that can’t sit still, are fidgety and have difficulty concentrating. And St. John’s wort is useful for mild to moderate depression where the person has a dyspeptic outlook, a sour stomach and a sour attitude (hepatic depression).