THE HEALING POWER OF ADAPTOGENS

ADAPTOGENS – WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS?

Think of adaptogens as your personal stress management team! This select group of healing herbs (and medicinal mushrooms) help balance, restore and protect the body against stress. They are called adaptogens because they adapt their function according to the specific needs of the body. Intelligent herbs! We know, right?!

Adaptogens are often found growing in some of the world’s harshest climates! They produce special substances that help them adapt to environmental stress in their own habitats. It’s no wonder these clever little plants can help the human body respond to stress better.

Adaptogens regulate the body’s stress response the way a thermostat regulates temperature. They can increase energy when it’s required, and calm the system when it’s over stimulated. They do this by balancing and stabilising the body’s systems – rock on, adaptogens.

What is stress?

The surprising thing is that almost anything can be stress. We tend to picture some poor soul, shackled to their desk, working crazy hours trying to meet unreasonable demands, wired on caffeine, eating junk and getting just a couple of hours sleep a night. Yes, that’s definitely a high-stress scenario, but it’s also any number of triggers in a normal day-to-day existence. It can be a startling wake-up alarm, having an overwhelming to-do list, not having enough money, conflict with friends, family, work colleagues or overbearing strangers, bad drivers, health issues, needing to meet a deadline, moving house, getting married, getting divorced, illness, death,… it really is a never-ending list of things that we experience in going about our normal lives. And that’s what makes stress a “silent assassin”, it’s just always there, so we think nothing of it, and yet we cannot make sense of unexplained symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, weight gain around the middle, brain fog, depression, getting sick frequently and so many more.

The reality is that it’s just not possible to eliminate all stressors from our lives, and some stress is actually important for motivation, so it’s not so much about making stress the “bad-guy”, but more about how we deal with it. The frightening fact is that with so many stressors and no strategy or support to switch off the stress response, we can create lasting damage to our brains.

Ideally we need less daily stressors and a lifestyle overhaul, but one simple approach is to support your brain with adaptogens. They help to turn off the stress response, allowing our brains to switch off the alarms and return our body to its normal state which is a natural, healthy stress response.

So, how do adaptogens work?

Ready for the science part of this article? Ok, good! So, the stress protective activity of adaptogens is associated with the regulation of homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. They regulate homeostasis via the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine system – that was a mouthful!

Adaptogens work to fine-tune hormone production and physiological responses to stress. They do this by regulating certain key stress mediators and biochemical markers such as cortisol, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. In this way they ensure that the body functions optimally.

We all feel stress, right? And, since it’s not possible to eliminate all stress its important to find ways to cope with. That’s why adaptogens should be considered as part of a stress management plan, along with healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep.

Adaptogens vs. Stimulants

Today, people frequently turn to prescription stimulants to cope with stress. In 2012 nearly 360 000 people received treatment for stimulant addiction. That’s a lot of people! Stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system and prompt the body into a fight-or-flight response. This creates all kinds of problems, including appetite loss, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

Other over-used stimulants include coffee and high sugar energy products. These are two of the most common vices for highly stressed people! And, they might momentarily boost energy levels, but they tend to end with an energy crash.

Adaptogens on the other hand have been shown to enhance mental clarity and attention, improve physical performance, and reduce fatigue without harmful side effects. Seriously guys, these plants sell themselves! Moreover, adaptogens are great sources of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. They boost energy levels, fight stress and promote health. Need we say more?

Break the stress cycle with these Top 10 Adaptogenic Herbs

As with most recommended solutions, you need to find the one that works for you. Trying these popular adaptogens first, and listen to your body as to whether it’s working or not.

Ginseng: is an with most recommended solutions, you need to find the one that works for you. Trying these popular adaptogens first, and listen to your body as to whether it’s working or not.


Maca: is the highest altitude food-herb grown in the world. Some of macas most celebrated properties include; immune system and stress support, hormonal support, athletic support, improved brain function and longevity. Maca increases blood oxygenation. This quality supports fertility and healthy libido, as well as increases stamina and elevates mood. Incan warriors were said to eat maca before battle as they believed it gave them invincible strength and stamina.


Astragalus: improves immune function by increasing the production of immune cells, and is known for its antiviral properties. It is one of the most potent immune tonics used to improve the lungs, strengthen muscles, increase metabolism, reduce stress, and strengthen genetics.


Reishi: has been the most revered herbal mushroom in Asia for almost two thousand years. The Taoists consider it the ‘elixir of immortality’. This mushroom possesses anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It’s an excellent anti stress herb known to ease tension, elevate the spirit, and promote peace of mind. It does this by transforming negative energy in the body. Furthermore, reishi has been shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis.


Chaga Mushroom: is the king of the medicinal mushrooms! It is found growing wild in old forests throughout the colder regions of Northern Asia and Northern Europe. It contains the highest amount of anti-tumour, cancer-fighting compounds of any herb. Chaga is also extremely high in nourishing phytochemicals, nutrients and free-radical-scavenging antioxidants. Chaga is a highly prized tonic mushroom, long used in traditional Siberian, Korean, Chinese, Northern European and Scandinavian herbalism.


Tulsi (Holy Basil): is the Queen of Herbs! Holy Basil has been revered in India for over five thousand years for its amazing number of health benefits. From the leaves to the seeds, this plant is considered a tonic for the body and mind. Traditionally, tulsi is used to promote immunity, support strength and stamina, and to enhance clarity. Furthermore, tulsi has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.


Maca: is the highest altitude food-herb grown in the world. Some of macas most celebrated properties include; immune system and stress support, hormonal support, athletic support, improved brain function and longevity. Maca increases blood oxygenation. This quality supports fertility and healthy libido, as well as increases stamina and elevates mood. Incan warriors were said to eat maca before battle as they believed it gave them invincible strength and stamina.


Ashwagandha: is a powerful adaptogen that supports adrenal health and soothes the nervous system. This herb acts as a rejuvenating tonic. It supports the energy systems of the body and encourages deep sleep. In addition, certain studies show that ashwagandha has stress and anxiety alleviating qualities.


Moringa: is one of the most nutrient dense plants on earth! Organic moringa powder contains a wealth of essential, disease-preventative nutrients, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, minerals, omega oils, and even all 9 essential amino acids. Some interesting moringa facts include: 1) Did you know that moringa has 17x the calcium in milk making it excellent for strengthening teeth and bones. 2) Also, moringa has 15x the potassium of bananas making it incredible for heart support. 3) Lastly, moringa has 4x the chlorophyll of wheatgrass making it highly alkalising and cleansing to the human body.


Rhodiola: has long been known as an adaptogen. This herb grows in cold mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Rhodiola has been shown to eliminate fatigue, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve brain function and athletic performance.


Liquorice root: can help to boost the immune system. This root has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. In human volunteers, supplementation with licorice helped to regulate hormone levels associated with stress, namely cortisol.

Are adaptogens safe?

How to take adaptogens…

There are a number of ways to get your daily dose of adaptogens. This includes a growing list of adaptogen rich products. Many drinks, teas, tinctures and salves are abundant in adaptogens! They are also in capsule or pill form… Alternatively, sprinkle adaptogen rich powders over the tops of smoothies, soups, and salads! We recommend journaling about any positive effects that you notice when you start supplementing. Look out for stress relief, increased energy and mental clarity. Give them a try… You only have something to gain.

RESOURCES

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16261511/
• https://drinkmetta.com/blogs/the-elevated-life/the-ultimate-guide-to-adaptogens
• https://integrativepro.com/Resources/Integrative-Blog/2016/What-are-Adaptogens-or-Adaptogenic-Herbs