There are specific herbs that can do just that. Siberian ginseng has been used for centuries, as a tonic in times of stress. It can increase vital energy and stamina, giving you the necessary support to organise the family festivities and still feel like you are enjoying this special, but hectic time of year. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that acts as a strengthening tonic for the nervous system, relieving that ‘tired but wired’ feeling, as you shop for gifts and cross off your never ending, ‘to do’ list. Holy basil, like its name, promotes a sense of wellbeing, as it relieves nerve tension, but also helps increase mental alertness - a necessity, when out and about on the roads during the holiday season.
For those late nights of getting last minute things organised and wrapping gifts, the herb, lemon balm, has a calming effect on the mood and is ideal for people prone to adrenal exhaustion. Hops is another gentle herb for encouraging good sleep and preventing overtiredness. Cordyceps - a quick acting, adaptogenic herb, can help support the fast pace, as we wind down to the end of yet another year. Astragalus however, helps build the immune system, as well as the body’s tolerance, to ongoing, physical stress.
As Christmas day approaches, the pohutukawa trees flower and the sun sets late in the day, people often tend to overindulge. Combined with the stress of balancing end of year work deadlines and children at home, on school holiday, it’s important to support the effects of this physical and mental stress.
It’s a special time for family but also a reflective one - for creating a balance in life. So, while you’re shopping in your local health store or pharmacy, be sure to look out for something that can nourish your adrenals and get you through the craziness called, the “Christmas season.”