Luckily for us, another mother we know (Mother Nature) is one very wise woman. She has crafted some beautiful herbs that can help to give busy Mums the extra resilience they need to check off that to-do list, while juggling work load and ‘stay at home’ lock downs…. without losing your sanity.
My Five Herbs for Busy Mums
Rhodiola rosea is a wonderful all round adaptogenic herb. Considerable evidence has shown Rhodiola to be effective in improving mental and physical performance and reducing fatigue.
Withania somnifera is often described as a big, warm hug. It is less stimulating than some herbs in this list, instead offering a gentle kind of assistance. It has an anti-stess action and also works to modulate the immune system. When we are busy and stressed, high cortisol levels can suppress our immune system response. Withania is helpful in reducing the chance of infections during these times.
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) has been show to have a modulating effect on stress hormones. When stress hormones are high it has a lowering effect and when they are low, it has an enhancing effecting, giving us that extra boost we need to get through a busy day. It too has immune-modulating qualities.
Schisandra chinensis is one of my favourite herbs for adding an extra skip to your step. It has been shown to reduce fatigue and debility, improve our response to stressors and enhance mental performance and concentration. As an added bonus, it also enhances phase I and II liver detoxification pathways.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) is a useful herb for those showing low levels of cortisol (the hormone playing an important role in our stress response). This is because liquorice works to modulate cortisol levels in the body, increasing levels in the blood stream. It is ideal for states of exhaustion and fatigue. Liquorice, however, is contraindicated in those with high cortisol levels.
Make sure to speak with your Naturopath about the most suitable herbs for you, and to order more supplements, use the online order form here >>
References – Bone, K. 2007, The Ultimate Herbal Compendium, 1st edn, Phototherapy Press, Warwick., Wardle, J. and Sarris, J. 2010, Clinical naturopathy, 2nd edn, Elsevier Australia, Chatswood, N.S.W.
