Adaptogens, non-toxic plants help our body handle stress
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are named non-toxic plants which adapt within us to help and support our body to handle our stress issues. Within Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions they have been used for centuries, consequently for quite some time now they are having a huge comeback. For example adaptogens can either be taken as a supplement, brewed into a delicious tea, or even added to a meal, dessert or drink. Most importantly, they somehow always manage to balance us out. In short whether the stress is chemical, physical or biological, the adaptogen will always work towards our natural state of homeostasis.
When you suffer with stress issues you will find that you are not alone. The good news is that when you start ‘digging’, you will find that stress levels can be reduced naturally. One of the biggest modern health issues is stress which for many is having such a negative impact on so many people’s lives, so it is no surprise to me that these “little” plant-based wonders are hitting the mainstream so hard in the realm of wellness.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
Adaptogens enhance our ability to achieve balance. That is to say, if our body and mind has a biological boost, such as adaptogens, in order to handle stress better, then we certainly will be less likely to get ill. Therefore when we face a stressor, whether it of physical or mental nature, our bodies go through GAS, which means general adaptation syndrome and is a three-stage response.
- alarm
- resistance
- exhaustion
Via a stimulating effect that holds off exhaustion, adaptogens help us stay in the resistance phase for longer instead of crashing in the middle of a stressful moment, a task, or an event. In other words, we attain equilibrium and just get on.
As adaptogens work on our adrenal glands they therefore naturally affect our hormonal system in the most positive way and our body learns how to manage various stressors. You may wonder how this works? Quite simply, the plants interact with the adrenal system. They adjust the production of hormones to suit the individual levels of stress being experienced by the person. To sum it up, your body then manages to function properly as it should both mentally and physically. So it won’t allow the stress factors to affect our system.
As each adaptogens has different effects on the body, you can literally pick and choose which ones work best for you.
Adaptogens Potential Benefits
- American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) – boosts working memory, reaction time, calmness, immune system
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – reduces stress and anxiety
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) – combats fatigue (CFS)
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) – increases stamina
- Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) – increases energy, physical & mental performance levels, induces calmness, and promotes a sense of well-being. Improves sleep
- Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – improves focus. Prevents mental fatigue
- Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) – reduces stress and boosts endurance
- Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – reduces stress levels. Calming of nerves
- Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) – prevents physical and mental fatigue
- Schisandra berry/Magnolia berry (Schisandra chinensis) – endurance booster, improves mental performance as well as working capacity
- Tulsi/Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) – decreases physical and mental stress including stress-related anxiety, and depression
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – boosts brain function and reduces depression significantly
Incorporate Adaptogens Into Your Daily Routine
There are various ways and options to include adaptogens into your daily routine. At certain times you can take a herbal supplement in capsule form. Or use a powdered form to add to your foods and drinks, smoothies, soups or teas, for example. Find some recipes that combine your chosen adaptogen. We are all different, so play around with flavours until you find those which suit your taste buds.
For example, taking adaptogens need to match with the situation you are experiencing, so if you know that you are going to have an intense and stressful few days/weeks at work you could incorporate the matching adaptogen into your diet. Time it so that your energy levels are maximised so that at the crucial times you don’t feel the effects when you are winding down. Just remember, it’s best when the moment requires that extra boost. Rotate the type of adaptogen for the optimum effects they can deliver and of course to prevent your body becoming too used to one particular type. SO rotating is a good idea! Research is very important too before taking supplements as adaptogens can come with side effects too.
Just a footnote!
Getting used to stress and stressful situations is never a good way to managing it. Personally I believe that making positive life changes to avoid stress to be better and of course the more natural approach. However, plants are our allies and the knowledge that they can assist in our adaptation to certain external stressy life forces and situations we find ourselves in is incredible. A highly interesting learning and could be extremely positive for you medicinally in the future.