Herbal Remedies and Stress Reduction

There are many different reasons for the use of herbal remedies. Historically, one of the most important reasons has been to reduce stress. So how do herbal remedies do that? For the most part they address the chemical portion of the nervous system. Typically herbs of a particular species have a chemical make up that falls within understood parameters. It is the chemical composition of various herbal remedies that interact with the chemicals in our bodies. It should be noted that some herbal remedies have do electromagnetic properties and work to correct deviations of the electrical portion of the nervous system. But herbs like this are uncommon and for the most part herbal remedies are used on the biochemical level to address various manifestations of stress.

 

When used to alleviate stress, its best to view herbal remedies as food. In this light consider their long-term efficacy and safety. One must ask themselves: how will incorporating this food into my diet improve my long-term adaptability and strength? Many of the adaptogenic herbs help regulate the body's various systems and remove some of the biochemical basis of stress. According to the classical Chinese understanding of herbology there are different flavors to herbs - sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, pungent, etc. But in practice herbs are overwhelmingly bitter and very few folks who have consumed lots of herbs would disagree.

 

Why do herbal remedies consistently taste bitter? Things taste bitter because of the presence of alkaline minerals and alkaloids. A bitter flavor is often used to counteract the long-standing acidic metabolites that accrue in the body as a result of normal activity. They are also used to counteract the long-standing internal bio-chemical causes of disease - the neuropeptides which are the bio-chemical basis of stress. It is a fairly straightforward equation. As the body becomes more acidic there is increased agitation or what most people think of as stress. The long-term consumption of alkaline substances - green leafy vegetables and many different kinds of herbs is an effective way to deal with the gradual manifestation of stress.

 

The number of herbal remedies that have been used to alleviate stress throughout the world are too numerous and varied in nature to mention here. The Taoists of ancient China took this knowledge to a sublime level and designated a superior class of herbal remedies that could be used safely and effectively over the course of a lifetime. These are among a great host of herbs often used as an adjunct to a healthy diet.

 

Even though herbal remedies help the body deal with stress by encouraging the removal of toxic deposits and difficulties that build up, the herbs themselves usually don’t get at the root cause of stress. The root cause of most ailments is the internal distortion of the electromagnetic fields that surround the nerve cells. To understand this is to understand the principles of the underlying causes of the vast majority of diseases.

 

Using herbal remedies in conjunction with acupuncture, flower essences or anything that addresses the electrical portion of the nervous system is a great combination and holistic approach to health. The herbal remedies provide the chemical fuel and building blocks for the body. By simultaneously addressing the electrical aspect of the body it allows the fuel and building blocks to be utilized more effectively. The result is more vibrant health.