What Are The Natural Substances That Help Relieve Stress?

Many herbs and nutrients have been shown in scientific studies to possess anti-stress properties. These herbs and nutrients can help the body rebound from stressful situations or help support body organs and tissues associated with the stress response.

Herbs that may help counter some of the adverse effects of stress include the following:

• Siberian ginseng is considered an adaptogenic, meaning it has a normalizing effect and helps bring the body back to homeostasis. Siberian ginseng improves the body’s nonspecific stress response, which is a general biological response rather than a response that relates to a specific stressful event. It also improves immune function and overall well-being.
• Panax ginseng can enhance immune function, physical stamina, and mental acuity and increases resistance to toxic environmental substances. However, Panax ginseng can also create overstimulation if used improperly.
• Panax ginseng should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health-care provider.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, protects against stress-induced ulceration, lowers chronically elevated cortisol, enhances energy, reduces anxiety, and can counteract stress-induced hyperglycemia.
• Other adaptogenic and sedative herbs include schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata), vervain (Verbena officianalis), and lemon balm (Melissa officianalis).

Specific nutrients that can help the body manage the internal stress response include the following:

• Vitamin C helps normalize levels of cortisol and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone; another stress hormone) in situations of severe stress.
• Vitamin B1 protects the adrenal glands from functional exhaustion.
• Vitamin B5 enhances adrenal function and helps regulate cortisol levels.
• Alpha-lipoic acid helps prevent toxin accumulation in tissues. (However, caution is advised with certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy).
• L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea leaves that has been shown to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and heighten mental clarity and focus.
• L-tyrosine helps restore the ability to perform tasks under stress.
• Phosphatidylserine prevents oversecretion of cortisol and ACTH in response to stress.