This week I want to share my favorite adaptogens with you all!
Adaptogens are natural plant medicines that have been used since ancient times to support overall health and well-being. I love exploring the healing powers of these herbs as a first stop when addressing ailments/pains, brain fog, stress, anxiety, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. My family often refers to me as "the witch doctor".
These herbs and mushrooms can improve your body’s ability to resist stressors of all kinds (physical, chemical, and biogeological), balance hormones, and detox the body.
Each specific adaptogen does something a little different, but overall all adaptogens work to train your body to handle the effects of stress. They do so by making sure your endocrine system (various glands & hormones) are functioning as they should by balancing the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine axis. In short, this balancing act improves your body’s overall function and reaction to stress!
While adaptogens are generally safe for everyone, it is important to take your bio-individuality and unique symptoms into account to find out what remedies will benefit you the most. Otherwise, it can get very overwhelming and expensive! Also, know that adaptogens and superfoods are by no means necessary to live a healthy life.
Here are five of my favs: ( I have linked to some of my favorite brands - be careful ordering through Amazon, there are a lot of powder companies out there selling BS.)
Schisandra Powder: Schisandra is an incredible berry with powerful antioxidant benefits. It’s an energizing adaptogen that’s known for liver support, reducing inflammation, helping hormone balance and hormonal acne, and improves brain function. It has been used throughout history to strengthen eyes and reduce eye fatigue, enhance reproductive function, and help address feelings of anxiety and stress.
Moreover, for men, it is able to improve sexual functional and premature ejaculation which is the most common sexual dysfunction in men under the age of 40. Schisandra can strengthen hormones and calm anxiety without reducing alertness.
Mucuna Pruriens: this adaptogen is known as the “dopa bean” because it positively impacts the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, helping to boost brain function and improve mood. It also helps to improve focus. Some people like to take this to help get off ADHD medications -- there are a lot of nootropics I can recommend for that.
Rhodiola: works to significantly reduce fatigue whether physical or mental. In other words, it can improve exercise and mental performance! It also can reduce the “burnout” that comes from stress and anxiety. This makes Rhodiola very beneficial for athletes - Numerous studies have found that Rhodiola raises physical stamina, partially by reducing the perception of effort. It also reduces the damage of skeletal muscles from exertion. Shows great promise as an effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety remedy.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): known for its skin healing properties, Holy Basil helps to enhance skin elasticity. Research even indicates it can help prevent skin cancer and various other cancers from its antitumoral properties. It also helps to increase cognitive function, protect against infection, ease inflammation, and lower cholesterol. Start incorporating this into your wellness routine if you struggle with brain fog.
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Ashwagandha: a super-herb that helps boost mood and stamina, and control cravings. It’s also been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduce inflammation, and reduce blood sugar levels! Ashwagandha is a nightshade.
Each of these adaptogens has amazing benefits on top of helping your body adapt to stressful situations. A lot of us are constantly under stress, whether you realize it or not, and this can have numerous negative effects on your overall health. When we’re under stress our body can’t operate at its optimal level. When it comes to stress, adaptogens can be very helpful, but the most important thing is to get to the root cause of stress and make necessary lifestyle changes to eliminate it. Adaptogens can be found in various forms including teas, tinctures, and powders. Try out a few of these and find what works best for YOU and your body’s specific needs. They can get expensive so choose wisely! I hope this helps!
If you would like to discuss further and find out what might work for you - schedule a free consultation to learn more.