It is interesting that many of these herbal supplements can replace vital components of your diet. Research has shown that some of these supplements contain vitamin B-12. This vitamin is known to be absent in those who suffer from depression and stress. Let us discuss some of these herbal supplements that have been known to cure millions of people in the world over from their stress and depression attacks.

St John’s Wort

This is yet another popular herb with long usefulness in the treatment of stress as well as other related disorders. In general, this herb can be bought at natural health stores or drug stores in your area. St John’s Wort can help treat stress and depression quite easily in a natural way. It has been in use for ages, and has been the main depression therapy used by generations of centuries past. According to a research carried out, St John’s Wort in the same way the SSRIs would increase the amount of the mood-boosting chemical in the brain.

You need to know that St John’s Wort can be phototoxic – this means that your body system may react negatively if you go out in the sun after taking the herbal remedy. Apart from its primary efficacy in the treatment of anxiety and depression, St John’s Wort is also very effective in the treatment of muscle pain, digestive problems as well as hypertension. Common side effects reported by some people who have used the herbal remedy include dry mouth, dizziness as well as headaches. If you are a woman on a birth control, please be informed that research has shown that St John’s Wort is known to reduce the effect of the medication. So, you should take action as deemed appropriate to achieve good results with your birth control plan.

Kava Kava

This is one of the most prominent herbal supplements used to treat anxiety and stress. Although there were studies claiming that the herb could damage the liver. The claims have since been disputed because even the common pain medications too have been known to cause damage, especially when abused. Nevertheless, it is vital you do not take other medications for anxiety when using Kava for therapy. In addition, it is not advisable to use the herb on daily basis. Because you ordinarily do not suffer any major side effects, the high relaxing effects that could be achieved when using the herb is almost surprising!

Little wonder why so many people across the world have preferred the use of Kava as treatment instead of the usual drug medication. The Kava treatment is known to show high relieving effects in various cases of anxiety. Specifically, it works well for slight or moderate anxiety. However, bear in mind that Kava treatment is not beneficial for the treatment of severe anxiety or an individual who currently experiences full blown attack of anxiety. It is not known to be habit-forming and is considered safe and effective for the treatment of anxiety in as much it is not abused. If you are not on any medications for anxiety treatment and you wish to have full control over your condition, Kava may be the perfect therapy for you.

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Multivitamins

You can drink one, two or as many protein shakes in a day, yet if you are not providing your body with the essential vitamins it needs to energize, build muscle tissue and to keep you healthy, you are only just wasting your money, time and more energy by concentrating only on one link of the chain. You may be eating all the right kinds of food, yet not supplementing the body with the required vitamins. This can happen when the original content of vitamins in the food is diminished due to poor storage, faulty processing, and inappropriate farming methods or over cooking. Therefore, a simple daily multivitamin supplement might help to bridge the deficiency in our bodies in terms of its vitamin requirement. Additionally, if you are taking various other supplements, a multivitamin supplement will help to stabilize the effects of the others and to derive the maximum results.

B Vitamins

The Vitamin B is typically regarded as the forerunner of all energy vitamins and they are known to be the key that unlock the body’s hidden energy reserves. If you lack vitamin B it will show by symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, poor concentration or irritability. The Vitamin B complex compounds are vital for maintenance of healthy brain cells, for efficient metabolizing of carbohydrates and it is effectively the main source of fuel for the human brain. The B complex components comprise of thiamine (Bi), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), panthothenic acid (B6), biotin, choline and folate.

Ginseng

The use of Ginseng as a healing medicine can be traced as far back as more than two thousand years to the ancient Chinese history of medicines. In the present context, this powerful ingredient is used for a variety of medicinal purposes in a wide cross range of cultures and societies. The properties of the ginseng root have the power of significantly augmenting energy, increasing stamina and in reducing stress levels. Today more than ever, people drag through their days worn out and exhausted from the complex demands of family life, work, social, economic and other pressures. In ginseng, there is a natural energy producing resource with the unique power to restore that vital element of equilibrium and balance through out the entire body.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a herb found in the Arctic Eastern Siberian regions. This plant has been used as a traditional healing ingredient in ancient Asian and Eastern Europe medical systems. The tea made out of the Rhodiola plant has been a favorite drink among Russians who seek the energy bolstering power of this herb. It has been scientifically proven that Rhodiola has properties to combat mental fatigue effectively and help boost physical energy levels in the body. It has the capability of coping with both internal and external stress factors of the body.

Coenzyme Q 10

Coenzyme Q 10 better known among many people as the ‘New fountain of youth’ or as the ‘miracle vitamin’ is a significant nutrient that can effectively combat an expansive range of severe to fatal illnesses. Coenzyme Qio is similar to a vitamin and the compound is generally found in each cell of the human body. The COQio is a vital component and an indicator of the body cell’s capability to produce energy. A naturally powerful antioxidant, it can wipe out all sorts of potentially dangerous substances living in the body cells.

The mechanism of C0Q10 is directly related to mitochondria. Mitochondria is the energy producer machine within body cells and its job is to maintain seamless energy which is produced in a form scientifically termed as adenosine triphosphate. C0Q10 is the channel making it possible for mitochondria to produce the energy needed by our bodies. In other words, it is the single molecule on which all other cellular functions within the body would depend. Even if you have been perplexed about the use of scientific terminology, I hope that you would have a better understanding of the significance of Coenzyme Q 10 and perceive the value of it as a supplement.

Carnitine

It is a naturally producing amino acid. It is known to play a significant role in metabolizing the fat content in our food. Carnitine acts as a carrier of fatty acids to the mitochondria where the cell energy is produced. The compound can elevate energy levels through a stimulating process of exhausting triglycerides as fuel for energy production and thereby sparing the store of glycogen for more demanding work. During workouts, the body fat is generally burned at a rate between 75 to 80 % of optimum action. With the help of carnitine, the body can burn less glycogen derived from the unprocessed carbohydrates we eat and by maintaining the glycogen supply at steady levels the body is given a chance to bolster more stamina, energy and endurance levels. Carnitine has the unique capacity of transporting fat to the muscles and by doing so it unlocks an otherwise inaccessible energy source.

Goji berries

Gogi berries has been used for centuries by Asians in many of their unique recipes using it in many forms of baked goodies, flavor toppings, trail mixes, teas, soups and even eaten straight as a delicacy. Did you know that Goji berry has the highest antioxidant rate on the chart of ORAC based on vegetables, fruits and essential oils? Goji berry contain 500 times extra vitamin C than you would gain from an orange or any other comparative fruit. Given its massive ORAC strength, it is no wonder that this fruit is identified as the most nutrition packed food in the world. It is dense with many amazing properties yielding to strength building, enhancement of sexual potency and longevity among many others.

Chia seeds

The Chia seed generates power and energy. It was documented that Aztec warriors ate chia seeds before battle because of the strength and power it gave them. The book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, he notes how a tribe of super runners in Mexico eat chia seeds as they main source of food. The tribe put chia seeds in water, this would create a drinking gel. The chia seeds are hydrophyllic. It can amazingly hold ten times their weight in water. This property alone can help you with hydration throughout the day. Since the gel covers your stomach, it restricts calorie absorption making it a possible diet aid.

So next time you feel lethargic and stressed, and in need of an afternoon nap despite all the work that remains to be done for the day, consider the alternative of Chia seeds. Chia is a plant based source dense with rich protein. A large number of protein rich foods we buy from the market has to be combined in a meal to derive the minimum protein supply the body needs. However, with Chia you don’t need to depend on other food sources to produce the protein as it has complete protein levels to help stabilize your jittery energy levels.

Berries

Berries are mainly composed of water content which range from 80 to 90% of their full weight. Their dry components consist of sugar, fiber (carbon hydrates) and other organic acids. The bulk part of the energy derived from berries is retrieved from the sugar contained in its dry parts. Berries contain high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, phtochemicals, calcium and minerals. Basically a lot of power punched goodies you body will love, while giving you a boost of energy at the same time.

Fish oil

We have talked about the value of fruits whether they are eaten fresh, as smoothies or taken as supplements. If you are looking for a little variation in your daily supplement, fish oil is a great option. It is an excellent choice as an energy source. Packed with vitamins A and D as well as the important omega 3 fatty acids it is usually extracted from tuna liver or cod liver. Fish oil can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and depression. Not only is it good for the heart, it’s a great way to prevent inflammation. Since many serious illness are caused by inflammation such as Alzheimer’s, skin conditions, and autoimmune diseases, a daily dose of fish oil will go a long way.

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In periods of intense anxiety, try your favorite food with various herbs. You can put basil and bay leaves into pasta sauce, or give more flavor to your soup with rosemary and thyme. You can flavor salads with mint or add sage to your favorite meat dish.

Garlic. Garlic has been used to help with symptoms brought on by colds, the flu, and allergies. It is also known to lower hypertension associated with stress.

Ginger. Ginger is a very aromatic spices and it has a positive effect against stress overall and particularly stress headaches.

Herbs can offer a great deal of stress relief. Some herbs calm the mind, help break down adrenaline, or strengthen the heart. Most herbs you can grow in your own back yard, but if you want to purchase your herbs, MountainRoseHerbs.com is a good site.

Tarragon. Tarragon is known to provide pain relief and a feeling of peaceful relaxation. It promotes calmness and contains minerals that are often missing from the average person’s diet.

Dill. Dill is known to soothe upset stomachs, and relieve digestion cramps.

Rosemary. Rosemary relaxes the muscles in the body. It also aids in mental clarity, which is often a problem when under intense stress.

Sage. Sage is known to enhance memory and clear the mind; it is also a powerful antioxidant.

St. John’s Wort. St John’s Wort works in two different ways to help with stress. It first removes the stress hormone norepinephrine, and second it helps the pituitary gland produce extremely beneficial hormones.

Note: St. John’s wort has been found to interact with a variety of medications, so talk to your health care provider before using St. John’s wort if you are currently taking medication.

Chamomile. Chamomile has a relaxing and restorative effect. Chamomile tea has a calming effect, soothes stomach problems, and is an effective sleep aid.

Note: Chamomile is safe for most people, but some people have serious allergic reactions to chamomile.

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Cottage Cheese (with or without fruit). Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium. Try mixing the cottage cheese with a fruit that is high in vitamin C.

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Oranges. Vitamin C has been found to help reduce stress and return blood pressure and Cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also known for boosting the immune system. Don’t skimp on the Vitamin C!

Dried Apricots. Magnesium is very beneficial to the body and apricots contain a great deal. Among other things, magnesium is known as both a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant.

Avocados. Most people don’t realize that avocados contain more potassium than bananas! Potassium helps lower blood pressure. Avocados are also high in monounsaturated fat, which also aids in lowering blood pressure. The nutrients in avocados help regulate hormonal activity, enhance immune function, and encourage cell reproduction. They also help your body absorb the vitamins and minerals you are getting from the other foods you eat.

Blueberries. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and are a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit. They are also rich in the stress- fighting vitamin C.

Bananas. Bananas can be a perfect choice when feeling stressed. Like the avocado, they are rich in potassium, and like the apricot they are high in magnesium. Eating a banana can relieve headaches that accompany stress. The banana also contains B6, which can help fight stress. And finally, because bananas are sweet, in a healthy way they can fill that need for ‘something sweet’ that often accompanies stress.

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One of the most common, and most complained about, causes of stress is work. However, it is not only the day-to-day tasks and routine pressures of work that can lead to stress. In fact, the mere concern about keeping a job can be a source of stress. Unfortunately, the combined stress of both work itself and the possibility of losing it creates a sort of double-stress in which people feel they have to work even harder in order to keep their jobs, making the stress that much worse.

As well, for those who have not entered the working world yet, school can be a great source of stress. The constant pressure of schoolwork, friends, teachers, tests, quizzes, papers, and everything else can be enough to make anyone feel like they are in trapped in a vice. In addition, the deadlines are all immoveable, so students are constantly under time pressure. And, to make matters worse, there are often several deadlines overlapping each other, intensifying the demands on time. Then, once final exams arrive, there is a lot to re-learn and students need to spend so much time studying that they can barely sleep. Needless to say, losing sleep does not help people who are under stress. Thus, students need to manage stress just as much as people who work.

Another cause of stress is simple family life. Unfortunately, though we hope that our home lives can be sources of relief from daily stress, they can often be sources of stress all their own. For childen as well as parents and spouses, the home can often be its own source of pressure.

For parents, stress can often come from simply worrying about their children. After all, seeing a child grow up, make mistakes, go through school, go to college, play sports, and often learn things to hard way is enough to make a parent tear their hair out. Thus, despite the joy that children can bring, they can also be causes of stress and worry.

Unfortunately, parents can be causes of stress also. Though they often have their childrens’ best interests in mind, they can also put a lot of pressure onto their children, causing them to worry not only about school or life, but also how their parents will react when they hear about some new event, success, or error. It is as though there is no place to turn when things go wrong, creating extra stress. No, it is not easy being a parent, but it isn’t always easy being a child or a teenager either, since parents can often be causes of stress as much as sources of comfort from it.

On top of that, spouses can also be causes on stress. Let’s face it, husbands and wives often have expectations of their significant others and it is not always easy to live up to those expectations. As well, spouses often spend a lot of time avoiding certain arguments simply because they are trying to avoid stress. However, leaving tension in the air while not resolving it can be a cause of stress.

Money is also a major cause of stress, simply for the fact that there never seems to be enough of it. Thus, as the money keeps going out but it never seems to come in enough, stress just keeps mounting. Unfortunately, spouses, children and sometimes parents can often remind us of our shortfalls and they will often increase the stress. Of course, that is to say nothing of the continual reminders from the mortgage or rent, car payments, credit cards and other bills. And, furthermore, it is rather difficult to be philosophical about money stress since attempting to put things into perspective only recalls thoughts about the money that always seems to be missing. Thus, money stress just keeps piling up higher and higher and there never seems to be a way out.

Though this is only a partial list of all the possible causes of stress, these are some of the most common sources. However, no matter where the problem is arising, stress will not make them better. Rather, stress will only make it harder for people to think about their problems and try to solve them. Thus, in order to solve the problems that lead to stress, the best place to start is by managing the stress, then working to solve the problems with a clear and uncluttered mind.

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