Herbs For Dealing With High Levels Of Anxiety ~ Mikael Howerton

For those of you who are dealing with high levels of anxiety.

These herbs will help to strengthen your Adrenal glands!

I Love Adaptogenic herbs

How Adaptogens Work

Adaptogens are truly remarkable in that the chemicals
they contain actually help to normalize adrenal function.

They calm and nourish the adrenal glands,
and support the processes that are controlled by the adrenals

– from blood sugar and immune system regulation,
to hormones and blood pressure.

Amazingly, they work whether you are experiencing adrenal
over-stimulation, or adrenal fatigue.

In fact, not only do they help you to adapt,

but they also adapt to your particular biochemical needs!
Ashwagandha,
The Soothing Adaptogen
Ashwagandha has over 4,000 years of traditional use in India.

It is considered both a food and a tonic medicine
for improving energy, memory and learning, promoting libido,
and preventing premature aging.

Ashwagandha is calming and anti-inflammatory.

It is used to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, improve memory,
and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
(damage from inflammation).

It boosts the immune system, is included in the treatment
of arthritis and can be beneficial in the treatment of fertility challenges.

Dose: 3 to 6 grams of the dried herb in capsule form daily
OR 1 to 4 mL (20-80 drops) of tincture, in water, 3 times per day

Rhodiola
The Spirit Calming, Anti-Anxiety Adaptogen

Rhodiola extract helps promote a calm emotional state
and supports strong mental performance, optimal immune function,
and hormonal balance. It is a key adaptogen for reducing anxiety.

It improves mental and physical stamina, improves sleep,
and reduces stress, “burn out,” and irritability.

It boosts the immune system, decreases the frequency of colds
and infections, and reduces inflammation.

It is used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

as well as fibromyalgia. It can be beneficial for poor appetite

and as part of a treatment plan for chronic stress headaches.

Dose: 200-400 mg in capsules or tablets daily
OR 2-3 mL (40-60 drops) of tincture, in water, 2-3 times daily.

Use products standardized to 2-3% rosavin and 0.8-1% salidroside

Holy Basil:

The Vitalizer

Holy or “sacred” basil has been revered in India
for over 5,000 years as an herb that calms the mind and spirit,
and promotes longevity.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is called Tulsi, which means “incomparable one.”

It is used to improve energy and relieve fatigue,
for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions,
and to lower blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol.

Holy basil may also protect the liver, helps with nicotine withdrawal,
and elevates the mood, especially providing relief from mild depression.

While this herb is related to common basil,
it is a different species and common basil is not a substitute.

Dose: 2-3 mL (40–60 drops) of tincture, in water, three times daily

Cautions: None known.

Shatavari:
The Hormonal Harmonizer,
Queen of Women’s Adaptogen
s
Shatavari is considered the “Queen of Herbs”
in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is beloved
as one of the most powerful rejuvenating tonics for women.

It is nourishing and calming, as well as hormonally balancing; it is used for irritability and many hormonal imbalances affecting the mood, for example, emotional symptoms of PMS and menopause.

It is also used as a fertility tonic and may be used for vaginal dryness,
low libido, and sleep problems in perimenopause.

In addition, research suggests benefits for improving immunity,
antioxidant activity, improved insulin secretion,
reduction in gastric acidity, and the prevention of stress ulcers.

It has mild estrogenic and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Dose: 2-4 mL (40-80 drops) of tincture, in water, 2-3 times daily
`
B-Complex vitamins: Research has found that
vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with stress
on the adrenal cortex in some animals.

Vitamin B5 is another commonly deficient vitamin
in people with adrenal stress.

Especially if you’re reducing or eliminating meat
from your diet in order to fight adrenal fatigue
, it may serve you well to take a high-quality B-comple
x vitamin supplement.
`
Licorice root: This spice is available in extract form
and helps to increase the DHEA in your body.

Licorice root is associated with some side effects
and may sometimes be avoided by taking DGL licorice.

Pregnant women and those with heart, liver
or kidney problems should avoid
licorice root. Don’t take it for more than four weeks at a time.
`
Fish oil (EPA/DHA): There are a large number of benefits
of supplementing with fish oil
(or, for people on vegan or other plant-based diets, algal oil).

Several of these include counteracting a number
of adrenal fatigue-related symptoms and complications,
such as diabetes, mental dysfunction, arthritis,
immune system function, skin issues, weight gain and anxiety/depression.
`
Magnesium: For some time, magnesium
has been understood as one of the necessary nutrients
for fighting adrenal insufficiency, a medical condition

I’ll dive into below.

While the mechanisms of this aren’t fully understood,
you may benefit from supplementing with magnesium
if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
`.
Vitamin C: Known as a “stress-busting” nutrient,
vitamin C has been found to minimize the effects
of stress on people as well as reduce the time necessary
to bounce back from stressful events.
`
Vitamin D: In addition to maintaining homeostasis
between magnesium and phosphorus in the body
and supporting strong bones,
Vitamin D has also more recently been seen
to have impact on other conditions,
including adrenal dysfunction and disease.

Selenium: At least one animal study
has found that selenium deficiency
can negatively impact adrenal function.

Lavender oil: Human and animal studies show
that lavender essential oil has a calming effect
that can reduce stress.

Research also suggests that it may lower high cortisol levels when inhaled.

Rosemary oil: Rosemary essential oil (along with lavender)
can help to decrease cortisol concentrations
and reduce oxidative stress on cells.

I always recommend using whole-food-based supplements
from reputable companies and using only 100 percent,
therapeutic grade, USDA Certified Organic essential oils.

Make sure you trust what you’re purchasing.

~Mikael Howerton

Mikael Howerton of facebook

 

Susan Lynne Schwenger asks:
what is B3 for ?

• Mikael Howerton says:
  
  Niacin is an incredibly important water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in many aspects of health,
  from brain function to heart health and beyond.
  Although associated with a number of potential niacin side effects,
  it’s also one of the few micronutrients frequently prescribed by physicians
  to treat health concerns like high cholesterol, skin conditions, schizophrenia and more
  — through both supplementation and niacin foods.
  
  So what is niacin good for, and how can it improve your health?
  
  Keep reading for everything you need to know about this essential vitamin
  and why you should make sure you’re getting enough in your diet.
  
  What Is Niacin?
  
  Vitamin B3, also called niacin vitamin and niacinamide,
  is an important lipid-altering, water-soluble vitamin
  that can be found in many common foods, including certain types of meats
  and organ meats, tuna fish, seeds, mushrooms and more.
  
  It is a part of the vitamin B complex, along with other B vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine),
  vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and others. Vitamin B3, which is usually referred to as niacin,
  comes in three forms: nicotinic acid, niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate.
  
  Vitamin B3 niacin has been studied extensively and has been shown to aid in treating
  a wide range of many commonly occurring health problems.
  
  So what is niacin used for, what does niacin do to the body
  and how can it affect your health? Vitamin B3 is an important vitamin
  for maintaining a healthy heart and metabolism,
  plus aiding in the balance of blood cholesterol levels.
  
  In addition, it helps with brain function, skin health and even preventing or treating diabetes. (1)
  
  However, according to recent studies, there are several well-known niacin side effects
  that can occur when taking niacin-containing medications or supplements in high doses.
  
  The most common side effects of niacin are headaches, dizziness and low blood pressure.
  
  Keep reading for a complete list of niacin uses, possible side effects, benefits, sources and signs of deficiency.
  
  Health Benefits
  
  While there are some known niacin side effects that could potentially be dangerous,
  there are also many benefits to consuming plenty of vitamin B3 foods
  or considering supplementation. Here are some things that niacin therapy can help with.
  
  1. Improves Cholesterol Levels
  
  Niacin is considered an important treatment option for helping to lower cholesterol levels.
  
  This is because niacin has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease in patients
  with mixed dyslipidemia, which is an elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides or both.
  
  In studies, supplementing with niacin has been shown to be very beneficial
  for those who are at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke or other forms
  of heart disease caused by having high levels of bad LDL cholesterol levels,
  low levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol or increased triglyceride levels. (2)
  
  Several studies have shown that niacin can boost levels of good HDL cholesterol
  and lower triglycerides just as well as certain prescription drugs when given in high doses.
  
  (3) Plus, niacin also helps lower bad LDL cholesterol.
  
  In fact, it’s commonly prescribed in combination with statins
  for cholesterol control alongside medications like Crestor, Lescol or Lipitor. (4)
  
  2. May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
  Aside from helping balance cholesterol and triglycerides,
  vitamin B3 has other benefits for heart health,
  including the ability to reduce atherosclerosis,
  which is the dangerous hardening of the arteries that can lead to coronary heart disease.
  
  For those who have already suffered from cardiac arrest or heart disease,
  including having a previous heart attack, vitamin B3 can help reduce the risk of recurrence
  by lowering levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood,
  which is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.
  
  In one 24-week trial, men with high lipoprotein saw declines in lipoprotein(a)
  levels when treated with high-dose, extended-release niacin. (5)
  
  3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
  One of the biggest benefits of niacin is its ability to balance blood sugar levels
  and help control diabetes symptoms. In fact, it’s believed that vitamin B3
  in the form of niacinamide benefits diabetes by improving the function of beta cells,
  which are the cells that are responsible for the production of insulin. (6)
  
  Not only are diabetic patients often able to effectively control blood sugar levels
  better with the help of niacin, but niacin might also lower their risk of high blood cholesterol
  and heart disease, both of which are commonly seen in people with diabetes. (7)
  
  It’s important to note that some research suggests that niacin might
  also contribute to complications with rising blood sugar levels,
  so if you have any known condition related to high blood sugar,
  speak with your doctor before supplementing with any form of niacin
  to avoid unwanted niacin side effects. (8)
  
  4. Improves Skin Health
  Some people use niacin or niacinamide for improving skin health
  and treating conditions like acne and inflammation.
  
  In fact, vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide is prescribed
  as a natural skin care treatment to help clear acne
  when applied to the skin topically, and other people choose to take niacin
  or B vitamin complex supplements to reduce symptoms. (9)
  
  Because niacin is able to reduce skin inflammation, flare-ups, irritation,
  
  redness and more, it is also used for treating skin conditions
  
  like bullous pemphigoid and granuloma annulare. (10, 11)
  
  These are two inflammatory conditions that involve blistering of the skin,
  causing symptoms like pain and an increased risk of infection.
  
  5. Supports Brain Function
  Studies have shown that vitamin B3 benefits brain health
  and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related brain disorders linked to cognitive decline. (12)
  
  Niacin or niacinamide is also used for treating and preventing schizophrenia and hallucinations. (13) Plus, some studies and case reports have found therapeutic effects ❤️