Everyone knows about stress. A stressful situation every now and then isn’t a bad thing for some people, but if stress becomes a constant companion, it can become problematic. This article explains the effect of stress on the adrenal glands, how cortisol works, and which medicinal plants can help you manage stress better.
Stress and the adrenal glands
Let’s imagine for a moment that we are a rabbit running away from a fox. Our hearts are pounding, we are sweating and running for our lives. We have two options: either we run away from the fox or we don’t. If we are fast enough, we will return to the field and calmly graze our grass. Your heart rate will decrease, your muscles will relax and food can be digested again. During our escape, stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) were at their highest and then returned to normal levels. Many people experience this or something similar in their daily lives. Most people find it difficult to balance the myriad stressors of today’s lifestyle.
The stress response
Although each person reacts to stress differently, each reaction is based on the interaction between the autonomic nervous system, the so-called sympathetic (fight or flight) response and the parasympathetic (rest and relaxation) response. Our response to stress occurs primarily through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Both the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are located in the brain. The adrenal glands, on the other hand, are small endocrine organs located above the kidneys. When stressed, the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland, which in turn sends signals to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.”
Read more
Banana tea: what is this home remedy for sleep disorders?How does cortisol work?
Cortisol is an exciting and amazing hormone at the same time, even if it has a very bad reputation. This hormone is released in response to the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). It is essential for the functioning of carbohydrate, protein, lipid and hydrogen metabolism. Without this hormone we would die in a short time. Cortisol releases glucose (sugar) in the liver and provides cells with energy to respond to the stressful situation. In addition, attention, motivation and concentration are promoted. As in the case of the escaping rabbit, blood pressure also increases, the immune system is suppressed and digestion stops. The parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relaxation), on the other hand, promotes the growth, regeneration and healing of the body.
Short and long term stress
The effect of cortisol is ideal in short stressful situations. However, if these conditions persist, stress becomes chronic. So the brain constantly instructs the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This constantly elevated level of stress hormones can make the body resistant to cortisol and prevent us from responding adequately to stress. Over time, such high levels can exhaust the adrenal glands and lead to an imbalance in the cortisol axis, also known as adrenal fatigue. This is not a disease of the body, but rather an abnormal reaction of the body.
Get to know and use the power of nature better again
Many active substances are found in local healing and wild plants, which we can easily find in many areas. Our goal is to promote awareness of this age-old knowledge concerning medicinal plants. For this reason, we have chosen to share the herbal information that we collect here on the blog, also available in print.
Among various resources, you will discover our book *With Wild Herbs and Medicinal Plants All Year Round* (available here), which provides a seasonal guide to exploring the interesting world of wild herbs. The book contains detailed descriptions of plants along with our own pictures, plus helpful tips for filling your medicine cabinet and improving your cooking. To support this, we’ve designed a reusable *Seasonal Calendar of Wild Herbs* (available here), which can be used annually. For our younger fans, we present a children’s discovery book. *Ben and Mara Discover the World of Wild Herbs* (available here) encourages both children and adults to discover the wonders of wild herbs together.
Read more
Does rhubarb flower? You should avoid these 3 mistakes now, otherwise the harvest will be finished!The children’s book is especially good as a practical book, because besides the story featuring Ben and Mara, there is also a kid-friendly encyclopedia of wild herbs, plus tips and recipes. Visit our online witch herb shop above. There you will also find our other items such as our nettle book “Nettle – queen of wild plants“ (available here) and our new Magazine of the Cantina delle Erbe (available here)
Plants for better stress management
Various (medicinal) plants have proven effective or have already been used to cope with stress. Such plants are often called adaptogens because they can help the body adapt better to stressful situations.
Rosenwürz
A plant long known in traditional Asian and Eastern European medicine. Rosenwürz it can improve physical and mental performance, increase concentration and reduce cortisol levels in the body. The plant can also be useful in case of exhaustion.
Licorice
Licorice root can strengthen nerves and the brain, reduce inflammation in the body, and improve the stress response. It has the ability to improve stamina and vision. Licorice can also be a support for the stomach and intestinal tract. Be careful, licorice can increase blood pressure.
Read more
Can you still eat wild garlic after it has flowered or is it poisonous?Passionsblume
Traditionally, the plant was used in Europe to treat restlessness and excitement. Passionflower can improve sleep and relieve anxiety caused by stress. Passionflower is often used as a mild sedative valerian or other combined medicinal plants. Passionflower is native to South America and was used mainly by indigenous people to treat insomnia. The passionflower herb is rich in essential oils and flavonoids and has a very delicate taste.
Meliss
A plant that pleases the heart and soul and is good for adults and children. Melissa it can be used against anxiety, nervousness, stress, sleep disorders, nervous tension or to improve mood. In typical midsummer dishes, lemon balm imparts a half-mint, half-lemon flavor or adds a special touch to a summer drink.
In addition to (medicinal) plants, relaxing activities such as meditation, Tai Chi, yoga can help you deal with stress better and brig your adrenal glands back into balance. Time spent in nature, moderate exercise, nutrient-rich foods, sleep hygiene or conscious, deep breathing are other important steps on the way back to balance. Spending just about 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels. The key is to be truly aware of nature and your surroundings: observe the sky, the birds or the trees, even if you are perhaps sitting on a bench in the middle of a noisy city. The entire lifestyle with all its facets is essential to restore balance.
Tea blend for the evening
Nature has many herbs that can help you sleep better. Sleep Tea Plus has a lemony and delicate flavour. With the evening ritual of a cup of tea you can leave the day behind and consciously unplug to find peace. We developed this tea blend together with Lebenskraftpur and combined the most important medicinal plants for us into the tea. Here you can have tea www.ein Schlaftee.de
Read more
Cut Barbara’s branch on December 4thIs it possible to measure stress too?
Stress itself cannot be measured with a blood test. However, the stress hormone cortisol does. This can be done, for example, with a blood test, a saliva test or a urine test. You can order a test here to determine your daily cortisol profile
latest posts published
how to recognize the problem and how to save your lawn
Growing Peas for Beginners: Here’s What You Need to Know
3 ways to clean the gaps between pebbles – without chemicals!
Collecting sprouts: the most common mistakes
my review on the greenhouse harvest –
Which plants and how to cover the garden at the end of winter?
Take care of the graves in autumn, so that they are beautiful even in spring
what you will find in Lithuania if you decide to try it
English style: how to create one in Lithuania
