Stress is a common problem in the UK and can be brought on by fraught work or life situations, leaving you feeling exhausted, lowering your immune system and affecting your mental health.
But there are natural ways to help beat stress, including a group of plants called adaptogens. There are around 20 plants that fit into this category, including herbs that can relieve stress.
The term 'adaptogen' was coined in 1947 by a Russian pharmacologist who was studying the stress-busting properties of herbs often used in traditional Chinese medicine. These specific non-toxic plants are used as ingredients in food, teabags, smoothies and skincare.
According to GP and nutritionist, Dr Sarah Brewer, they work by helping the body change its response to stress.
'When you're under stress your adrenal glands are pumping out the hormone cortisol, which makes your heart race, constricts blood vessels and generally prepares your body to fight or flee the threat - which might once have been a sabre-toothed tiger, but now is more likely to be chronic stress sitting at your computer,' she told Mail Online.
'When the threat was a tiger, the exercise involved in fleeing or fighting would reset your body back to normal, but with modern stress you don't burn off or use up the chemicals it produces.
'That's where adaptogens come in - they have a balancing effect and seem to help reset that stress response.'
Here are five of the best adaptogens for beating stress…
- Rhodiola
This evergreen perennial is found in cold, mountainous areas of Europe, Asia, and the Arctic. The plant is used as a herbal remedy for anxiety, fatigue, infections and depression linked to stress.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is part of the nightshade family of plants, and can help relieve stress, exhaustion, lack of energy and boost concentration.
- Jujube
The jujube tree is small and deciduous with thorny branches, and produces edible fruit. It is grown around the world and used as an ingredient in many foods. The fruit is sugared, pickled, smoked, or made into tea or wine – tasty and great for combatting stress.
- Tulsi
A widely used ingredient in foods around the world, tulsi is an aromatic perennial plant, and works at relieving stress. In Hinduism, tulsi is even believed to be the elixir of life.
- Maca
Maca is a herbaceous biennial found in the Andes of Peru. The root is used in cooking, in its vegetable or powder form. Along with combatting stress it is also used as a remedy for the symptoms of menopause.
