Natural Stress

The lady had been exhausted for months.  What had happened?  It started with the inability to go to sleep.  It just seemed she could not turn off the thoughts.  In the morning, brain fog filled her head.  With three cups of coffee and a shower she went to work.  Four years ago, her life changed with a divorce, but things were rocky for years before that.  Now, she has high blood pressure, low thyroid, and is on the emotional roller coaster from hell.  Her ability to deal with any minor stress is gone.

Yes, stress is natural and your body is normally equipped to deal with natural stressors.  The tiger is about to eat you so you fight or run away.  We can deal with momentary stress and even some chronic stress.  However, continuous chronic stress with the push yourself mentality is a set up for a crash.  If we define chronic stress as unrelenting stress that last 6 months or greater, we would likely all qualify.  Emotional stress can have a greater impact than physical.  It has been said that stress is the only disease.

The adrenal hormone system is your stress hormone system- two glands located on top of the kidneys.  The physical relationship is interesting; in Chinese medicine the kidneys are associated with fear.

Cortisol is a well-advertised adrenal hormone that is associated with weight gain.  The demonized cortisol is vital to your health.  Normal circadian cortisol levels are high in the morning and gradually decrease as the day progresses.  Normal morning cortisol means you are alert and ready to take on the day.  Normally low evening cortisol means you can go to sleep.  Increase the stress and increase the cortisol.  Chronic stress can eventually result in adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal imbalance can result in problems with thyroid and sex hormones and can impact blood sugar control.  A good way to access adrenal function is with a saliva lab known as an Adrenal Stress Index. 

Strategies to manage stress include a life style change or at least a plan to make a transition to a better life position.  Product strategies include Bach's Rescue Remedy, Stress Formula, or Natural Creations Anxiety HP.  Adrenal support may include Gaia Adrenal Health, Natural Creations Adrenal Complex, and/or Nutraplenish Adrenal (multi-vitamin).  Essential oils are helpful for relaxation and include Wyndmere Stress Relief, Anger Management, Joyful Spirit, or Road Rage Relief.  These are great for relaxing baths.  Adding Epsom salts to your bath can also have a relaxing effect.

Stay Well!

Bach Flower Remedies

The groom tried to lead the horse toward the ring at a weekend show.  The animal reared continuously and tried to strike his attendant.  They went back to the barn.  What’s wrong with the horse?  “He was afraid and his behavior was to escape.”  I mentioned this but few believed me.  “That horse is just mean!”  Well, let’s try something.  I walked over to the horse, lifted his lip and sprayed Rescue Remedy on his gums.  He curled his lip.  One minute later, one more dose.  “How long will it take to work?”  “If it is going to work, it has already happened.  Go ahead and lead him to the ring.”  Everyone was amazed as the groom led the horse, now a perfect gentleman.

Rescue Remedy is the famous Bach Flower Remedy for stress, panic, anxiety or fear.  It is available in drops, sprays, cream, and pastilles (lozenges).  There is also a Rescue Remedy for children and pets.

Originated by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whom thought illness, was a result of “a contradiction between the purpose of the soul and the personality’s point of view.”  The remedies are made to address the emotional aspects of one’s health.  Dr. Bach said, “Disease will never be cured or eradicated by present materialistic methods, for the simple reason that disease in its origin is not material…Disease is in essence the result of conflict between the Soul and Mind and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort”.  

If you want to take it a step further there are 38 individual remedies each with different uses.  Of the 38 remedies there are seven groups that include: 

p     Fear

p     Uncertainty

p     Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances

p     Loneliness

p     Over-sensitive to Influence and Ideas

p     Despondency of Despair

p     Over-care for Welfare of Others

You can custom mix your own unique blend for yourself.  Simply read the descriptions and pick the top 3 to 5 remedies that fit your situation.  For some, dosing 1 to 4 times daily will bring a sense of balance. 

Stay Well!