Herbal Remedy for Stress: Adaptogens - A Simple Solution That Can Help You Cope With Stressful Situations

Whether you're giving an important presentation at work or struggling to make the grandchildren's tea whilst keeping an eye on them at the same time... the effects can be much the same. Situations like these can cause your breathing to become more rapid and your palms to become clammy and sweaty.

Both are signs that you're feeling under pressure and under stress. Stress is a common problem for many people who lead an active lifestyle - resulting in a wide range of symptoms from headaches, loss of appetite and a diminished sex drive, to palpitations, anxiety and a general feeling of simply not being able to cope. If left untreated, stress can cause more serious problems in the long term, including clinical depression, impotence and heart disease.

Relaxation exercises, such as meditation and yoga, have proven benefits for helping you deal with stress more effectively. And now, a group of herbal remedies are offering a way of helping to make you feel more relaxed and in control.

They all have one thing in common that makes them so beneficial in combating stress: they're adaptogens. This means they're able to regulate the chemicals that your body produces during times of stress, thereby reducing the severity of symptoms you experience.

A certain amount of stress is necessary to help you function
When you're stressed your body produces certain hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These are mainly produced in your adrenal cortex - an organ that is located near each of your kidneys. In small amounts, these hormones are beneficial - they stimulate your body to work in an active and efficient way, which is how you stay energetic and agile.

But during stressful periods, these hormones can be produced in abnormally large amounts. This has the effect of over-stimulating your body and can soon cause stress-related symptoms.

Adaptogens appear to work by blocking the actions of these stress hormones, by occupying the sites where the hormones normally bind (Med Hypotheses 2001, 56(5):567-572).

These sites are called 'cell membrane receptors' and are only stimulated by specific hormones, just like a key will only fit in a specific lock. Adaptogens occupy the lock meant for the stress hormone - thereby blocking it and prohibiting the hormone from attaching to the cell.

There are many adaptogens, but the most beneficial and well-researched include the following.

Adaptogens can help you cope with the demands of a hectic lifestyle. Korean ginseng is a well-known adaptogen that helps to improve energy levels and endurance, in addition to fighting the symptoms of stress (Med Hypotheses 2001, 56(5):567-572). The dose is 300mg taken one or two times a day. It can be taken together with other adaptogens, such as the Eleutherococcus plant (also known as Siberian ginseng, which grows mainly in the Far East) for an enhanced effect.
Eleutherococcus contains plant substances called lignans, iridoid glycosides and eleutherans (Acta Pharmacol Sin 2001,22(12):1057-1070).

In studies, these active extracts have been found to stimulate the immune system, reduce stress, improve energy levels and reverse chronic tiredness, as well as to act as mild anti-depressants.

Russian researchers have also reported other benefits linked to supplementation with Eleutherococcus, including antioxidant and detoxifying properties (Eksp Klin Farmakol 1997, 60(5):58-60). The recommended dosage is between 400mg and 800mg of standardised extract a day.

Follow the approach used by many Russian athletes for successfully tackling stress
Rhodiola rosea is a hardy plant that grows primarily in Asia. There are several varieties, including Russian, Tibetan and Chinese Rhodiola. However, the Russian variety is thought to possess the greatest therapeutic properties, because it contains such high amounts of the active ingredients.

Russian rhodiola has long been popular among Russian athletes and cosmonauts. This is because it can successfully help fight stress, improve energy levels and stamina, and boost the immune system (Phytomedicine 2000, 7(5):389-399).

One of Rhodiola's most powerful ingredients is the plant chemical rosavin, which not only reduces the symptoms of stress but can also improve mental well-being. This is due to the fact that it's able to block the production of stress hormones and stimulate the metabolism of brain cells (Phytomedicine 2000,7(5):365-371).

No side-effects have been reported after taking Rhodiola rosea. The recommended dosage is 100mg of standardised extract, one to three times a day.