Unwind & Unplug: Siberian Ginseng for Stress Relief

Although everyone has experienced stress, it likely manifests a bit differently for each of us.  Stress can be caused by various situations such as pressure to meet work deadlines or the dreaded visit from your in-laws.  It could also be money-related or due to the unfortunate loss of a loved one. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the stress, our bodies actually react to stress almost identically.  

When we’re stressed, our adrenal glands, which are positioned just above our kidneys, release increased amounts of a hormone called cortisol to help prepare our bodies to respond appropriately to the stress. But what happens when you’re in a constant state of stress? Is there a limit to how much cortisol our adrenals can produce? The short and long answers are YES, and it’s important for us to be aware of those limits.

Exceeding those limits lead to adrenal insufficiency and adrenal fatigue. These conditions occur when the adrenals cannot release enough cortisol to keep up with the demand during times of prolonged (chronic) stress. The symptoms often manifest as:

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Unintended changes in weight

• Weakened immunity against infections

• Memory loss; and

• Trouble waking up in the morning, among others.  

Now that we understand the consequences of pushing our bodies beyond their stress-regulating ceilings and recognizing the symptoms, what can we do to avoid this? We can rest our bodies when needed, meditate, eat well, and supplement with herbs such as Siberian Ginseng.  This plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, and has shown to be quite the effective adaptogen.  Adaptogens are plant chemicals that help our bodies restore balance in times of significant shifts - and in this case, stress. In cases of adrenal fatigue, Siberian Ginseng gives our adrenals the boost they need and helps to regulate cortisol levels. Outside of the energy that this magical herb provides to our adrenals in times of deficiencies, it also provides:

• Immunity support

• Blood sugar and metabolism stability

• Support for optimal brain function

• Nourishment for necessary inflammatory responses

Siberian Ginseng Root & Powder

Are you convinced of the effectiveness of Siberian Ginseng yet?  I certainly am! It’s clear that this herb can produce many positive effects on our hormone regulating processes in combination with stress management techniques.  As an extra precaution, consider consulting with a Naturopathic doctor or a Holistic Healer before introducing Siberian Ginseng into your daily regimen, as high doses can cause diarrhea or high blood pressure. However, recommended doses, like what's suggested in my Stress Management Support Supplement plan, typically produce no noticeable side effects, so give your Adrenal Glands a hand with this powerful plant!

NOTE: Soulistic Wellness Center recommends consulting with your physician before beginning a new supplement. Siberian Ginseng may interfere with certain medications that manage diabetes, corticosteroids, and blood thinners.

References:

Boye, Kristen. 5 Herbal Supplements That May Help with Adrenal Fatigue, www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/5-amazing-adaptogenic-herbs-for-adrenal-fatigue. Accessed 2 May 2023. 

Lam, Michael. “Understanding the Ginseng Plant.” Adrenal Health, 28 Aug. 2012, www.drlamcoaching.com/blog/ginseng-plant/. 

Redmer, Jacqueline. “Adrenals .” Adrenal Health, 2014, www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Adrenals.pdf. 

Wszelaki, Magdalena. “8 Herbs for Your Thyroid (Weight Gain, Fatigue, Hair Loss, Dry Skin).” HormonesBalance.Com, 5 Oct. 2020, hormonesbalance.com/articles/8-herbs-thyroid-weight-gain-fatigue-hair-loss-dry-skin/.