Adapting to Change: Herbal Medicine for Seasonal Support
Change is afoot. That fi rst smell of autumn, the fi rst time you feel a chill in the air and reach for a scarf and gloves. As the leaves fall, the colour of the landscape begins to change. It may be the end of summer (what summer?) but this time of year has so much to off er visually and it’s the perfect time to get out for a bracing walk in our beautiful countryside –aren’t we lucky to live here?
But this change of season can feel like an assault on our immune system as the fi rst bugs surface and circulate. There are many herbs which can help boost the immune system including the oddly named cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) and Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa). The most widely used immune modulator is still echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) and research shows that this herb can help prevent or reduce the duration of the common cold. Should you catch a cold or fl u, there are a number of natural remedies to manage the symptoms: elderberries (Sambucus nigra fructus) are high in vitamin C as are rosehips (Rosa canina). Many members of the mint family are useful to clear sinus congestion or coughs: peppermint (Mentha piperita) makes a pleasant tea and the essential oil mixed with eucalyptus is great for inhalation. A traditional remedy for colds and fl u combines elderfl owers, peppermint and yarrow leaves (Achillea millefolium).
As well as physical stressors on the body, this time of year can produce a number of mental and emotional strains. Once the clocks go back and daylight levels drop, a number of people can report a change in mood. The transition in season can also have a marked eff ect on energy levels. A group of herbs called adaptogens help the body adapt to physical, mental and emotional strains on the body and many are also reported to boost stamina, endurance, clarity and libido. Eating healthily, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep also have positive eff ects on physical and mental wellbeing, but this time of year can begin to get busy and best intentions go out the window. Adaptogen herbs have a long history of use
20
throughout many healing traditions of the world including Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Herbs that increase physical and mental resilience would traditionally have been called tonic or rejuvenating herbs. The term ‘adaptogens’ was coined in 1947 by Nikolai Lazarev and their popularity has increased over time.
Some adaptogen herbs will be familiar, others less so. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years and there are three main types: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus sentiocosus). Panax means ‘cure all’ and it is used in depression, exhaustion and to boost energy, cognitive performance and immunity. It is the most stimulating of the three and so is less useful in insomnia and anxiety. Siberian ginseng is used by Russian athletes to enhance performance and aid recovery after training-helping the body adapt to active and relaxed states. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps reduce stress and anxiety and studies show it can signifi cantly improve anxiety, depression and insomnia- the Latin name somnifera refers to its sleep inducing properties. Arctic root (Rhodiola rosea) was used by the Vikings to increase physical and mental stamina and it is an increasingly popular adaptogen herb, used to increase physical vitality and to help overcome fatigue and exhaustion after prolonged stressful situations.
Whatever this autumn and winter have to throw at us, take a deep breath, eat well, rest well and get outdoors as much as you can.
Nikki Biddiss BSc (Hons), MNIMH, is a Medical Herbalist, Aromatherapy Massage Therapist and Cognitive Coach. She runs the herbal clinic in Napier’s, Glasgow and has her own practice in Bridge of Allan.
www.botanicalhealing.co.uk or contact Nikki on 07528 341 206.
Please consult with your herbalist or health practitioner before using any herbs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have underlying health issues.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
