“An adaptogen is a botanical that greatly improves your body's ability to adapt to stress, whether it's a hectic schedule, heat or cold, noise, high altitudes or any number of other stressors. This elite class of herbs impart strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and improve mental clarity.” —Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter
Have you heard of or started using adaptogens? I have been using a herbal mix every morning for the last three years and it has made all the difference in my mood. Being someone that wants to learn about everything I put in my body I have been studying the different herbs and I am inspired to keep learning. These herbs have been used in eastern cultures for thousands of years and have a very rich history.
Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stressful situations that can initiate depression, high blood pressure, premature aging and weight gain. These herbs help you regain balance after experiencing stress. It's said this happens by revitalizing your adrenal glands, one of the body's defenses in response to stress and emotional issues.
Some popular adaptogens include the powerhouse ashwaganda, schizandra extract, tribula terrestris extract, Siberian golden root, Siberian ginseng, Rhododendron caucasicum, maca extract, nepali shilajit and wolfberry extract.
Ashwaganda has been studied endlessly and the herb was shown to reduce cortisol levels by 26%. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress increases inflammation and degeneration processes in the body.
Schizandra extract is used for preventing early aging and increasing lifespan, normalizing blood sugar and blood pressure, stimulating the immune system and speeding recovery after surgery.
Tribulus terrestris has been used for a variety of potential effects including to enhance libido, keep the urinary tract healthy and reduce swelling.
Siberian golden root has been used in Russia and Scandinavian countries to treat anxiety, fatigue and depression for centuries.
Siberian ginseng has been used for heart conditions, ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, high cholesterol, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, common illnesses such as flu, colds, bronchitis and even hangovers. It has also been noted to improve athletic performance and to decrease insomnia.
I could go on for days with the properties of these herbs! The question is not should I be taking advantage of the benefits of adaptogens, but why am I NOT already. After learning all of this it's no wonder I have been feeling better since starting to incorporate them daily. As busy moms, wives, friends, sisters, daughters we need all the help we can get.
Sources: http://www.medicinehunter.com/
www.healthline.com
www.medlineplus.gov
www.webmd.com
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