Stress Kicker - Natural Herbal Remedies
Herbs are Chemicals Too!
There is a widely-held belief that herbal remedies for stress relief , being natural, will not have as many side effects as man made drugs; but many natural remedies contain the substances on which drugs are based. Valerian for instance is similar to diazepam and actually is the chemical constituent of valium. Even salic acid, the main active ingredient in aspirin is derived from willow bark!
If They Are Chemicals What Do They Do?
In fact herbal based stress remedies will work in the same way as prescribed drugs: altering chemical functions in the brain and the nervous system. Rhodiola is widely used to help deal sleep disorders, but what it does is boost the serotonin levels in the brain and therefore suppressing the chemicals that cause depression. Some stress relieving herbal remedies make have unexpected effects. For example, give Cat Nip to Tiddles and see the excitement; but take it yourself and you might find yourself becoming more sleepy as well as finding your digestion improving. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal stress remedy, but as well being calming, it can also help boost the immune systems during downturns in mood. Unfortunately herbal remedies are not always without sides effects: St Johns Wort, a widely used herbal anti-depressant can prove problematic when taken with certain conventional drugs. As ever, consult a health professional if in any doubt.
Other uses For the Herbs
However, herbal stress remedies do not necessarily have to be ingested to be effective. Aromatherapy has always been a popular way to relax. Lavender oil, either burned or dropped in a bath is claimed by many to be soothing and calming. In the end, whatever herbal remedy is chosen, stress can also be combated by exercise, a good diet and time dedicated to switching off.
Conclusions
Herbal remedies have been used by humans for hundreds of years. Some of the treatments that we use today were based on natural materials. Herbal remedies are a very effective treatment for many conditions, including stress.
I included this article on stress because most of the people i have met that experience pain are stressed,
anything that helps
Norma
Herbs for Arthritis: Getting the Relief You Need from Nature
-Devil’s Claw- Its name is actually derived from the appearance of its fruits that look much like claws. This is a herb found in Africa and is prized for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to help improve the joint movement of arthritic patients.
-Ginger- Who would’ve thought this common food ingredient can help ease pain and swelling? Arthritis patients can find relief from ginger by eating it mixed with dips and food or taken in tea form. This is one of the herbs that have the least or no side effects.
-Celery- Another ingredient found in the kitchen that can be used for arthritis relief is celery. Early European settlers introduced this herb to the North American continent. The herb has anti-inflammatory substances and potassium which is beneficial for arthritis patients.
-Red Pepper- It is common knowledge that red pepper has pain relieving properties. It is therefore considered one of the best herbs for arthritis. As some would already know, it is the capsaicin in red pepper that interferes with how people perceive pain. The substance also causes the generation and release of more endorphins. One other beneficial substance in red pepper is salicylate. Aspirin contains this substance.
-Alfalfa- Vitamins and minerals are the contribution of alfalfa for people with arthritis. This is therefore a beneficial nourishing herb. It is usually taken as tea. Although alfalfa also comes in powder form, those with arthritis are not advised to take it. Powder alfalfa can promote the symptoms of arthritis.
-Angelica- Among the Chinese, the more popular species is the dong quai. Angelica tea can be taken to relieve pain and inflammation.
There are more herbs that can be used as arthritis pain and inflammation relief. People who have been taking a variety of herbs have had a lot of positive experiences. It is still very crucial though to remember to be cautious with taking herbs. A couple of herbs or a combination of herbs may promote negative reactions when taken with some prescription medications.
Herbal remedies also typically do not have standard measurements. Different sources have different opinions on how much you should take of a remedy. There is always the possibility that you could take the wrong advice resulting in the intake of incorrect amounts.
Herbs for arthritis should be taken with your doctor’s knowledge. This is the best way to be sure that you are not putting yourself in danger.
Everyone should use hand reflexology on a regular basis to interrupt the patterns of daily stress. As pressure sensors are stimulated by hand reflexology corresponding parts of the body are relaxed. This relaxation moves through the nervous system and spreads throughout the entire body. As the body is relaxed and de-stressed, health may improve because the natural healing processes can begin. Studies show that both the heart and the brain receive positive effects from reflexology and meditation.
Many people are not as aware of hand reflexology as they are with foot reflexology, but both processes work in similar ways. Because hands are more accessible and we are used to working with hands, they are also easier for many people to work with.
The art of hand reflexology is available for anyone to learn. It is a simple process of combining stretches, movement and pressure to interrupt the stress patterns that have developed. Make sure not to overwork your hands as you are using hand reflexology techniques– wait for a few days to allow your hands to rest if you ever feel any discomfort or pain.
You can even learn the hand reflexology techniques and use them on yourself. If you ever need a few moments to calm down or feel stressed these techniques are ideal. It is a simple process of finding a reliable source of information and learning the techniques. Many resources provide step-by-step treatments that can be used, and also charts to show which parts of your hands correspond with zones of your body.
It is even possible to apply pressure by using massage tools. You can roll wooden tools between your hands to effectively stimulate pressure points. Kevin Kunz, a reflexologist from the United Kingdom, says his favorite reflexology tool for the hands is a gold ball. “Grasp the hands together, holding a golf ball between the hands, and then roll the ball throughout the palm below the thumb,” he advises.
Reflexology can be helpful in aiding the body’s own healing, it can be an effective method of touch therapy as it interrupts the stress patterns and relaxes the body. Touch makes a person feel cared for, it creates and intimate sensory connection that all humans need.
There is skepticism about reflexology out these, but those people don’t need to believe in it to receive benefit from the treatment. Our overall health can be improved as we stop for a few minutes and practice hand reflexology to relax the patterns of stress that plague us on a daily basis.