Top 3 Botanical Prescriptions for Stress Support

by Dr. Meghan Bauer ND

From Previous blog site - November 2015


As many of my patients will attest to I love giving support against stress whether it is real or perceived, in the past, present or future. Helping our body to adapt to stress is paramount in maintaining a healthy endocrine system and health in general.


Some common symptoms that might indicate a stress response under pressure include; low energy, difficult sleep, a compromised immune system (i.e. frequent colds, and infections), changes in mood (anxiety, depression), increased weight, and an increased inflammatory response and allergies.


Along with some key nutraceuticals, botanical medicine is the mainstay of stress response restoration and truthfully I wouldn’t be able to practice the way I do without them. Here are my top three.


1) Eleuthrococcus, commonly know as Siberian Ginseng

Although not a true ginseng Eleuthrococcus shares the ability of ginseng to improve strength and vitality. It is best taken for physical stress, fatigue, convalescence and mild depression. It is great for debility, chronic immune deficiency and as a tonic for the elderly. As well, it can be used to improve physical, exercise and mental performance and concentration. Eleuthrococcus is safe although best to avoid during acute phases of infections and to use it in recovery instead.


2) Rodiola rosea

Rodiola has a similar efficacy as Eleutrococcus with particular support for endurance. It is excellent support for fatigue, physical stress, convalescence, failure to thrive as well and to improve mental performance, concentration and memory when under stress. I tend to find Rodiola specifically helpful for people who tend to get irritable and angry when under stress (e.g.”road rage”). Rodiola is safe to take although should be taken away from mineral supplements for best absorption.


3) Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera) (the image above)

Ashwaghanda is a traditional Ayurvedic plant from India that has been shown to help the stress response system restore unlike many other plants. It has an action that is tonifying, adaptogenic, relaxing, anti-inflammatory and antitumour. With these actions it is very helpful to improve energy, vitality, balance weight, help to calm the nervous system, improve immune health and restore post stress or infection. There are no known adverse effects of taking Ashwaghanda and it can be used with the elderly and during pregnancy.


Despite the safe nature of thees three plants it is still advisable to talk to your naturopathic doctor before taking them.