Stressssssssssssss!

Ouch! Now more than ever we are learning that stress may be a leading cause of health-related problems. While stress may be a fact of life, it's still hard to believe that more than 75 percent of Americans report living with high levels of stress. It seems that it simply has become a part of the American lifestyle.

The many different forms of stress include biological, chemical, environmental, nutritional, physical, psychological, and spiritual. In most cases, we are all subjected to one of the above. Mild stress can threaten normal body functions; chronic stress can wreak havoc on the entire body!

Some Simple Stress Solutions

An oxymoron to say the least - as stress is anything but simple. However, there are some things to try that do have an effect on the way stress can affect you. Give them a try!

• Begin the morning with 6 deep, all-the-way-to-the-bottom-of-the-lungs breaths. Deep breaths anytime during the day can help stressful situations.
• Be careful how much caffeine flows over your lips ~ try thinking deep, rich coffee but drinking hot water. It's a mind game, but many people desire a hot liquid not necessarily one with flavor!
• As the day progresses, learn to adjust your levels of accomplishment and say "no" to the things that tip over your stress meter
• Find a good laugh at least once if not more a day. Keep a joke book nearby or call a witty friend. Laughter is still a good "medicine" and the price is right!
• Eat as many local, whole foods as possible.
• Consume more veggies and fruit and less meat to keep your body balanced not inflated.
• Exercise regularly.  Exercise decreases stress hormones and increases "feel-good" chemicals.  Also, it supports cardiovascular health and the immune system to counteract the effects of stress.
• Do activities that promote your body's natural endorphin production. It is important to take time for the things that give you joy in your life!

Some Herbal Assistance for Stress

PassionFlower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herb whose uses have little to do with its name. Rather than inducing feelings of passion, this herb is much more likely to make you calm, relaxed, and even sleepy. Passionflower gets its name from the beautiful flowers' radial filiments, which Christian missionaries likened to the crown of thorns used in Christ's crucifixion.

Known for its fragrance and unique colorful flowers, passionflower was traditionally used as a calming herb. Today, the properties in Passionflower still make it useful as a soothing sleep-aid and in supporting relaxation in times of stress. Scientists believe that Passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces the activity of some brain cells, inducing a greater state of relaxation. Passionflower is often combined with other herbs used for relaxation such as Valerian, Lemon balm, Skullcap, or Kava. 

Nervines like Passionflower are considered complementary herbs to use along with adaptogens, like Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a unique herb in that it can have a very calming effect, but it can also energize a person when needed-the best of both worlds, all in one little herb.

Herbs like Passionflower, Ashwagandha, Skullcap and Kava are able to help with stress because they improve the body's physiological response to stress, which decreases the demand placed on the adrenal glands and helps to lower cortisol levels. Lower cortisol levels help to improve sleep patterns and health in general. The roles that stress and the systems of the body play in your health are interrelated.

Passionflower is an herb with a story and a long history. An herb to remember when stress keeps you from enjoying life or from sleeping as well as you'd like. We can't eliminate stress from our lives, but we can help our bodies better adapt to stress by using the many herbs available to do just that. So get passionate about your health; add a little Passionflower!

More Information:

• Passionflower Organic Vegetarian Capsules
• Passionflower Organic Extract
• Passionflower Organic Tops c/s

Adaptogens

There are many plants that help our body to set the "off" switch after a stressful episode. This group of herbs, known as adaptogens, are nature's balancing agents and are in a category that doesn't exist in our modern drug dispensary.

Like the name suggests, adaptogens help the body to better adapt to the stressors it experiences. Adaptogens are unique in their ability to help balance endocrine hormones and the immune system, helping the body to return to an unstressed state. They are also known for increasing stamina and countering common effects of aging.

A favorite OWH adaptogenic herb is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote good health and well being.  Along with a healthy (organic, if possible) diet, good clean water and plenty of exercise, Ashwagandha will compliment even the busiest lifestyle.

There are actually several adaptogens that are great for helping us adapt to our hectic lifestyles: Holy basil, Licorice, Astragalus, Ginseng, Cordyceps and Rhodiola.

More Information:

• Ashwagandha Organic Vegetarian Capsules
• Ashwagandha Organic Extract
• Ashwagandha Organic Root c/s

*Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or health condition. It is also recommended that patients check with their doctors before taking herbs, to ensure that there are no contraindications with prescription medications.

Can We Help?

To promote a healthy adrenal response to stress, try our newly formulated Stress Guard^TM herbal remedy. This formula is a unique combination of certified organic herbs, B complex vitamins and a patented amino acid which promote a healthy response to stress. This product is made with herbs that are organically cultivated in the USA, many of them right here on our farm. Providing you with the highest quality herbs available is our passion!

Click here for more specific production information about Adaptogens.