Ginseng has often been called the king of herbs in China; and for good reason. For centuries it has been revered for its ability to boost energy and restore vitality. The first Chinese Emperor offered soldiers the same weight of silver as the wild ginseng they brought him. Ginseng’s reputation as the king of herbs rests on its ability to act as a general tonic that can boost mood, energy and concentration as well as helping people cope better with illness and stress of all kinds. Modern research has shown that ginseng can indeed improve alertness and concentration as well as inducing a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

There are three main types of ginseng: Panax ginseng which is also called Asian, Chinese or Korean, Siberian ginseng and American ginseng. In the East, Panax ginseng is used as a medicine but in the West we tend to see it as a tonic that can improve attention, concentration and prevent fatigue. The most common mistake is to take it unnecessarily or for too long – six to eight weeks is the maximum. The Chinese recommend that it should not be taken during the acute phase of illnesses such as colds, flu, bronchitis or allergy, but is best taken during the recovery period to speed a return to full health. Traditionally it has always been combined with other herbs for best effect.

Siberian ginseng is, in fact, not a true ginseng but an adaptogenic herb, which goes under the Latin name of Eleuthrococcus senticosus. Being an adaptogenic herb (adapting itself to your individual needs) it is believed to help the body adapt to stress, including the metabolic stress of fluctuating blood sugar levels. Currently, research is focusing on Siberian ginseng as a possible replacement for insulin in diabetes. Canadian scientists have found that Siberian ginseng taken before or after eating can reduce blood sugar levels significantly. It also aids in moving fluids and nutrients around the body. Like Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng stimulates stamina and resistance to stress.

Its tonic effect particularly supports the adrenal glands, helping people to calm the body and withstand physical stresses like infection, heat and cold. Athletes have shown up to nine per cent improvement in stamina when taking Siberian ginseng.

American ginseng was used historically by native American Indians for reducing pain in childbirth, increasing fertility (although it is contraindicated in pregnancy), treating shortness of breath, curing nose bleeds and upset stomachs, as well as increasing mental alertness.

For women, the best ginseng to use is the Siberian ginseng. Panax ginseng is more potent than Siberian ginseng and is often more suitable for men as it has a much stronger effect on boosting energy. In some women it is strong enough to cause palpitations and should definitely only be used in the short term (just a few weeks). Siberian ginseng on the other hand is a very nourishing herb for the adrenal glands and can be used over three to six months if you have been under constant stress.

Q: A few months ago I was going through a stressful time and I found a small lump under my armpit. It has since disappeared, but should I be worried?

A: Lumps in the armpit can have various causes so should always be checked out with your doctor. If the lump re-appears then it is important to see your GP.

It is interesting that you associated the lump with going through a stressful time as these two can be connected. So the main aim now is to prevent a recurrence by controlling the stress hormones. Make sure that you are eating little and often, no longer than three hours without eating and avoid caffeine and sugar. If your blood sugar is fluctuating then adrenaline (one of the stress hormones) will be released.

Add in a good multivitamin and mineral supplement for three months (like the BioCare One a Day or MenoPlus if you are over 45) and extra B vitamins as a B complex as these vitamins are known as the ‘stress’ vitamins. Also include extra magnesium as this is Nature’s ‘tranquiliser’ and will help to cushion your body if you go through another stressful period.

The herb Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) could also be very helpful. This herb is classed as an adaptogen, which means that it works according to your body’s need – providing energy when required, and helping to combat stress and fatigue when you are under pressure. It helps the adrenal glands which will have been under extreme pressure if you were stressed. Siberian ginseng is extremely useful when you have been under mental or physical stress and should be taken for around three months.

Aromatherapy oils, such as bergamot, lavender and camomile, can be added to a relaxing warm bath just before going to bed and some women have said that sprinkling the essential of lavender onto the pillow is restful. Oils that support the action of the adrenal glands are geranium and rosemary. Rosemary is also a gentle stimulant, which can help to increase energy levels when you are experiencing stress. Sedative and antidepressant oils that are noted for initiating the relaxation response include bergamot, clary sage, jasmine, marjoram and rose.

Tension headaches are caused by anxiety, nervous tension, eyestrain, poor seating position, and tight muscles in the shoulders and neck and migraine headaches are caused by expansion of blood vessels in your head.

Headaches can also be caused by colds or flu, or even digestive problems. If you don’t want to take over the counter pain remedies or see your doctor here are 5 effective natural remedies to chase the headache away easily:

Note: If your headaches persist be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.

• To tackle tension headache, massage your temples with some lavender essential oil. Also, you can place your fingers at the top of your spinal column, where your neck meets the skull. Then move your fingers out 5 cm along the base of your skull until you find a small little indentation on either side. Apply firm pressure with the pads of your fingers, making a small rotating motion with your fingers. It will feel slightly tender as you apply the pressure. It will feel better as you massage deeper. Breathe deeply while you massage, and let yourself relax. Do this for one to three minutes. Repeat as often as you like.
• Here’s an herbal tea mix that can smooth the tension in you. Take 250 ml water, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped ginger root, and simmer the ginger in water in a covered pot for five minutes. Next add 1 teaspoon dried chamomile and 1 teaspoon dried linden flower and steep for another ten minutes. Strain and drink it hot.
• Lavender is helpful to tackle headaches as it can ease mental and physical stress. Add five drops of lavender and five drops of marjoram essential oil into a basin of cool water. Then soak two towels in the water and wring it lightly. Lie down on a bed and apply one towel to your forehead and one to the back of your neck. Rest for 30 minutes and you will feel relaxed afterwards.
• Valerian helps to relieve the pain of tension or migraine headaches. Take half a teaspoon of valerian extract and dilute in warm water. Drink a cup every 30 minutes till the pain is gone. But make sure you can only take up to 3 teaspoon a day of valerian.
• Lastly, try immersing your feet in a bucket of hot water for 15 minutes. Make the water as hot as you can withstand. At the same time, wring out a towel in ice water and apply cold compress on your forehead, temples, back of neck, or where the pain is concentrated at. This will increase blood flow to the feet and at the same time constricts blood vessel in the head, reducing blood flow and hence reduce pain.