Natural stress solutions to soothe the jingle jangle

Forget soldiering on this silly season, we’ve tracked down a plant-based pairing that actually works when it comes to easing symptoms of stress.

It may be a time for celebration but for many of us Christmas also means extra pressures as we struggle to keep up with the social and financial expectations of that cool Yule.

According to Relationships Australia the festive season is the most likely time for many people to experience anxiety and depression.

Buying presents, entertaining, and trying to balance the needs of work and family during holidays can all add up to feelings of tension, temper and even digestive problems as stress takes a toll.

Natural remedies to ease stress

Whatever your root source of stress, there are also natural alternatives that can help you avoid its harmful effects.

Avoiding caffeine, meditation, repeating positive affirmations, upping your intake of healthy fats and yoga, can all help to stabilise your moods.

Two of our particular faves – kava and milk thistle – are as old as time itself and still being used today.

How kava can help calm

For centuries Pacific Islanders have used kava (or Piper Methysticum) as a medicinal plant because of its calming properties.

Now modern science is finding that the properties in the non-addictive shrub with the heart-shaped leaves can ease symptoms of mild anxiety and stress, relieve nervous tension and support muscle relaxation.

Kava is traditionally used in Pacific Islander medicine as a calmative and to assist with inducing sleep.

Milk thistle to relieve melancholy

Native to the Mediterranean region, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) was mentioned as far back as 40-90AD by the Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides for its healing properties.

In 1597 English herbalist John Gerard described it as “the best remedy against melancholy diseases”.

In traditional Western herbal medicine it’s commonly used to enhance healthy liver function and support digestive system health, as well as relieving digestive discomfort.

All are important at this time of year when over-indulgence can lead to yet more stress and more heave-ho than ho, ho, ho.

Best of both worlds in a supplement

For generations Thompson’s have been harnessing the power of nature to create quality supplements.

The brand’s ultra-convenient range of One-A-Day herbs are formulated with the finest herbal active ingredients.

Vegetarian and vegan friendly and with no artificial colours or flavours, they’ll tick all of your health boxes.

Try Thompson’s One-A-Day Kava 3800 or Thompson’s One-A-Day Milk Thistle 42000 to deal with your holiday stress pronto and you’ll be decking more than the halls with boughs of holly.

* This post is brought to you by Thompson’s One-A-Day herbal supplements

These medicines may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk your health professional. Kava is not intended for long term use and not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. It may harm the liver.

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