hormone that helps maintain electrolyte balance and blood volume—typically helpful during chronic stress. In scientific studies, licorice has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties that help protect mitochondria and cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, and the ability to help sustain energy. It has also been shown to affect the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin in ways that promote sound sleep and enhance mood.
HERBS FOR CHRONIC STRESS
C
by Brandon Derrow
hronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, adversely affecting health over time and, in many cases, diminishing our ability to respond adequately to stress. It is essential to our health and stress resilience that our HPA axis functions soundly and stays in balance. Adaptogens are nontoxic substances (typically from herbs) that enhance stress tolerance and resilience, helping the body and brain resist the negative effects of stress and continue functioning optimally during intense, prolonged or chronic stress. They are called adaptogens because they have the ability to influence physiology in both directions—to heighten and to dampen as needed to maintain homeostasis and adapt optimally. Adaptogens
have a stress-protective effect on the cells, with specific beneficial effects on mental and physical performance and endurance, energy, mood, hormone balance, stress resilience and overall health.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) One of licorice’s major benefits for people experiencing chronic stress is its ability to preserve cortisol, the main stress hormone essential for energy, by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down cortisol into its inactive form, cortisone. This enhances cortisol activity and potentiates aldosterone, an adrenal
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) In scientific studies, ashwagandha has demonstrated the ability to moderate anxiety and the feeling of being stressed and fatigued, enhance alertness and short-term memory, lighten mood, increase motivation and physical endurance, promote sound sleep and help alleviate fatigue during stress. Its antioxidant activity and capacity to help curb inflammation and counter the immunosuppressive effects of stress help protect glands and organs, including the brain, from chronic stress.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Scientific studies have demonstrated eleuthero’s ability to: help maintain healthy adrenal
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