Stress is one of the leading causes these days for the development of various lifestyle diseases. The work pressure in today’s world has increased in manifolds compared to that of the earlier years. The concept of various means and methods being used to reduce or control the stress in our daily lives is catching on. There are many ways to control stress in your hectic work schedule, ranging from relaxing activities, exercising, stress therapy to opting for stress supplements. Out of the numerous supplements available for the effective control of stress, herbal supplements seem to have a positive effect as they are being preferred widely by one and all.
Evolving with Adaptogens
With the stress management stakes going up higher, adaptogens or herbal stress management products are the most sought after these days. An adaptogen is claimed to be effective in providing resistance against stress, anxiety, trauma and fatigue.
Stress supplements based on herbs are actually adaptogens which are being explored widely across the globe. Herbs have been used for treating the symptoms of stress from many years. Herbs are best known for their medicinal properties and curative actions for a varied number of lifestyle related health ailments. These days, stress is being managed with the help of herbs as they are trusted for their beneficial properties amongst everyone and very minimal side effects have been recorded too.
The following is a comprehensive list of adaptogens that are being used as stress supplements:
1. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a herb that has been in traditional herbal use in Russia and European countries. This herb is effective in the controlling and gradual treatment of chronic stress among people who are highly fatigued and have a lot of work pressure. People who are high on the efficacy level are also prone to face burn out phase sooner in their lives than others. The herb Rhodiola helps to reduce the stress to a great extent and also promotes mental alertness and vigilance. Studies indicate that people who took this stress supplement yielded better results in concentration levels.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been known in Indian Herb history since time immemorial. This is one of the most ancient herbs that has been known for a lot of beneficial medicinal properties. In the course of stress management, ashwagandha is best known for its rejuvenating properties. Although studies are still in progress about the actual effect of this herb in humans, the animal studies indicate the significant effects of ashwagandha in rejuvenation and anti stress effects.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the most renowned adaptogen that is used commonly as stress supplements. Ginseng is a famous South Asian herb that is known for its anti stress properties, helping to reduce the chronic stress effects in humans. Many varieties of ginseng are readily available in the market and even more available in the form of over the counter drug supplements. Although ginseng has been widely explored as an effective stress supplement, there are some side effects that continue to surface from time to time, such as lack of sleep, nausea, diarrhea, headache, etc.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a herb belonging to the mint family which is perennial in nature. This herb consists of volatile oils which attribute for its gentle, lemon scent. As a stress supplement, this herb is quite effective as it has mild sedative and calming properties. This herb is most often used in the form of mildly brewed tea or soaked in warm water in order to release its store of volatile oils.
These suggestive herbs enlisted are used quite frequently in normal course of life by people who suffer from chronic stress. However, it is always advisable to seek medical guidance from the consulting physician before implementing any of these stress supplements. Many a times there are people who look for the easier way out and opt for any kind of random over the counter drugs to get relief from stress related side effects. This practice should not be encouraged especially when a person is on other medications and these stress supplements may or may not interfere with the daily prescribed medicines.
As medical science advances, there are more and more stress supplements that are coming up in the pharmaceutical scenario. In order to use these stress supplements, you must have a prior knowledge regarding the beneficial properties of the individual herbs. The beneficial uses of the stress supplements are being tried by many people all over the world. These stress supplements are good for a short term relief from chronic stress. However, the long term effects are not researched into as yet.