Adaptogenic plants and aromatherapy to get through stress
Fiona Benoît
ASCA Pharmacist-Therapist · RCC M799262 · 4 min read
Stress does not express itself the same way in everyone. Adaptogenic plants, essential oils and magnesium: the natural responses recommended in store.
Key points
- Ashwagandha: an Ayurvedic treasure to improve resistance to stress
- Rhodiola (roseroot): an adaptogenic plant for the capacity to adapt
- Roman chamomile EO: nervous soothing, internal and external
- Magnesium (cocoa, oilseeds): essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system
The different faces of stress
Stress does not express itself in the same way in every individual. There is cardiovascular stress, felt through heart rhythm disorders, palpitations and arterial hypertension. Digestive stress is felt through diarrhea, intestinal pain, bloating and heartburn. When you feel contractures, neck or back pain, it may be osteo-musculo-articular stress. In all cases, the problem lies in each person's capacity to adapt to their environment.
Adaptogenic plants
For somewhat more difficult and intense phases of life, you can improve your resistance to stress thanks to the intake of adaptogenic plants such as ginseng, eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng), roseroot (rhodiola) or astragalus. Among the Ayurvedic treasures, there is also ashwagandha, damiana and bacopa. If you are in a rather negative mood, you can try L-Tryptophan, which acts on mood and sleep.
Aromatherapy against stress
In aromatherapy, Roman chamomile essential oil is used both externally and internally for various disorders. Basil and lemon balm are more suited to digestive disorders. Citrus fruits have a general soothing effect: bitter orange petitgrain, neroli, mandarin, but also ylang-ylang, marjoram and ravintsara. Herbal teas of orange blossom, chamomile, lavender, passionflower and valerian help you relax.
Magnesium and B vitamins
Whatever happens, avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco, which weaken the nervous system. Provide fresh fruits and vegetables and magnesium (cocoa, oilseeds or as a supplement). Without forgetting the B vitamins, present in brewer's yeast, and coenzyme Q10 to support metabolism.
Source: maj lherbo.docx, Stress section
Note: This article is written for informational purposes. It does not replace medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before any treatment, especially in case of chronic illness or while taking medication.
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