Stress Management: Relaxation and Calming Supplements

The aim of this article is to introduce relaxation and calming supplements that may be of assistance in providing all natural stress relief and relaxation if you feel your stress and cortsol levels are too high.

Theses herbal remedies all serve to relieve the anxiety and tension related to stress. Relaxation supplements can also help to support the nervous system and to keep nerves settled and soothed – to enable us to cope more easily with the everyday stresses of our modern existence.

Before I introduce relaxation and calming supplements let me remaind you what is Stress and Cortisol and why should you be bothered to read this Hub.

Often both men and women are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities and trying not to drop-the-ball. All of life’s demands – work and deadlines, bills and inflation, kids and marriage - all require constant attention. Usually things stay in balance but sometimes life throws an unexpected curve ball and suddenly the balance is lost.

Whenever you are under stress, or not getting enough sleep, or dieting (or even thinking about dieting), your cortisol levels rise and all bad things start to happen.

Scientific research has shown a close connection between high cortisol levels and serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression and osteoporosis.

Lowering cortsol levels through stress management and lifestyle changes helps to prevent these health problems and improve well being.

There are many stress management, stress prevention, stress reduction and relaxation methods one can practice according the personal needs. You can learn about them on my home page http://www.action4alance.com and also visiting my other Hubpages.

But for many of you, from a purely practical perspective lives are already to hectic and stressful that incorporating stress management program can be considered as a one more to-do-thing and an additional stressor.

This doesn’t imply that personalized stress management program is unimportant, it simply means that stress vitamins, adaptogens, relaxation supplements,and natural herbal and homeopathic remedies for the majority of people, represent something that you can realistically incorporate into your already busy daily lives and that can have a powerful beneficial impact on controlling stress and balancing cortisol levels.

There are a number of popular herbs that are used to help relax and unwind after a particularly stressful day.

Many of those herbs are found in relaxing herbal teas, such as: chamomile, melissa, lemon balm, hops, oats, skullcap.

Even if a warm cup of herbal tea can be just a thing to help you to reduce stress and help to relax and sleep, there is no strong or convincing scientific evidence to support their effectiveness against stress, anxiety, or elevated cortisol level, states Shawn Talbott, the author of The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health - And What You Can Do About It.

The more specific and effective dietary supplements for promoting relaxation and all natural stress relief are

• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
• Melatonin

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been traditionally used for centuries to support balanced mood and safely maintain mental wellness and equilibrium.

Is effective in mild depression cases, in balancing moods and lifting spirits; relieves fatigue.

People under chronic stress and burnout often lack energy to even get themselves out of bed in the morning and during the day suffer from fatigue.

St.John Worth brings the energy levels back to normal and help alleviate the crushing fatigue that accompanies chronic stress and depressed mood. Read St John's Wort Again Proven Better than Antidepressant Drugs.

In recent times, clinical studies have confirmed ancient wisdom and Hypericum is one of the most widely studied herbs on the market today.

Active ingredients include glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and resins.

St. John’s Wort has also been shown to support stable mood during the menstrual and premenstrual periods. (Stevinson C, Ernst E. A pilot study of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2000;107:870-876).

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is a root from a pepper plant used for centuries by Pacific Islanders to help peole to relax.

Americans alone spend about $30-$50 million annually on kava-containing products—a powerful testament of high stress lifestyles and the increasing need to relax.

Kava is helpful to alleviate anxiety, anxiety disorders, insomnia and other emotional problems related to stress. Relieves muscle spasms and eases pain.

Relaxes the mind as well as the entire body introducing physical and mental relaxation. Helpful for anxiety and anxiety disorders, insomnia and stress-related disorders.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)is known as anti-anxiety and sleep herb since the days of the Romans.

The dried roots of the plant are used in teas, tinctures, capsules, and tablets promoting relaxation, inducing sleep, calming nerves, and reducing anxiety.

Valerian is considered a mild tranquilizer and deemed safe for treating restlessness and sleeping disorders brought on by nervous conditions.

Studies show that 400 - 600 mg of valerian extract taken about one hour before bedtime provides overall relaxation, reduction of tension, and ability to fall asleep.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. In the body, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP , which can then be converted into serotonin, a potent neurotransmitter in the brain.

5-HTP 5 is used to treat mild depression and combat stress, and as a precursor to serotonin it can influence mood, sleep patterns, and a pain control.

Studies show that taking 5-HTP can influence mood, sleep patterns, and pain control - associated with migraine and fybromyalgia.

Melatonin is a hormone humans produce in the pineal gland of the brain. It is used in the body to help regulate sleep/wake cycles: the highest melatonin level is during the night.

Melatonin supplements promote relaxation and sleep, especially for those who have disturbed sleep/wake cycles, such as from jet lag and shift work.

Low dose of the supplement taken 30 - 60 minutes before bedtime can help people sleep better, fall asleep faster and have higher energy and alertness levels in the morning. Especially if one suffers from stress related insomnia.

About the Author

Dr.Inese Millere is Holistic Stress Management coach and consultant who assist women in leadership in creating stress management and work life balance strategies, and healthy lifestyle routines.

If you'd like to talk about coaching with me, please contact me directly at info@action4balance.com with a brief description of your situation.