There’s no hiding from it, stress in todays day and ago is almost lurking in every corner… from home life, work and office politics to the constant connections of being online. While it’s hard to prevent, there are however some things we can do to help combat the effects it has on our body (hello gut health, digestion and sleep troubles!)

While exercise, a diet high in wholefoods with lots of pre and probiotics is a great start (as is meditation, just sayin), another piece in the puzzle which may be currently missing for you, is herbal medicine.

Unfortunately, modern medicine can neglect the things we need to do to ‘calm the farm’ and respond to the effects stress has on our body, like skin breakouts, lower immunity, anxiety and lethargy, luckily for us there is a natural solution using herbs which can be a really great place to start for stress management and adrenal support.

But where to begin?

Let’s start with adaptogens, which are botanicals or natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors such as too much anxiety or too little energy. One well-known example is ginseng which according to a recent review published in the Current Clinical Pharmacology (and herbalists everywhere) others include: Schisandra, Ashwagandha, Withania, Nettle and Licorice just to name a few.

Adaptogens can also allow the body to be more balanced; reducing mental and physical stress; and improving memory, attention, muscle strength, and muscle recovery.

So rather than reach for that second or third cup of coffee to get that caffeine fit, maybe try reaching for an organic herbal tea full of adrenal loving, stress fighting herbs?

You can see your herbalist to get a blend created just for you or try something off the shelf:

DRINK IT

Little Wildling Co ‘Alive + Energize’ 

This bad boy features ingredients such as:  Marshmallow, Withania (Ashwagandha), Gingko Biloba, Dandelion, Yerba Mate, Turmeric Root, Siberian Ginseng, Bacopa (Brahmi) and Licorice.

Perfect for when you need an energy boost minus the caffeine, or when brain fog kicks in.

Little Wildling Co ‘I Need A Moment’ 

This blend isn’t called Valium in a tea pot for nothing. It is oh so calming, will help take the edge off stress and encourages sleep faster than counting sheep. Ingredients include a calming blend of Chamomile, Passionflower, Lavender, Hyssops, Valerian.

TAKE IT

Go Healthy GO ASHWAGANDHA 8,000+ STRESS & ENERGY 1-A-DAY contains the herb Ashwagandha which has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine to support memory and mental recall. This formula also contains Vitamin B5 which supports energy levels, energy production and assists the body to cope with environmental stress, and Siberian Ginseng which supports physical stamina.

MOVE IT

We get it, exercising can literally be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re feeling stress BUT working up a sweat can often be the fast way to relief and pump up your feel-good endorphins and other natural neural chemicals that enhance your sense of well-being. Exercise can also refocus your mind on your body’s movements, which can improve your mood and help the day’s irritations fade away. Try walking, jogging, gardening, housecleaning, biking, swimming, weightlifting or anything else that gets you active. Many of your favourite studios offer free workouts via Instagram and their IGTV section, we’re currently loving Fluid Form Pilates.