When Stress Becomes a Burden: Healing Powers from European Naturopathy

When treating stress, methods and remedies from complementary medicine are the preferred choice. As an experienced naturopath and phytotherapist, I will briefly explain the most important aspects of stress and the appropriate therapeutic methods and medicinal plants.

We all live in a fast-paced and hectic world. Stress-related illnesses are on the rise. The fact that the WHO already described stress in 2016 as one of the greatest health risks of the 21st century is alarming.

Stress is perceived differently by each individual. Short-term stress does no harm, but if stress persists over a long period, it can lead to consequences such as insomnia, cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, exhaustion, and more.

The main causes of stress often include heavy workloads, high expectations of oneself, illness of close relatives, personal conflicts, constant availability, financial worries, and the challenge of balancing work and family life.

That’s why it is important to identify the sources of stress in your personal environment in order to initiate change. This requires awareness, strength, determination, and time.

Medicinal Plants for Stress

Over time, plants have always had to adapt, developing numerous defense and adaptation mechanisms. They too are exposed to stress from environmental influences. Adaptation is a vital and ever-present necessity. To protect themselves, plants produce substances that maintain their health. These are known as secondary plant compounds. In herbal medicine, plants are used whose secondary compounds have healing effects on the human body.

Some of these plants thrive in extreme climates and have learned to adapt. A few of them stand out among medicinal plants and often belong to the group of adaptogens. These plants are traditionally regarded as particularly potent tonics. They were known and used in all traditional medical systems throughout history.

Adaptogens – the True Stress Plants

Effects of AdaptogensThey regulate cortisol levels, reduce stress responses, stabilize energy levels, promote resilience, and sustainably regenerate the nervous system.

General Adaptogens as a Basic Treatment

• Rhodiola (Rosenwurz)

• Ginseng

• Eleuthero / Siberian Ginseng (Taigawurzel)

• Schisandra

• Ashwagandha

• Jiaogulan

  
  

Local Wild Plants as Adaptogens

• Valerian

• Oat straw

• Hops

Medicinal Plants Targeting Specific Organ Systems

• Restlessness and Nervousness

  Passionflower, lavender, valerian, chamomile, lemon balm

• Exhaustion

  St. John’s wort, nettle, nettle seeds, oats, ginseng

• Anxiety Disorders

  Passionflower, ashwagandha, lavender

• Sleep Disorders

  Valerian, passionflower, lavender, lemon balm, ashwagandha

• Chronic Headaches

  Butterbur, meadowsweet

• Nervous Digestive Issues

  Calamus, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, angelica, wormwood

• Nervous Heart Complaints

  Valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, hawthorn, motherwort, lavender

• Hormonal Imbalances

  Chaste tree (Vitex), wild yam, lady’s mantle, licorice

• Depression

  St. John’s wort

Autho: Claudia Zeller-Schaffner, naturopath TEN