Relieving Our Modern Stress Epidemic Using Natural Remedies

Stress is regrettably a common by-product of contemporary life. We can experience stress at work, school, in our relationships, even from peer-pressure. Stress is how our body responds to physical, emotional, mental or social conditions which are affecting us. The conditions may be good ones or bad ones; they may create tension or excitement.

Stress is normally not avoidable and can be due to social conditions, a change in situations, a particular event like a wedding, birth, or job situation, or it may be attributable to health, childbirth, financial situations, or illness.

Stress can show itself in many ways including surfacing as fatigue, headaches, backaches, muscle pain, stiffness in your neck, decreased appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, a lower than normal sex drive, changes in your sleep patterns, and also shallow breathing. Stress may lead to illnesses including high blood pressure, skin disorders, cancer, obesity and even heart attacks.

It is crucial to learn how to cope with the stress in our lives in order to prevent illnesses which stem from stress. There are numerous natural remedies which can be used to help alleviate the experiences and consequences of stress.

One natural remedy is to take 1 tsp. of valerian rhizome, 1 tsp. of licorice root, 1 tsp. of Siberian ginseng root, and blend these together. Take 1 tsp. of this mixture by mouth every 3 to 4 hours.

Another natural remedy from India is to use Ashwaganda herb. This herb improves your mental and physical performance, relaxes brain waves and helps to cut down stress, especially in persons who work long hours, experience anxiety, reduced sexual drive, or those who experience fatigue.

You can take the herb Ginkgo biloba to help improve your circulation as well as to enhance brain activity.

Licorice Root will help protect you from the negative effects of stress, step-up your energy level and strengthen your immune system.

Taking the above herbs will also help you get better, more restful sleep. It is crucial to get enough rest when contending with stress.

It's also very important to learn how to think and speak in an affirmative and positive manner. When people put themselves down in thought or speech, they actually help create their own stress. Another terrific stress reducer is to take time for yourself by doing something you enjoy or by taking a weekend to do something you have always wanted to do.

Also make use of aromatherapy by using essential oils in a warm bath and going for a long soak (20-30 minutes) in order to relax muscles and release tension.

The essential oil blends below can help during times of stress. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy shouldn't be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Blend #1

* 6 drops Clary Sage
* 2 drops Lemon
* 2 drops Lavender

Blend #2

* 4 drops Roman Chamomile
* 4 drops Lavender
* 2 drops Vetiver

Blend #3

* 6 drops Bergamot
* 2 drops Geranium
* 2 drops Frankincense

Blend #4

* 6 drops Grapefruit
* 2 drops Jasmine
* 2 drops Ylang Ylang

Directions:

Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you'd like to use the blend - in a diffuser, as a bath oil (put 5-10 drops in 1/4 cup of Epsom Salts or Baking Soda and add to bath while water is running), as a massage oil (add blend to 2 Tbsp of Carrier or Pure Vegetable oil), as a perfume (put 1-2 drops on temples and sides of neck), or as an air freshener (add to 1/4 cup distilled water and put into spray bottle - spray where and as needed).

Dee Braun is a Cert. Aromatherapist & Dr. of Reflexology who teaches Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Color/Crystal Therapy at http://www.AlternativeHealingAcademy.com/. Visit the Alternative Healing Academy, which offers home study courses in several natural healing methods. Payment plans are available!