A Natural Substance considered to help the body adapt to stress. (herbal medicine)
Ok so I have to be honest I am one of the lucky ones. I had never heard of Adaptogen's until I was introduced to them by a friend and this is before everyone was talking about them. Now the reason I say I am lucky is because I was having them before it was even hip and I was having them before I even knew that they were Adaptogen's when I was having my morning elixir I just thought it was this weird tasting blend that made me feel evened out. That if I hadn't had them I really noticed. I noticed how much calmer I was and I considered it to be like my own little rescue remedy. As time went on and I tried to explain to others about my morning shot. I realised that these botanical cocktail was made up of Adaptogen's. So here I am to explain to you (if you don't already know) what they are and how they work in your body so that you too may want to be a cool kid and get your hit of Adaptogen's too.
Here is a list of adaptogenic herbs and what they good for .
Panax Ginseng
Possesses anti stress properties which can be used for stress induced disorders.
Holy Basil
Part of Ayurvedic medicine it may be effective in improving stress response because of here anti stress phytochemical compounds.
Ashwagandha
May prevent stress related gastric ulcers, prevent weight increase of the adrenal glands ( a sign of chronic stress) and helps to stabilise cortisol levels.
Astragalus Root
Used in Chinese medicine to reduce stress hormones and increase stress response.
Licorice Root
Helps to regulate hormone levels and cortisol.
Rhodiola
A 2009 Swedish study with people who had stress related fatigue found that repeatedly administering rhodiola rosea produced an anti fatigue effect that increased mental performance and decreased cortisol response.
Eleuthero
Traditional Chinese Medicine to invigorate sexual function, boost vital energy and normalize overall body functions, Eleuthero is classified as an adaptogen, enhancing immunity and vitality overall.
Maca
Has been dubbed “Peruvian ginseng,” though it bears no relation to ginseng. But like ginseng, the root increases strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function.
Schisandra
Is a potent general tonic, decreasing fatigue, enhancing physical performance, and promoting endurance. The berry counters stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones in the blood.
Aloe Vera
Researchers have taken renewed interest in aloe vera as a powerful herb and superfood. Two of its compounds, acemannan and aloctin A, support immune and adrenal health.
Bacopa
This popular Ayurvedic herb has been used for centuries to support brain health like memory, focus, and thinking.
Morning Oleifera
The seeds, leaves, roots, and oils of the Moringa Oleifera plant are used throughout Southeast Asia an ingredient in many common dishes. As part of traditional medicine, it supports the immune response, eases swelling, and promotes energy and adrenal health
Milk Thistle
The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, supports liver health and metabolism that helps manage the hormones associated with stress.
Now lets have a look at how Adaptogen's work. It is very important to remember that stress is only meant to exist in short bursts. It is a hormonal response that may have been responsible for helping some of your own ancestors escape from hungry lions (or maybe even face them!). Think about stress as what is commonly called your “fight or flight” response.
Today that is not a major concern for us to be running away or battling lion. (thank goodness) but in saying that we are exposed to other forms of stresses that are ongoing for long bouts of time and being in constant stress can have negative effects on your body and the digestive system not to mention your energy levels.
This is where Adaptogenic compounds come in and help to mitigate the stress. They work to bring the hormones of your adrenal system back into balance and overcome adrenal fatigue, a common condition of chronic stress. Studies show Adaptogen's like Rhodiola Rosea and Schisandra reduce the presence and effect of stress hormones. ( lucky both of these are in my little elixir )
Adaptogen's keep your body's stress response at a desirable level, they are good for you all the time not just when you have high levels of stress.
Now I am so happy to report looking at my elixir I have more than 8 of the above Adaptogen's in it no wonder I miss it when I don't have it. Best accident I happened upon.