Clinical Nutrition/Herbs for Stress Reduction

Correction of nutrient insufficiencies often results in alleviation of tension and allows the body to better cope with stress. One example is from a study that found subjects who were supplemented with gamma linolenic acid had less exaggerated blood pressure response to performing a challenging mental task.

Many herbs (such as Valerian and Oats) have relaxing qualities without the strong or addictive side effects of medication. Several herbs are also adaptogens-they enable the body to more efficiently adapt to stress. Siberian Ginseng and Schisandra are examples of adaptogens.