5 herbs that may improve your focus and soothe your stress away

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Whenever the last 3 months of the year approaches, many of us becoming stressed with reports, numbers, results, and perhaps failures. Whether we are doing sales, accounts, warehousing, or even managing our own businesses large and small, the impending year-end period is always blood curdling. With mounting work nearer the end of the year, it only worsens our stress as we tend to neglect time on exercise, proper nutrition, or even sleep.

Did you know that United Nations International Labor Organisation (ILO) has defined stress as a ‘global epidemic’? Stress has become an inevitable part of life, especially in hyper-competitive Asian countries. According to the 2019 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey Findings, 92 percent of the employed respondents in Singapore are stressed, higher than the global average of 84 percent. Gradually, stress has taken a huge toll on our health and overall well-being.

So, what are 5 common herbs that we can consider to potentially alleviate our stress and improve our focus?

1. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement and is widely recommended by TCM physicians for revitalising physical energy and stamina, to help relax and relieve physical and mental stress, and improve mental alertness.

2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba leaves have been widely studied. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and improve blood flow to the brain, thereby helps to reduce memory lapses, improve concentration, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Lingzhi is among the many medical-use mushrooms, famed for traditional views that it may promote longevity. Lingzhi spores are rich in nutrients and have been recommended by TCM physicians for its calming and stress relieving qualities, as well as a nerve tonic for alleviating insomnia and supporting a healthy circulatory system.

4. Peppermint
Cultivated all over the world, peppermint is an aromatic plant, adding flavour to teas, food, and fragrance to essential oils. Inhaling the pleasant scent of peppermint may help with energy, mood, and mental alertness. Essential oils with peppermint extract can be used to reduce fatigue and aid sleep quality.

5. Pearl Powder
Pearl powder, an adaptogen, has been recognised by TCM physicians for its medicinal uses, especially its allure in promoting youthful radiance, as well as its use in calming the nervous system.

Physical exercise, mind calming activities such as meditation, and a balanced diet, are some of the most sustainable activities to keep us healthy and stress free. These 5 herbs, easily found as supplements, are great if you need a boost beyond lifestyle activities to relieve stress.

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