Win an Artemis prize pack The Rural

 There are certain times of the year when life is particularly stressful on the farm - Lambing is one of them. 
For these few weeks, you are no longer solely a farmer. You take on the role as medic and meteorologist, with one eye on your stock's health and the other firmly on the weather forecast.
There is so much riding on a successful lambing season. Some of it is in your control, but a lot is not. Talk about a pressure-cooker situation!
It’s natural that anyone experiencing this type of pressure will feel stressed, but some people manage it better than others. The last thing you want to do is turn into a grumpy, snappy thing and take your stress out on those around you.
Stress takes a great toll on the body and mind. The nervous system is the main body system taxed during times of stress. We've used plant medicine for centuries to restore and rebalance our bodies. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) can help you cope with stress. It nourishes your nervous system, helps you stay calm, and manage stress and anxiety.
St John’s Wort is one of the most researched and prescribed medicinal plants in the world. We take it more and more these days, as we typically burn the candle at both ends with our fast-paced lives. It has a high safety profile and most people tolerate it well. 
It's important to note that as a tea, St John's Wort is safe to take with other medication. But when taken in tablet form, it can alter medications' effectiveness. Always consult your doctor before you start taking it, especially if you are on medication.
When choosing something to supplement your health, always do your research on the company. Do they use top quality ingredients? Plant medicine’s effectiveness comes down to its quality; sub-par ingredients give sub-par results. Look for certification that guarantees quality.
When you’re stressed, the last thing you need is to come down with something. Stress can weaken your immune response, leaving you susceptible to bugs in circulation. Support your immune system with a good anti-viral. 
Take a healthy dose of St John's Wort and an immune boosting supplement, three weeks before a stressful period is due to hit – in the calm before the storm. The old saying “prevention is the best cure” couldn’t be more true.
Take this preventative approach, and have confidence that you will handle this stressful time. It’ll take one thing off your mind, leaving you to focus on what matters most; your stock. And the weather, of course.