HEALTH WISE
(12/19/2008) By Julie Sergel

Holiday Cheer, not Holiday Fear!

If all of the activities of the holiday season are getting the best of you, be encouraged—help is on the way!

Anxiety Deconstructed. Anxiety is all about perception. Well, that, and a slew of hormones, nerves, glands, and neurotransmitters. It’s ”enlivened dwelling” on unpleasant thoughts or imminent danger (of gross expectations and copious demands), charged by the mind’s perceived understanding of the situation, whether true or false. What do they say? Perception is greater than reality. ‘Tis true. When activity and demands are increased, our stressed states can no longer put a handle on all that swirls about.

Anxiety’s Disguised Benefits. Considering perceived dangers in your mind (too, too, many things to do in too, too, little time) is not always a bad thing. Being nervous before a test, an activity, or speaking engagement can actually enhance skills and benefit performance (knock off that shopping list in no time!). The heightened manner primes the body and the mind for action. The key is to use it productively and master it--versus it mastering you via debility and withdrawal.

Can You Say A-dap-ta-gen? Adaptagens are a class of herbal remedies that act as a bridge between the two exaggerated states—detrimental anxiety and increased performance. In essence, they buffer the response by reducing release of stress hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands. They also lessen fatigue and insomnia, improve memory and cognitive function, enhance immunity, reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, balance blood sugar—all of which can be linked to anxiety.

Here’s some examples of adaptagenic herbs or combinations of nutrients that act in a similar way:

*Eleuthero root—people with moderate day-to-day stress would do well with this relative of ginseng. Whether stress is work, school or home related, eleuthero root will help improve physical and mental performance.
*Nutri-calm—for “high strung,” nervous individuals, this combination of vitamin C and B-complex, along with nervines and adaptagenic herbs, feeds the nervous system to yield a more steady and stable flow of energy. Nutri-calm is also particularly useful to those overcoming addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. For sweet tooth junkies, Nutri-calm along with Licorice Root will help reduce cravings, balance blood sugar and calm nerves.
*Nervous Fatigue Formula—potent Chinese herbal formula to address anxiety that triggers chest pain, heart palpitations, insomnia, mental confusion, emotional sensitivity, and basic overwhelm. Supports sound sleeping patterns as well.
*Adrenal Support and Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) will help rebuild exhausted adrenals and offer support for those under stress for longer periods. Either one will help rebuild and regain a sense of peace and calm.
*Stress-J, Homeopathic Distress Remedy, and even Tei-fu essential oil inhaled and/or rubbed on the abdomen, helps curb a jumping stomach.
*Essential fatty acids like Flaxseed oil, flaxseed meal, or fish oils also help regulate mood and brain function.

Adaptagenic-Like Actions. Lifestyle factors can also affect our response to stress—in relation to the degree of harm it can cause. We can’t always regulate the amount of stress that comes into our lives but we can monitor how we respond to it through other aspects of our lifestyle. Eating properly and taking in rich nutrition, getting proper sleep, integrating prayer, mediation, or quiet time, and employing stretching exercises or practices like yoga, tai chi, qi-gong, or deep breathing can aid strength and contribute to our well-being.

Remember, the holidays are best spent focusing on basics like good friends, family, and good cheer. Please visit Nature’s Remedy at 18 Monroe Street, Ellicottville NY 14731 or by calling 716-699-HERB (4372).