Need a helping hand for facing life's daily stressors? While adaptogens may be getting a lot of newfound attention today in the western wellness industry, their origins go back centuries, with their roots steeped in ancient Chinese and ayurvedic medicine.
Adaptogens are a unique class of plants that can have particular healing abilities. They may help balance, protect, restore your body, and normalize psychological functions and just like the name implies, adaptogens help you adapt to various forms of stress. They help increase the body's natural resistance to stressors. These could be external stressors, such as the environment, or internal stressors triggered by our lifestyle, diet, and modern life.
Adaptogens are not a quick-fix miracle solution to a chronically stressed-out lifestyle. But when taken with the appropriate lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced nutrition-rich diet, keeping hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and exercising, they can help restore our system.
How can you add adaptogens to your diet, daily routines?
Today you can easily walk through health food isles and find adaptogens added to chocolate, baked goods, snacks, and many other food items. However, the most effective way to incorporate adaptogens into your daily routines is in one of these forms: capsules, powder, tinctures, and tea.
Some adaptogens to improve sleep, energy and reduce stress:
Ashwagandha: It supports the body in adapting to physical, mental, and environmental stressors. It also promotes restful sleep and a healthy adrenal function. It has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels during clinical studies.
Holy basil (Tulsi): It supports the body's balance and immune function. It also acts on the nervous system and helps support mental health by helping you maintain emotional well-being.
Rhodiola helps to improve energy and fight fatigue. It supports cortisol levels, therefore supporting adrenal function.
Schisandra: it is known for reducing the effects of stress by supporting a healthy endocrine system. They also support the body's natural resistance to stressful influences, including mental endurance.
Astragulus is great for supporting optimal immune function.
Eleuthero is an energizing adaptogen also known as Siberian ginseng.
It's important to note that adaptogen supplements don't treat specific conditions. Instead, they help boost your overall well-being. You don't need them in the same way that you need an antibiotic to treat an infection. But they can help your body stay in balance amidst the constant stresses of life.
As with any supplement, adaptogens take time to cause a noticeable positive impact on the body. It is always important to check with your doctor before adding adaptogens or any new supplement into your diet, especially if you are taking prescribed medication.