Are you looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your overall health? If so, you may want to consider adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress and improve overall function. They are becoming increasingly popular, and many people use them to manage their health. If you're interested in trying adaptogens, here is some information on what they are and how they can benefit you.
What are adaptogens?
Anyone who's ever had a stressful day at work knows that feeling of being on edge all day long. Your body is on high alert, your heart races, and you can't focus on anything. If this sounds familiar, you might benefit from adaptogens. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help improve overall health and well-being.
Research shows adaptogens can help your body cope with stress, whether it's short-term or chronic. They can also help boost your immunity, ease depression and anxiety, and improve mental performance—Adaptogens work by supporting the adrenal system, which is responsible for managing stress hormones in the body. By helping to regulate these hormones, adaptogens can help reduce the adverse effects of stress on the body.
While they won't eliminate all stress from your life, they can help you better cope with the stresses of daily life. And when it comes to stress, every little bit helps.
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that can help the body adapt to stress. Here are a few common adaptogens that you may have heard of and their potential benefits (source: The Beet):
- Ashwagandha: Protects the body against stress and anxiety
- Tulsi Basil: Reduces anxiety, stress and inflammation
- Maca Root: Boosts mood and energy levels
- Reishi Mushroom: Helps the body create a healthy sleep pattern and adapt to stress
- Cordyceps Mushroom: Reduces stress and balances hormones
- Turmeric: Helps the body balance stress hormones and reduces inflammation
- Nettle Leaf: Reduces stress and tension
- Licorice: Boosts endurance and overall energy
- Goji Berry: Boosts energy, physical and mental performance, and calmness
Teas with adaptogens?
At Babooshy, we carry teas with adaptogen herbs such as turmeric and tulsi. It's a
milder way to start getting into adaptogens to see if it works with your body. A few blends to check out:
Are there any risks associated with taking adaptogens?
Although adaptogens are considered safer than traditional medicines, they can still pose risks. Since the herbs affect a range of systems in your body, including the endocrine system (which governs your hormones), pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using them. If you have any other health conditions or are taking medications, it's also essential to check with your doctor before taking adaptogens. However, as with any supplement, it's necessary to proceed cautiously and consult your doctor before adding them to your routine.
Sources:
Introduction to Adaptogens | Goodnature. https://www.goodnature.com/blog/adaptogens-in-juice/
Adaptogens for Stress Relief - Diabetes Self-Management. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/healthy-living/nutrition-exercise/adaptogens-for-stress-relief/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
https://www.healthline.com/health/adaptogenic-herbs#healthbenefits
https://thebeet.com/what-are-adaptogens-herbs-and-plants-that-can-help-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/
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