So often our patients state that their symptoms are brought upon or worsened by stress and indeed many of our own ailments are triggered by or aggravated by stress despite our best efforts. ‘Stress’ is a frequently and glibly used noun and is probably the most widely used shorthand in both alternative and allopathic modalities whenever symptoms are being described.
Attention is seldom paid however, to what is happening at the cellular level, because the main focus of stress treatment is the mental/emotional realm to uncover factors that drive our responses and the resultant discomfort. More attention to the physical aspects as well as to the psychological factors could help to create effective, holistic strategies to uncover stress at its source and restore mind/body balance.
In today’s world, stress is no longer experienced as a response to the occasional threat to safety, as it once was but it has become virtually a constant factor of peoples’ daily lives. 2023 workplace statistics for example report that 76% of workers feel moderate to high levels of stress regularly, whilst 74% of the general public often feel overwhelmed because of stressors.
It is widely accepted that chronic stress is linked to numerous negative health outcomes and hence finding effective stress-management strategies and ways to neutralise its ill-effects have become even more crucial to our wellbeing.
This article outlines the physiological effects of stress on the body and mind and then suggests ways of supporting that load from a homeopathic and lifestyle convergence.
Defining Stress?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary does not define stress in its lexicon, since it is at root, essentially a symptom-led phenomenon in terms of homeopathic practice. Can it be differentiated from anxiety and anxious behaviours and is it even necessary to do so, for each individual will have different triggers and stressors as well as different coping mechanisms.
Medical dictionaries variously and generally describe stress as the unfavourable effects of environmental factors, or stressors, on the physiological functions of an organism, but they do manage to differentiate between physiological, biological and life stress and to acknowledge that prolonged stress will affect our bodily homeostasis.
It may then be clearer and more useful perhaps to focus directly on cortisol’s nature and effects. Then attention can be focused upon a homeopathic deconstruction in order to lead the way to cure.
Cortisol and what it does
Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is the main steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands released along with Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA) and adrenaline whenever we are faced with a perceived stressor.
This ‘fight or flight’ response is activated in order to increase alertness, elevate blood pressure and increase heart rate so that the body can react quickly to this threat. Cortisol and the adrenals are therefore part of our endocrine system (Smith 2017).
The hypothalamus releases CRF and vasopressin, prompting the pituitary gland to secrete ACTH, which causes the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol then binds to cell receptors after entering the bloodstream.
FIGURE 1: The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) involves interactions among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. It regulates stress responses, mood, digestion, immune function, and energy balance, ultimately leading to cortisol production.
Source: https://www.simplypsychology.org/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis.html
Cortisol release signals the hypothalamus to stop producing CRH. In the short term, this suppresses inflammation, mobilises energy, enhances focus, and boosts the immune system. All these reactions are most useful when faced with a stressful situation or a physical threat of course, but the long-term impact and implications of this are very different and not at all helpful for us.
However, it must be remembered that along with its leading role in the stress response cortisol has many other positive, supportive metabolic functions. The most important are regulating inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar levels and it also plays a part in the body’s use of macronutrients – the essential elements we gain from foods.
Persistent stress and activation of the ‘fight or flight’ response will stop or diminish important functions such as digestion and cellular repair. Increased cortisol release also triggers hyperactivity of the HPA axis and the resultant dysregulation of the glucocorticoid negative feedback loop then prompts metabolic, immune and psychiatric disruptions.
A range of effects & impacts of ongoing high stress levels
Continuous HPA axis activation means that cortisol is in constant demand, which upsets the delicate feedback mechanism and makes the body less sensitive to its effects (cortisol resistance). This in turn can wreak havoc with our general health and wellbeing. Accepted symptoms of disrupted cortisol levels have both physiological and psychological effects.
These include poor sleep quality and insomnia; fatigue on waking; weight gain; lowered general immunity; sugar cravings; low libido and poor digestive health; low mood, anxiety and irritability; depression; sensitivity to pain; migraines and irregular menstrual cycles. The mechanics are explained below:
Blood sugar & weight management
Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar alongside insulin, keeping glucose levels balanced in healthy people. During stress, cortisol increases blood glucose by converting glycogen and suppressing insulin, leaving more glucose in the bloodstream. Chronically elevated cortisol can cause high glycaemic levels, leading to insulin resistance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weight management and obesity are complex and influenced by various factors, including HPA axis activation, which affects energy balance. Although not all obese individuals have elevated cortisol of course, stress may contribute to weight gain and obesity. High cortisol can influence food choices, disrupt sleep, affect blood sugar, encourage comfort eating, and impact TSH and T3 hormone levels in the thyroid.
Inflammation
Cortisol temporarily reduces inflammation, which is why it’s used allopathically to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, consistently high cortisol levels increase inflammation levels in the body and disrupt immune function.
Chronic stress causes the immune system to overreact, heightening inflammation and affecting the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to neuroinflammation and raise the risk of depression and anxiety. This then negatively impacts upon certain areas of the brain like the amygdala, which is particularly involved in anxiety-related states (Smith 2017).
Immunity
Chronic stress impairs immune function by changing immune cells and raising proinflammatory cytokines. It also disrupts the balance of T helper cells, with stress mediators crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Cardiovascular system
The link between high stress and heart health is well established, as stress can raise heart rate, blood pressure, and promote vein narrowing. It triggers the autonomic nervous system to increase vasoconstriction and blood lipids, leading to vascular changes and artery plaque buildup.
These effects may cause arrhythmia or heart attacks (myocardial infarction). Even the usual elevated morning cortisol levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and hence targeting stress reduction generally has become widely accepted as a vital strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Methylation
Methylation is vital for genetic expression and cellular function, and relies on nutrients like B12, B6, and folate. Stress can disrupt methylation by depleting these vitamins and altering DNA methylation, affecting gene expression. Poor methylation raises homocysteine levels, which are linked to higher risks of chronic disease such as cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders and dementia.
Digestion
Stress impacts food intake, digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut function, influencing everything from bowel movement to inflammation and intestinal permeability. The gut and neuroendocrine system communicate directly, as neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are found in both the brain and gut. Microbiome imbalances can trigger inflammation and activate the HPA axis, and so pro- and prebiotics benefit gut health and help regulate this system.
Sleep
Cortisol helps regulate our circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning to boost energy and declining at night for restful sleep. This essential hormone affects most body systems, most notably including the pineal gland. Increased daily stress is linked to shorter sleep and higher morning cortisol levels, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Cortisol levels may be raised again, or are still raised by evening, following a stressful day.
Chronic stress alters cortisol levels, leading to poor sleep and prevention of proper bodily rest and repair.
Brain Health Overall
High stress levels are a risk factor for a multitude of other health conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. Dementia involves complex pathophysiology, such as increased inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.
The hippocampus, a main region affected in Alzheimer’s disease and rich in glucocorticoid receptors, may be particularly vulnerable to chronic activation and resulting damage (Smith 2023, 2024).
Chronic stress and high cortisol levels are linked to major depressive disorders, with affected individuals showing higher cortisol compared to control groups. This implies HPA axis dysregulation may contribute to depression. Prolonged stress also leads to brain atrophy and reduced brain weight, impacting upon cognition, memory, and overall nervous system function long-term.
Indeed, the field of Psychoneuroendocrinology(!) has much to tell us as homeopaths to bear in mind. We must of course be mindful that research findings tend to be very generalised as opposed to individualised.
Furthermore, each individual has their own set of health strengths as well as weaknesses as well as their own particular inherited miasmatic load and body system where they experience their discomfort the most. But it is well worth looking towards some nutritional and lifestyle steps that can be borrowed and adapted to suit to foster resilience before delving into homeopathic prescribing tactics.
Nutrition, Supplemental and Lifestyle Recommendations for Stress Management
The reduction of stress and cortisol levels is much easier said than done, but being mindful of how stress can negatively affect us physically and psychologically will highlight the importance of incorporating stress management techniques into our daily lives. Whilst much everyday stress is unfortunately unavoidable, there are support measures to be taken to become more resistant to its everyday effects.
An anti-inflammatory diet, focused on unprocessed whole foods, fruits, vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats, is widely recommended for healing and optimal nutrition. Probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods can help reduce stress due to the gut-brain axis connection.
Caffeine and sugar should be limited as they elevate cortisol—caffeine by stimulating the HPA axis and salivary cortisol, and sugar by increasing inflammation and blood sugar fluctuations. Low blood sugar can also raise cortisol levels. Sleep hygiene can be improved by avoiding screens before bed and aiming for approximately 7-9 hours a night. Better still, keep your mobiles out of the bedroom!
Light to moderate exercise reduces cortisol and enhances sleep. Consistent physical activity improves overall quality of life, mood, self-esteem, and well-being. Although exercise temporarily raises cortisol, it ultimately lowers levels, boosting resilience and HPA axis function.
Yoga and mindfulness reduce stress and boost resilience by improving nervous system function and lowering cortisol, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Meditation also supports psychological health by boosting activity in the left anterior brain region, linked to happiness.
Following is a table showing some popular supplements used to reduce cortisol production and resistance to the effects of ongoing stress. Whilst supplements are not every practitioner’s choice, it is worthwhile noting their purpose.
TABLE 1: Suggested & Recommended Nutritional Support
| SUPPLEMENT | FUNCTION/AFFILIATION | USES IN STRESS REDUCTION |
| B Vitamins | Key nutrients for nervous system generally. | Boosting energy production & GABA levels. |
| GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) | Neurotransmitter/amino acid | Calms nerve cell hyperactivity related to anxiety, stress & fear. |
| Vitamin C | An important antioxidant | Modulation of certain neurotransmitter systems involved in adrenal function. |
| Magnesium | Involved in almost all metabolic and biochemical processes in the body. Deficiency commonly presents as fatigue, anxiety, headaches & muscle tension. | Inhibits glutamatergic transmission & promotes GABA activity. Has indirect role in reducing ACTH to reduce cortisol levels. |
| L- theanine | Amino acid found in green tea. Helps to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, increases alpha brain waves (associated with a relaxed calm state). | Can also have a mild effect on levels of serotonin, dopamine, glycine and GABA. |
| Ashwagandha | An Ayurvedic herb with stress reducing properties due to its effect on the HPA axis, sympathetic-adrenal medullary axes. Often used in anxiety, depression and insomnia and supporting immune function. | Affects serotonergic and GABA pathways. It reduces oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines & neuroinflammation. |
| Rhodiola | An adaptogenic herb known for antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory & mood supportive effects. | A popular choice for those suffering with fatigue and ‘burnout’ from stress. |
| Omega 3 | A fatty acid and essential nutrient known to benefit brain, heart, eye health generally. | Promotes stress resilience. Reduces elevated cortisol after a stressful experience and lowers adrenal activation. |
| Probiotics | Evidence of the gut-brain axis signifies the important relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. | Some Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium strains are directly involved in GABA & serotonin production. |
[Adapted from https://blog.cytoplan.co.uk/stress-and-cortisol-impact-on-health]
Homeopathic Remedies for Stress
Now that the biological and lifestyle considerations have been addressed, we need to consider the homeopathic perspective on stress or more precisely, how to access the ways in which symptoms are exhibiting in the person in front of you as well as how effectively they are coping with them.
Below are some commonly used, well-known remedies to address stress-related conditions, primarily in acute situations but dosage frequency and potency will dictate whether or not they would be appropriate in more chronic circumstances.
As highlighted elsewhere, it is the way that the person deals with their own particular circumstances that is central here and, of course, how and where these stressors are manifesting in the body.
- Aconitum napellus: Sudden and intense physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and fear. The first remedy to consider for panic attacks or following a shock.
- Argentum nitricum: for anxiety that develops before an event such as an exam, an interview, public appearance or a social engagement. Can also help soothe digestive issues.
- Arsenicum album: Useful for intense health anxiety and hypochondria. There is likely to be a strong need for order, control and security.
- Calcarea carbonica: for hard-working individuals who may have become overwhelmed either by work, responsibility or physical illness. There may also be fatigue and confusion, which adds to the anxiety.
- Gelsemium: for those experiencing stage-fright or other kinds of paralysing fear related to public situations, often accompanied by feelings of faintness, trembling and chills.
- Ignatia: Anxiety caused by emotional trauma such as grief or loss. Individuals may feel more sensitive than usual and experience mood swings and may also have abdominal cramps or headache.
- Kali arsenicosum: Anxiety that is health-based. Conditions include hypochondria, excessive grooming, and fear of heart attacks. Often health-based anxieties may have racing thoughts and difficulty sleeping and they may also fear death or dying. They can be prone to feeling cold and vulnerable to panic attacks.
- Kali phosphoricum: Useful for those who are vulnerable to stress or becoming overwhelmed. Their anxiety stems from having too much to do or from having ambitions that are daunting and this tends to take a physical toll on them.
- Lycopodium: Suggested for people who lack self-confidence. Though they fear speaking in public and have stage fright, they hide it well, often covering it up with talking loudly or too frequently.
- Phosphorus: for sociable, open-hearted people who burn themselves out caring for others. They may become frazzled or scattered and less productive than usual.
- Pulsatilla:for those needing extra reassurance or comfort. The person may feel insecure and moody or tearful. A key remedy if symptoms are worse around puberty, periods or menopause.
- Stramonium: A major anxiety remedy that includes night terrors, nightmares or dark thoughts while awake. Sufferers are often scared of the dark or being alone and are particularly frightened by thoughts of monsters or mysterious figures. Their imagination tends to worsen their anxiety.
Adapted from: How to treat anxiety the natural way – Homeopathy UK (homeopathy-uk.org) and https://www.healthline.com/
These of course are traditional remedies and there are many other new, meditatively proven remedies in our materia medica to choose from according to your own practice methodologies and the individual person in question.
In my own experience, I find that the new remedies, as opposed to the more conventional remedies, are frequently (but not always invariably) more subtle yet thorough for any mental/emotionally focused cases, particularly in an LM potency, These totality-centred selections can then be supported therapeutically or miasmatically by much lower potency remedies to target the more physical indications present.
Marion & Peter Joyce’s Alphabetical Repertory of Meditative Remedies (2007) lists a total of 44 remedies under their entry for Stress. Most notably, these include some of the chakra colours (Red, Green, Turquoise); the precious minerals Emerald, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Frankincense; tree-based remedies such as Copper Beech, Willow, Wych Elm, Siver Birch, Holly Berry; Chalice Well Water and Thymus Gland.
Amongst other new remedies and in the context of cases rooted in dealing with the effects of stress, I have also used Oak for fortitude, Rainbow for chakra balance and to bring joy, Buddleia Davidii to address deep-rooted shock and trauma) and Lumbricus Terrestris (aka Earthworm) for being stuck in an impossible situation (Griffiths 2007).
Other case taking pointers
Given that each individual has their own particular weak system or organ, due attention must be paid to this element of the presenting picture and whether or not there is need for organotherapy or the use of a sarcode, particularly Adrenalinum.
Where is discomfort being felt, what or how are these symptoms and how does the individual feel physically, how do they feel emotionally about them? What sort of behaviours and actions are they prompting as a consequence? In other words, it is important not to lose sight of the basic CLAMS model of case taking in our quest to deal with the psychological and bodily aspects of stressors.
It is perhaps also worthwhile in this context borrowing a framework from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to fully access the nature of the triggers and driving forces (aetiologies) in a way that is meaningful and helpful to both patient and practitioner.
CBT acknowledges and analyses the relationship between thoughts, behaviour and emotions, given that beliefs influence our emotions and therefore their subsequent actions or behaviour in any particular context in order to deconstruct what goes on for the person in front of you and what their cognitive and behavioural mechanisms are when confronted by stress.
Briefly, by looking at the process of their cognition you get the key to how your patient is affected emotionally via what they do about it. Then as the ‘impartial observer’ of how they react to stress and anxiety-inducing situations you can as a practitioner gain extra clues to selecting appropriate remedies for your patient, should you need extra help to get underneath their motivations.
In conclusion, I hope that I have provided some clues to look at the ways we deal (or not!) with the full impact of stressors upon our physiology, psyche, behaviour and lifestyle from a rounded perspective. The true picture of what, essentially are emotionally driven reactions, can then be fully unraveled and addressed homeopathically, as well as cellularly.
[ The original version of this article was first published in Homeopathy in Practice Winter/Spring 2025 pp 16-25 ]
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Elaine Ijon Foreman & Dr Clair Pollard (2011): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Practical Guide, Icon Books Ltd, London
Colin Griffiths (2007): The New Materia Medica: Key Remedies for the Future of Homeopathy, Watkins Publishing, London
Marion & Peter Joyce (2007): Alphabetical Repertory of Meditative Remedies for the Guild of Homeopaths, Serpentina Books
Sue Smith (2008): Overview of the Endocrine System, Some Related Remedies and Treatment Options, Homeopathy in Practice Winter 2008, pp 15-25
Sue Smith (2023): A homeopathic perspective on dementia, Homeopathy in Practice Winter/Spring 2023, pp 30-35
Sue Smith (2024): Dementia: A Homeopathic Perspective, https://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/dementia-a-homeopathic-perspective/
Yasgur, Jay (1997): Homeopathic Dictionary and Holistic Health Reference (4th edition), Van Hoy Publisher
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
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