The past month for us has been tough with the sudden passing of my father-in-law and my daughter having a horse riding accident. All is now settling down, but the stress has been off the charts, so my eating and 7 Pillars of Wellness all went pear-shaped.
So, like in the past, when I go through a crisis, I call myself into my office. Reassess my life, do one of our naturopathic urine tests and 'get my house in order'.
Even after three days of no sugar, wine or gluten, I feel amazing.
I feel mentally and physically strong, and even though I'm still a single mum juggling three kids and an international business, I feel like I can easily cope compared to feeling totally overwhelmed.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about stress, and since we all need help in this department, I wanted to highlight a hero herb that is a powerhouse to help you thrive.
Rhodiola is one of my favourite adaptogenic herbs. It is also known as Rhodiola rosea or Arctic Root. It helps your mind and body deal with stress better. Like all herbs, it works best in a synergistic blend, like in our Adrenal Complex capsules.
Let's unpack some of the benefits of this powerful herb.
Six Stress Busting Benefits of Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a brilliant team player, and you can amplify its benefits up to ten times by combining it with other synergistic botanicals.
- Modulation of stress hormones: Rhodiola appears to modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body. By helping to balance these hormones, Rhodiola may mitigate the physiological effects of stress.
- Reduction of stress-related symptoms: Research suggests that rhodiola supplementation may help reduce stress symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and feelings of burnout. It's believed to improve energy levels, mood, and cognitive function.
- Mental performance enhancement: Studies indicate that Rhodiola improves cognitive function, including concentration, memory, and mental clarity. By enhancing mental performance, Rhodiola may help individuals better cope with stressors and maintain resilience in challenging situations.
- Protection against oxidative stress: Rhodiola exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By reducing oxidative stress, Rhodiola may protect cells from damage caused by chronic stress and promote overall health and resilience.
- Regulation of neurotransmitters: Rhodiola is thought to influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood regulation, and balancing their levels may contribute to the herb's stress-relieving effects.
- Improvement of physical endurance: Rhodiola has been traditionally used to enhance physical endurance and stamina, which can be beneficial during periods of stress when the body may need additional support to cope with physical and mental demands.
It's important to note that while Rhodiola shows promise as a natural remedy for stress reduction, individual responses may vary, and more research is needed to understand its mechanisms of action and effectiveness fully.
Additionally, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
While incorporating these herbs into your diet may help manage stress, it's also essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, and so on.
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