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Adaptogens

What are adaptogens?

Although adaptogens have been used for centuries in China and India, they’re enjoying a huge resurgence right now and for good reason: They help combat the harmful effects of stress and bring your body back into harmony – something we all need in today’s 24/7 world!

What are adaptogenic herbs?

Adaptogens are a specific group of herbs, roots and other natural substances. Their name comes from the belief that adaptogens “adapt” to an individual’s unique physical and emotional needs to create balance and good health. Scientists worldwide have been studying adaptogens for their energy boosting qualities and keep you feeling good no matter what comes your way.

As you know, stress affects you mentally, but what you may not know is it takes a toll on you physically as well. Stress taxes your neurological, endocrine and immune systems leaving you vulnerable to all sorts of health issues. That’s where adaptogenic herbs come in.

What are the benefits of adaptogens?

  • Enhance mental capacity
  • Promote attention
  • Boost energy
  • Offer neuroprotective properties
  • Lift mood
  • Balances hormones
  • Eases anxiety
  • Supports adrenal function
  • Fights fatigue

How do adaptogens work?

As mentioned above, adaptogens are involved in both the physical and emotional stress response. While stress is a normal part of daily life, it’s when it becomes chronic it can lead to long-term health problems.

Before explaining how adaptogens work, it’s important to first understand the three stages your body undergoes when experiencing stress.

  1. Alarm stage. This is the natural fight-or-flight stage that prepares you to defend yourself or run away. Your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate rise, your adrenal glands release stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline and corticosterone. While this is helpful in the short term, for extended stressful situations your body remains on high alert with all systems primed and ready to go. You may feel pumped up and energized, but these stress hormones are also quietly and subtly affecting your digestion, immune system, heart, metabolism and more. Imagine the damage this can cause as your body becomes exhausted and wears out.  
  2. Resistance stage. After the alarm stage, your body starts to repair itself and your heart rate  and hormone levels return to normal. You may feel irritable, short-tempered, lack focus and concentration.
  3. Exhaustion stage. This stage leaves you drained physically and emotionally. Your body is spent and unable to fight stress. You feel hopeless, burned out, depressed, or anxious, all weakening your immune system and leaving you vulnerable for stress-related health issues.

Adaptogens help your body resist stress to keep you balanced, physically, psychologically and emotionally. The goal of adaptogenic herbs is to keep you feeling content, energized, strong and clear-headed regardless of the stressors you face.

  • Ashwagandha. Also known as Withania somnifera, this classic, multi-tasking ayurvedic herb has been around for centuries. It’s the go-to solution herbalist treasure for its calming, soothing effect that also helps strengthen mind and body.
  • Chaga. The immune-boosting chaga mushroom has been used for general wellness because it delivers incredibly powerful antioxidants to keep the body balanced. Traditionally used in a tea, it can also be added to a favorite beverage.
  • Holy Basil. A member of the mint family, holy basil is one of the most revered herbs in India where it was used for calming and relaxation. Today scientists are studying its adaptogenic qualities for helping the body function optimally during times of stress.
  • Rhodiola. Rhodiola is the counter-balance to ashwagandha as it energizes and enhances endurance. Herbalists love it for its ability to boost concentration and focus.
  • Maca. Grown in one of the difficult habitats on the planet, maca is a hearty plant that is favored for helping to face life’s daily challenges.

Since your adrenal glands release the stress hormones, you’ll want to ensure they’re functioning properly and are receiving with maximum protection. You’ll find many adrenal formulas widely available that deliver some of the above adaptogenic herbs mentioned above.

Adaptogens could be the perfect addition to help you meet the challenges of daily stress.

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