How often do you suffer from stress, and realize that your digestion is also affected? Maybe you’re the type who has nervous bowel movements before stressful events at work, or maybe you’re the kind of person who can’t eat when stress levels are high. For many of us, stress can shut down the digestive system, creating additional discomfort. The good news is that Chinese medicine has a number of herbal formulas that can help to alleviate both the stress sensations and the digestive distress! The most common herbal formula is called the Free and Easy Wanderer. As you might imagine, this formula helps to ease overwhelming thoughts and tension in the body, providing enough relaxation that the body can put its focus back on proper digestion. It also contains herbs that promote proper digestive function and release any digestive spasms. This beautiful formula also helps to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, in the unfortunate event that stress is occurring before your period begins. Another common formula is called the Free and Easy Wanderer Plus, which refers to the addition of herbs that cool the body down. Do you get the above stress and digestive symptoms, but also suffer from insomnia, anger, excess sweating, irritability, headaches, or red and painful eyes? Then the “plus” formula is right for you – it will help further ease tension and reduce the symptoms of heat and inflammation within the body. As with any Chinese herbal formula, these formulas can be modified to address additional symptoms that you may be having. If stress comes along with depression, we can add some anti-depressant herbs. If your stress also comes with significant menstrual cramps, we can add herbs to reduce cramping and muscle spasm. If your stress comes with skin breakouts, we can modify the formula to focus on clearing the skin. If you have any questions about how Chinese herbal medicine can support your health, please feel free to give me a call. Here’s to your health!