RELAX With These 3 Natural Stress-Fighting Ingredients
As a society that is constantly on the go, stress is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean we can’t fight back! Like many stressful situations, we naturally try our best to solve the issues that cripple our sanity. In celebration of Stress Awareness Month, we’re here to share 3 natural ingredients to combat stress. Whether you battle with anxiety or are looking to simply RELAX - Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and 5-HTP are natural ingredients that may help you!
Ashwagandha
As the most researched and well known Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha has over 4,000 years of traditional holistic use. Originating from India, this ancient medicinal herb has healing properties that help with:
- Fatigue
- Concentration
- Stress, and more!
Although it offers many health benefits, we are only going to focus on how it reduces cortisol levels or the “stress hormone.” Because ashwagandha is both an adaptogen (herbs that stabilize physiology) and a tonic to the adrenal glands, this helps the body resist and adapt to physical, chemical, and biological stressors.
A double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study was published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. Researchers gathered 64 adults dealing with chronic stress for this 60-day study. Over the course of the study, half of the participants were given a placebo and the other half 300 mg of Ashwagandha extract twice a day. Results indicated that the cortisol (stress) levels in the ashwagandha group were reduced by almost 28%! (1)
Chamomile
Yes, like the tea! Chamomile is a natural herb that comes from a daisy-like flower; and like ashwagandha has been used for traditional medicine for centuries. Because it is packed with antioxidants, Chamomile has many healthy properties, such as:
- Lowering the Risk of Cancer
- Reducing Inflammation
- Improving Sleep Quality Relieving Stress & Anxiety
As mentioned, when suffering from chronic stress high quantities of cortisol are released. When this happens, it also increases inflammation as our body naturally reacts to the stress levels. However, chamomile helps treat these symptoms! When used as an aqueous extract, or tea, Chamomile can be used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety. (2) It has also been used to treat individuals that battle with a generalized anxiety disorder.
5-HTP
5- Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid within our bodies. This neurotransmitter contributes to the production of serotonin (one of our “happy” hormones). Although our body naturally generates 5-HTP, there are over the counter supplements of 5-HTP. This is incredibly beneficial for those who lack serotonin in the brain, as low levels of serotonin are attributed to feelings of depression and anxiety. Some researchers believe that these low levels may also trigger migraine headaches! The headaches often associated with stress. One study found that when taking 5-HTP daily it significantly decreased the number of migraine headaches by 71%! (3) Along with these benefits, 5-HTP increases the production of melatonin. The hormone that is responsible for regulating sleep.
As you can see, stress is okay and naturally occurring. However, when unmanaged and chronic, it can negatively affect one’s body. Luckily, our ZOË NATURALS supplement - RELAX contains all three of these natural ingredients and more! Take hold of your stress and buy a bottle today! You deserve to RELAX.
Dr. Jason Olafsson
