Sunshine Sharing

Coping Naturally with Anxiety and Enervation


No matter where we live or what our occupation—we can’t escape it. Stress! It’s present in everyone’s life to one degree or another. A certain amount of stress is good for us. It offers a challenge, an opportunity to expand and grow. The pressures and demands of life just “get” to us sometimes and we start to feel wired up, pressured, anxious, frazzled, frayed, uptight, tense, frustrated until we start to feel overwhelmed in our ability to cope. If this keeps up long enough, the nervous system becomes depleted and exhausted, a condition traditionally called enervation. In modern society we call it “burnout.”

Experts estimate that long term stress is the cause of up to 90 percent of illnesses. A recent study showed stressed workers cost the health care system almost 50 percent more than their less-stressed associates. Hence, stress is one of the underlying causes of illness that all of us need to address. Chronic stress produces a high state of anxiety. Anxiety is described as an unpleasant emotional state ranging from mild tension to profound fear. A little anxiety is normal and seems to improve performance. But when anxiety becomes chronic, the nerves are in a constant state of alertness. There is a feeling of constant danger, even when there is no obvious or immediate threat.

The nerves become hypersensitive to everything and little irritations rapidly become major problems. This fatigues the nervous system, leading to restless sleep, mental confusion and chronic fatigue (i.e. enervation).

To understand anxiety and enervation, we first need to understand the flight/fight response. When we are exposed to a threat, our body releases hormones from the adrenal glands, adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline creates heightened activity in the body that prepares us for maximum physical exertion. Cortisol reduces inflammation so that injuries can be temporarily ignored.

This is all great if we’re defending ourselves against a mugger or running away from a bear. However, when these chemical are released daily due to ordinary stresses at work and home, these chemicals take their toll on your body. They exhaust our immune system, shut down our digestion, raise our blood pressure, increase our heart rate and impair our eliminative functions. This issue will help us understand anxiety and enervation and how we can deal with it naturally. So relax, and read on...


Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety
The most common symptoms relate to the chest. They include palpitations (hard and faster heart beat), throbbing or stabbing pains, a feeling of tightness and inability to take in enough air, and a tendency to sigh or take large
breaths.
Restlessness, tremoring hands, memory loss, and fatigue are also common effects. Other symptoms include tension of the muscles, which leads to headaches, spasms in the neck, back pains, grasping too tightly, and an inability to relax. Canker sores, lingering colds, skin disorders, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea (sometimes vomiting), changes in appetite, constipation, and frequent burping may also be experienced.

There are also some externally obvious side effects to anxiety. Sweating, blushing, a constant need to urinate, light-headedness, and yawning are some of the problems that occur as a result of fears. People with anxiety usually feel that something bad is about to happen. They might worry that they have a chronic illness and the symptoms listed above support this theory. They may also think their safety or the safety of family members or friends is compromised and that they are in danger. This fear leads to increasing dependence on others, irritability, fatigue, trouble getting to sleep and waking, frightening dreams, and a state of being easily frustrated. If you look at a person and they have dark circles under their eyes and their tongue and hands quiver, they’re probably enervated—especially if they are also having trouble sleeping.

Nutrition for Your Nerves
The foods we eat make a difference in how we react to and cope with life. Increasing consumption of complex carbohydrates and highprotein foods can improve our ability to cope with anxiety. Whole grains, vegetables, beans, raw seeds, and nuts all raise blood sugar levels gradually, then stabilize them. However, protein blocks production of serotonin, which acts as a sleep inducer, therefore you may not want to eat high-protein foods at dinner time because it could interrupt a good night’s sleep.

* Magnesium helps produce prostaglandins. A deficiency leads to an overproduction of lactic acid, which encourages enervation.
* Zinc supports the body in the absorption of B vitamins. It also balances high blood sugar levels. Vitamins may also be helpful.
* Vitamin B5 strengthens the adrenal gland, which is often compromised by anxiety.
* Vitamin B6 helps produce prostaglandins, which relax smooth muscle tissue. A lack of B6 in the diet can cause poor sleeping habits.
* Inositol is a B-complex vitamin which acts as a mild tranquilizer. (See B complex)
* Vitamin C supports immunity and discourages sleepiness.

Avoid the consumption of the following foods and beverages.
* Alcohol is thought of as a sedative, however it can intensify anxiety and irritability.
* Coffee and chocolate have caffeine, a stimulant that interferes with sleep and triggers the release of adrenaline and therefore increases enervation.
* Refined sugar digests quickly and raises blood sugar levels dramatically. The body then experiences a series of highs and lows brought on by the blood sugar ups and downs, which makes one less able to cope with stress.

The Psychology of Anxiety
Freud coined the term “anxiety neurosis” and believed that anxiety stems from repressed or unresolved childhood experiences. At first he thought that anxiety was a result of unsatisfied sexual needs, but later concluded that a lack of bonding and child-parent separations are the cause the fears behind anxiety. Anxiety neurosis is diagnosed if the person has had at least one definite period of anxiety accompanied with at least one physical or psychological symptom that impairs normal activity. There are three types of physical and psychological disorders involved, which include: Posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

** Posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with a serious specific event (like rape, battlefield experiences or accidents) and symptoms include reliving the event in dreams and a general feeling of numbness and lack of involvement.

** Panic disorders are characterized by sudden attacks of panic (extreme unreasonable fear and anxiety), while phobias are dominated by irrational fears that lead to avoidance of certain situations or objects, such as open spaces or spiders.

** Obsessive-compulsive behavior are recurrent, ritualized, persistent thoughts or habits. Behavioral psychologists believe that anxiety is a learned response to experiences, for example, pain or mental discomfort. At first this anxiety serves to drive people to improved learning and performance, but eventually it becomes a habit that is brought on by the slightest difficulty.

Once it becomes a habit enervation impairs performance and thought. Sadly, people become so deeply conditioned that they cannot control their anxiety responses. Current research suggests heredity is also a contributing factor. Many people seem to have a nervous system that is inclined to anxiety. Approximately four percent of the population suffers from anxiety disorders. They are mainly younger adults, occurring equally in men and women.

Get Relaxed with Herbs
Sometimes we all need to “mellow out” and get relaxed. Fortunately, herbs can really help. Herbal remedies for anxiety and enervation fall into two general categories. The first are nervines or herbs that help to relax the nervous system and counter the flight-fight response.
The second category is adaptagens, herbs that help our body adapt or cope with stress.

We’ll start with the nervines.

Kava Kava
This herbal gift from the “laid back” Polynesian islands can be a sanity saver in our modern fast-paced society. It is known for its powerful ability to soothe the nerves and bring about a gentle relaxed state. Some compare this relaxed state to that which comes from drinking alcohol, but unlike alcohol, kava doesn’t impair thinking.
The islanders chewed the root and then mixed it with cold water or coconut juice. When it became milky and slightly yellowish it was drained and the juice was served. Historically it was prepared for visiting dignitaries and royalty. It was proudly served at weddings, religious ceremonies, and much anticipated special occasions.

When you find yourself overwrought and wound up so tight you feel like you are going to burst, treat yourself to the gentle euphoria of kava kava.

For chronic tension, anxiety, or muscle spasms take one capsule with a meal twice a day or take one to two capsules 30 minutes before retiring.

For acute anxiety, take one capsule and repeat in a half hour if anxiety has not subsided. A third dose may be taken later in the day.

Caution
Do not use kava while driving, operating heavy machinery or other tasks where alcohol should be avoided as kava can reduce muscle coordination and impair reflexes.

Lobelia
Lobelia is another highly prized herb for anxiety. It relaxes all the muscles of the body, helping to relieve spasms, cramps, and tension. As it relaxes the muscles, it slows and strengthens the heartbeat, dilates the respiratory passages, and calms and deepens breathing. These actions are most beneficial in halting acute anxiety attacks.

For aiding acute attacks of anxiety and tension, use small, frequently repeated doses. We have used a half eyedropperful every two or three minutes until panic and tension are reduced and the body starts to relax. Like kava, large doses can bring on a state of profound relaxation, but they are also likely to make a person throw up.

STRESS-J
Both kava and lobelia are fairly strong herbs, and are best used for acute cases of anxiety or the occasional need to relax. STRESS-J is a milder nervine formula more suited to daily use for prevention of anxiety and stress. It is recommended for stress, nervousness, anxiety, addictions, hyperactivity, chest pain and other nervous disorders.

Now, let’s talk about some adaptagens.

Licorice Root
Licorice root is another valuable herb for treating stress and anxiety. Licorice sustains the kidneys, spleen, liver, stomach, and pancreas. It increases energy in the body but is not highly stimulating. Licorice helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and is useful in treating individuals who use caffeine and other substances that tend to vacillate the adrenals, forcing them to work harder. It improves stamina and endurance. Licorice substantially reduces sugar cravings. For blood sugar problems, stress, or weak adrenals take two capsules with breakfast, two capsules with lunch, and two capsules with a midafternoon snack if fatigued in the afternoon.

NutriCalm
Another combination for stress is NutriCalm. High strung and nervous individuals will feel a big difference when taking this vitamin/mineral supplement. It is commonly prescribed for emotional problems, hyperactivity, nervous disorders, nervousness, schizophrenia, stress, depression, sleeplessness, and drug withdrawal.
Take one tablet three times a day to calm the nerves.

Nervous Fatigue Formula (Chinese)
Nervous Fatigue Formula is the final combination we’ll discuss on enervation. Both NutriCalm and Nervous Fatigue Formula contain schizandra berries, a powerful adaptagen for stressed-out individuals. Recommend Nervous Fatigue Formula to people struggling with emotional problems, exhaustion, insomnia, memory problems, nervous disorders, restlessness, disturbing dreams, and low sex drive.
Take three capsules with a meal three times a day.

Sources
For more information, consult the following sources, or talk to the person who gave you this newsletter. Their address should appear on this page.
“Enervation” by Steven Horne in Nature’s Field, July/Aug 1998.
“The Body System’s Approach to Natural Healing” by Steven Horne, (Provo, UT 1996).
“The Complete Guide to Natural Healing” by Tom Monte, (New York, NY: Boston Common Press, 1997).
“The Scents of Health” by L. Carl Robinson, (Roosevelt, UT 1998).

Copyright © 1999 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066. This material may be printed from this database (in single copies only) for educational purposes only (not for resale) provided it is not altered in any way.
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