Stress prepares us for either flight or fight and our response either way can, unfortunately, lead to unwanted health problems. Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses like the ones so many of us are facing during the current pandemic can be most damaging.

Stress is a natural stimulant that compels us to adapt to a new environment or change in our routine or lifestyle. When the stress is too frequent, too intense, or lasts for a long time, it may cause problems that could manifest as nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and digestive upsets. Stress can also aggravate or even trigger chronic diseases.

Solutions are not always simple. A lot of conventional medicines have been designed to decrease anxiety, the main symptom of stress. Stress pills, or anxiolytics, relieve tension and some physical symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, they have unwanted side effects, like drowsiness, and can be habit-forming. However, homeopathic medicines provide an easy, lower-risk treatment option.

Homeopathic medicines have been used for symptoms of stress and other health conditions for more than 200 years. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who discovered the principles of homeopathy, used these medicines to treat symptoms he knew were caused by stressful situations, rather than organic causes. The active ingredients in homeopathic medicines are diluted extracts of plants, animals, and minerals and are one of the safest classes of drugs. They are not expected to interact with other medications and can be taken by children and adults of all ages.

Homeopathy takes into consideration the different ways people react to stress. Symptoms can vary from one person to another. You may experience digestive problems, and yet someone else may have trouble falling asleep at night. Homeopathic medicines allow treatment to be tailored to each person’s needs.

Homeopathic medicines will not impair your ability to react to the cause of stress. If you are on a tight deadline for work and are having trouble sleeping, you cannot afford to be drowsy. They will help you get a good night’s sleep without impairing alertness the next morning. Homeopathic medicines can also respond to short-term stress, such as a student’s nervousness before taking an exam or making a presentation. These medicines are not habit-forming and are not known to interfere with conventional treatments.

Boiron offers over-the-counter homeopathic medicines with one single active ingredient popularly known as “blue tubes” and multi-symptom products, most of which contain several active ingredients.

Some of the more common blue tubes for stress-related symptoms include:

• Gelsemium sempervirens relieves apprehension with trembling, lack of focus, weak legs, and digestive problems such as diarrhea, and the urge to lay down. This would be an ideal medicine for a student who stresses out before an exam.*
• Argentum nitricum relieves apprehension with agitation, hurrying, stomach pain, and diarrhea related to stress. This medicine could help someone who feels there’s not enough time to complete a task.*
• Ignatia amara relieves a lump in the throat, hypersensitivity or intolerance to light, noise, or smells, frequent sighing, difficulty breathing, spasms, and cramps related to stress. This medicine may help those who feel moody or emotional from added stress.*
• Nux vomica relieves irritability and aggressiveness from stress. This would be helpful to someone who has eaten or drank too much, and looking for stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, or tobacco — all of which aggravate their condition.*

High dilutions (12C to 30C) of these medicines are usually recommended because symptoms are general and behavioral. A typical dose is five pellets three times a day or as needed like just before a performance or test.

Boiron multi-symptom medicines include Sedalia to relieve nervousness, hypersensitivity, and fatigue due to everyday stress and Quietude to address occasional sleeplessness or restless sleep.* These medicines offer convenience and a simple solution for moms who are not familiar with homeopathy or hesitant to use single medicines that require more knowledge.

Overall, homeopathic medicines offer a simple, low-risk solution to relieve symptoms of stress. They do not suppress the cause of stress itself, but provide enough relief to help you face and react appropriately. You can explore which medicines are right for you or your family by downloading the free Boiron Medicine Finder app or visit BoironUSA.com.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.