Adaptogens are herbs that enhance the body's resistance to stress, supporting adaptation by strengthening various physiological systems. These non-toxic herbs are revered in traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. The term "adaptogen" originated in the Soviet Union in the 1960s, where scientists were studying these herbs.
Benefits of adaptogens:
Adaptogens help the body adapt to all kinds of stress by supporting systems most affected by stress: nervous system, endocrine system and immune systems.
Adaptogens help with both acute and chronic stress.
Adaptogens restore balance to the endocrine system.
Adaptogens help to modulate the immune system.
Adaptogens help to bring the body back into balance, no matter what cause or definition of the imbalance.
Below is a list of some of my preferred adaptogens. For a more detailed exploration, I suggest the book Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by David Winston and Steven Maimes.
All of these herbs can be used safely by most people as a powder, tea, or tincture. Please consult with an herbalist if you have a health condition or are taking medications before taking any new herb. I listed some of the primary contraindications for each plant.
Ashwaghanda Withania somnifera: Ashwaghanda, known as “strong horse medicine” has a long use in Ayurveda to promote rejuvenation and longevity. It has been used traditionally to increase physical and sexual vitality. Ashwaghanda is calming and releaxing herb and is used to help with insomnia and sleep disturbances. It is also deeply nutritive and can increase our vital energy. It helps with anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, anemia, autoimmune conditions and musculo-skeletal issues like fibromyalgia. Ashwaghanda is slightly stimulating to the thyroid and can beuseful for hypothyroidism but should be used with caution with hyperthyroid conditions.
Holy Basil/Tulsi Ocimum sanctum: Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in India, where it is considered a sacred herb. As a relative of culinary basil, Tulsi has warming, spicy and uplifting energy. It aids with digestion and can help lower blood sugar. Tulsi has many benefits for the mind and can help alleviate brain fog and improve memory.
Tulsi can lift our spirits when we feel depressed, and it can help reduce fatigue. Tulsi also has antiviral properties and is a useful ally when treating respiratory allergies. Tulsi is contraindicated in hypothyroidism and may have antifertility effects, so avoid in pregnancy or if trying to get pregnant.
Reishi or Ling Zhi Ganoderma lucidum: Reishi is a powerful mushroom ally for the body and spirit that benefits almost every physiological system in the body. Reishi is grounding and nourishing and helps to calm the body, mind, and spirit. Reishi is a deep immune system tonic that can help build the body's resistance to infections and can help the body restore its vitality after acute or chronic illness. Reishi benefits the cardiovascular system and can help lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. Reishi can support our respiratory health and helps with allergies and asthma. Reishi is one of my top allies for working with chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders and cancer.
Eleuthero Eleutherococcus senticosus: Eleuthero was extensively studied by Soviet scientists in the 1960s as an herb to support the performance of their workers, cosmonauts, and athletes. Eleuthero is related to ginseng and is an excellent, all-purpose adaptogen. I use it to support normally healthy people who are experiencing stress. I mix it with wild oat to help restore depleted adrenals and nerves. Eleuthero can also support people with hypertension and high cholesterol. Like all other adaptogens, it builds immunity and resistance to the impact of chronic stress.
Schizandra Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra is called “Five Flavor Berry” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it contains the flavors of sweet, salty, pungent, sour and bitter. Schisandra has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the liver from toxic exposure. Schisandra is tonic for adrenal glands and is nourishing to the immune system. It promotes mental clarity, can improve memory, and can help with anxiety and insomnia.
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