In many ways, stress is not a bad thing. It keeps us motivated. But excess stress that interferes with our daily activities is a cause for much concern.
Stress not only affects us physically and psychologically, but it also impacts us emotionally. Some common symptoms that most of us experience include rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, change in appetite, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness and irrational anger.
While we cannot avoid stress altogether, it can be managed effectively. Check out these stress-busting Ayurvedic herbs.
Tulsi
When you are stressed, high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones are released in the body, leading to poor digestion, increased appetite and weight gain. Tulsi helps maintain healthy cortisol levels by reducing stress. It is specially effective in issues of emotional eating and digestion.
Brahmi
{{/usCountry}}Brahmi
{{/usCountry}}It provides support to the nervous system as a whole. Brahmi helps open the mind, disentangle jumbled thoughts, balance emotions and ease anxiety.
Ashwagandha
For centuries it has been used as a ‘rasayana’ – a tonic for physical and mental health. Ashwagandha helps balance the body’s reserves, thus helping us adapt to stress. It also strengthens the body’s physiological and mental functions.
Chamomile tea
Sip a cup of chamomile tea when you have a stressful, hectic schedule. It will also take care of insomnia caused by stress.
Shankhpushpi
It increases mental strength and improves memory, concentration and the ability to recall what has been memorised. This herb is beneficial for stress disorders, sleeplessness, and mental debility. It works exceptionally well for mental fatigue – the condition in which a person feels persistent lethargy and inability to concentrate.
From HT Brunch, October 21, 2018
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