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​Herbs to Help Relieve Stress and Encourage Healthy Weight Loss

Many women overeat because they are stressed out or emotional about something going on in their lives. They find comfort in food and eat even when they are not really hungry. Usually their food choices are sugars and carbs which causes weight gain. This can lead to even more stress which leads to more emotional eating…it’s a vicious cycle!

How do we solve this problem?

1. 1. Stop yourself from eating while stressed or emotional, and cut out sugar from your diet. This can be difficult and will take a conscious effort. Do it on a gradient, a little at a time for as long as it takes. Unhealthy habits take time to correct and carb and sugar cravings are not easy to conquer.
2. 2. Make a list of healthy activities you can replace the stressed, emotional eating with. Instead of grabbing a bag of cookies, go for a walk. Call a friend and go to the park or to the lake. Something active to help relieve that stress without eating.
3. 3. Utilize herbs  or essential oils  to help reduce stress by balancing hormones and strengthening your adrenal glands.

This is where DIY Slim Assist Adaptogen Tea comes in!

Herbs can help nourish the body and bring harmony.  They can aid digestion and elimination, help balance hormones, relieve stressed organs, and gently detox the body. 

The herbs chosen for this particular blend are:

• Nettle – My number one herb for nourishing the body with bioavailable vitamins and minerals.
• Chickweed – A common, little weed that can do big things! Great for aiding weight loss, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory. 
• Dandelion Leaf – Another common weed that most people use weed killer on. Nourishing, bitter herb that aids digestion. Great for detoxing the liver. 
• Ashwagandha Root – An Ayurvedic, adaptogenic herb which means it is very soothing to the nervous system. Helps calm the adrenals and relieve stress. 
• Shatavari Root – Another Ayurvedic, adaptogenic herb that relaxes the nervous system which can encouraging healing of stressed, hormone producing organs, like the adrenal glands. 
• Marshmallow Root – Soothing to the entire digestive tract, from the throat through elimination. 
• Slippery Elm Bark – As slippery as its name implies. Helps digestion and elimination, and also soothes.
• Sweet Cinnamon Chips – Adaptogenic in nature, and works as a catalyst between other herbs.
• Orange Peel – Another catalyst herbs that bring synergy to the blend as well as flavor and essential vitamins like C. 
• Fennel Seed – Wonderful digestive aid. Relieves gas and bloating, as well as stomach inflammation. 

​

Instructions:
​

1. Blend all of the herbs into a clean ball jar.
2. Cover with a lid and label.
3. To Brew: Place 1-2 tsp of dried herb blend into a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for up to 20 minutes.
4. It's best not to sweeten or sweeten just with stevia.
5. Drink 1-4 cups per day.

While this blend is gentle enough to drink daily, it’s best used as a 21-30 day detox type tea. Drink 1-4 cups daily while cutting back on sugar and refined carbs (like bread, muffins, cakes, etc.).

Don’t want to make it yourself? Buy it from my 90210 Organics Shop!

​Be nourished. Be Happy.
Enjoy!

 

​It’s pretty dreadful and it’s going to take a little while to heal completely. I attribute it to late nights working and a lot of stress! 

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

The adrenals are part of the endocrine system and one of their functions is hormone production. Many times hormone imbalances are caused when the adrenals are stressed. When the adrenals are stressed, all other systems of the body suffer. It’s a domino effect that leaves you feeling horrible.

When your adrenal glands are over tired from being overworked, your lack of sleep, environmental toxins and even scars that are stressing your nervous system, adrenal fatigue sets in. 

I’ve had 3 miscarriages through the years. One of the functions of the adrenal glands is maintaining pregnancy. I always thought it was low progesterone that contributed to my miscarriages and that makes perfect sense if you look at it by way of the adrenal glands. Since they are in charge of secreting hormones, if you are imbalanced, the adrenals may be the culprit. 


What are the Signs of Adrenal Fatigue?

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, common signs of adrenal fatigue include:

• Fatigue and weakness, especially in the morning and afternoon
• A suppressed immune system
• Increased allergies
• Muscle and bone loss and muscular weakness
• Depression
• Cravings for foods high in salt, sugar or fat
• Hormonal imbalance
• Skin problems
• Autoimmune disorders
• Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
• Low sex drive
• Lightheadedness when getting up from sitting or lying down
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Trouble waking up in the morning, despite a full night’s sleep
• Poor memory

 

What Can I Do To Heal Adrenal Fatigue?

I have almost every symptom on that list. My adrenal fatigue goes in cycles and I’ve been feeling symptoms this time around for about 3 months. I was tested by a Nutritional Response Therapist and I am currently on a nutrition program designed for adrenal fatigue. ​

Something I’ve done over the last few years is drink an adaptogen herbal tea before bed. This was recommended to me by an herbalist friend of mine, Sarah Powell from Lilith’s Apothecary. 

Instructions:
​

1. Blend all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. To Brew:
4. Place 2 TBS of herb mix in a medium saucepan.
5. Pour 1-2 cups of hot water over herbs.
6. Bring to a quick boil and lower heat.
7. Allow to simmer 15-20 minutes.
8. Strain, and sweeten if desired.

​Note: If you steep/simmer too long, this blend will become bitter. 

I also recommend the Adrenal Fatigue Handbook and Meal Planning Guides that I’ve linked to below. 
Taking care of yourself and getting enough sleep and nourishing food is crucial to adrenal health. Do not ignore these symptoms. Your body may be screaming at you to do something to help yourself! You need to listen!
​
For more information about adrenal fatigue, please visit Dr. Mercola’s Website.

All of these herbs are available at Mountain Rose Herbs.

​
Be nourished. Be happy.

Many women overeat because they are stressed out or emotional about something going on in their lives. They find comfort in food and eat even when they are not really hungry. Usually their food choices are sugars and carbs which causes weight gain. This can lead to even more stress which leads to more emotional eating…it’s a vicious cycle!

Herbs can help nourish the body and bring harmony.  They can aid digestion and elimination, help balance hormones, relieve stressed organs, and gently detox the body. 
​
The herbs chosen for this particular blend are:
​

• Nettle – My number one herb for nourishing the body with bioavailable vitamins and minerals.
• Chickweed – A common, little weed that can do big things! Great for aiding weight loss, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory. 
• Dandelion Leaf – Another common weed that most people use weed killer on. Nourishing, bitter herb that aids digestion. Great for detoxing the liver. 
• Ashwagandha Root – An Ayurvedic, adaptogenic herb which means it is very soothing to the nervous system. Helps calm the adrenals and relieve stress. 
• Shatavari Root – Another Ayurvedic, adaptogenic herb that relaxes the nervous system which can encouraging healing of stressed, hormone producing organs, like the adrenal glands. 
• Marshmallow Root – Soothing to the entire digestive tract, from the throat through elimination. 
• Slippery Elm Bark – As slippery as its name implies. Helps digestion and elimination, and also soothes.
• Sweet Cinnamon Chips – Adaptogenic in nature, and works as a catalyst between other herbs.
• Orange Peel – Another catalyst herbs that bring synergy to the blend as well as flavor and essential vitamins like C. 
• Fennel Seed – Wonderful digestive aid. Relieves gas and bloating, as well as stomach inflammation. 
  ​

While this blend is gentle enough to drink daily, it’s best used as a 21-30 day detox type tea. Drink 1-4 cups daily while cutting back on sugar and refined carbs (like bread, muffins, cakes, etc.).
​

All of these herbs are also available at Mountain Rose Herbs or the Bulk Herb Store.

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links won’t cost you anything and purchases made through them simply provide me with a small commission. This helps me keep my blog up and running. Thank you for your support! I appreciate it very much!

Disclaimer: I am an herbalist but I am not a medical doctor or nurse. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information presented here is not intended to be construed as medical advice or to prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Please check with your health care provider if you are taking any prescription medication. I am not responsible for misuse of herbs by consumer. Drinking this tea is not a guarantee of weight loss. Individual results may vary.