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What are adaptogens? -

Adaptogens are a group of herbs, plants, and mushrooms. They work to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.

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What are adaptogens? -

The word "adaptogen" refers to their function—how these substances affect the body—rather than what chemicals they contain.

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Chinese medicine and Ayurveda -

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the balance between disease and health is a key concept. It's believed that to regain balance, you must achieve balance between the internal body organs and the external elements. In Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, the concept of balance is also key.

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Chinese medicine and Ayurveda -

Adaptogens can assist the body systems to regain balance, depending on what has become out of balance and the particular adaptogenic herb being used.

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How do they work? -

Adaptogens work by hacking your general adaptation syndrome (GAS) response. There are three phases the body goes through when faced with stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

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How do they work? -

Adaptogens help you to remain in the resistance phase, stimulating you to perform and feel better regardless of the situation. They can also reduce the effects that long-term persistent stress causes to the body.

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Chronic stress -

When you are stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol. However, frequent high levels of cortisol can trigger inflammation and pain in the body, as well as leading to imbalances in other hormones.

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Harsh conditions -

Many adaptogens grow in harsh conditions. Their biochemistry adapts to those conditions, creating nutrients to help them survive. These nutrients are passed on when eaten.

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Soviet scientists -

During World War II, Soviet scientists began investigating ways to help military performance by reducing hunger and exhaustion. On their quest for the magic pill, they found adaptogens.

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Neuroprotective -

Studies have revealed that adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective properties. These properties help to defend the brain from injury due to trauma, stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia by intervening to prevent neuronal death. This protects the brain from injury or damage.

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Endocrine system -

Adaptogens work by affecting the endocrine system. This is the system in the body responsible for hormone release and regulation. In particular, adaptogens work with the stress hormone, cortisol.

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Anti-fatigue -

Adaptogens help adrenal glands function properly. When not overproducing hormones like cortisol, which lead to fatigue, you can improve your sleep to help maintain a normal sleep cycle.

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Anti-depressant -

By heightening resistance to stress and decreasing sensitivity to stressors, adaptogens help maintain equilibrium in the body. This helps to manage the symptoms associated with depressed states.

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Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant -

Prolonging the resistant state to counteract stress, the central nervous system is stimulated into action instead of exhaustion, boosting tolerance during unpredictable, stressful conditions.

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Female hormone health -

Adaptogens help to balance female hormones by supporting the adrenal system, optimizing thyroid function, and boosting energy levels. Now, let's take a look at some beneficial adaptogens for female hormone health.

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Vitex berry -

Vitex helps balance estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle. This action assists with alleviating PMS symptoms.

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Ashwagandha -

Ashwagandha may reduce stress and anxiety. It's thought to normalize blood cortisol levels and thyroid hormones. By balancing hormones and reducing oxidative stress, ashwagandha can be used to improve female fertility.

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Astragalus root -

Astragalus reduces fatigue and helps to support the liver, heart, and immune system with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. Astragalus helps to balance estrogen levels in the body, strengthening the reproductive system.

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Cordyceps -

Cordyceps are taken to boost stamina. It assists with the optimal function of progesterone, estrogen and cortisol. It also provides estrogen balance, due to its phytoestrogen properties.

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Licorice root -

Licorice supports adrenal hormones, helps to balance irregular ovarian follicles, and can activate estrogen receptors in the body. Licorice has been used in Chinese medicine to treat menopause symptoms and reduce period cramps.

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Rhodiola rosea -

Rhodiola helps to eliminate the symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It boosts memory and concentration, and is a selective estrogen reuptake modulator (SERM), that helps your body's estrogen to work properly.

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Holy basil -

Holly basil can improve memory and thinking. It has anti-depressive properties that can relieve emotional stress, and protects organs against chemical stress.

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Turmeric -

Turmeric helps to diminish excess estrogen to balance female hormones. It reduces inflammation in over 100 pathways in the body, and may help with anxiety as well as lowering depression.

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Red raspberry leaf -

Red raspberry leaf contains vitamins and minerals, carotenoids, and tannins. Its benefits range from helping to promote a healthy pregnancy (alleviating morning sickness, and preventing miscarriage) to increasing milk supply! It is also supposed to help ease cramps and relax stress.

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Nettle leaf -

Nettle leaf balances hormones by decreasing free testosterone availability, to reduce androgens that contribute to PCOS symptoms. Nettle helps to fight inflammation, promotes a healthy liver, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and is high in the green pigment, chlorophyll—great for detoxification.

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Oatstraw -

Oatstraw is high in the minerals iron, manganese, and zinc. It reduces inflammation in the body and calms the nervous system, to reduce anxiety.

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Ginger root -

Ginger works to detox the body, aid digestion, and alleviate pain. It has a stabilizing effect on the thyroid and insulin levels. It can be beneficial during menopause, calming night sweats.

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Suma root -

Suma root is Brazilian ginseng. It decreases inflammation and has been reported to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Highly antioxidant, it can increase sex hormones, improve fertility, and calm digestion.

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How to take them -

Adaptogens are most frequently sold as tinctures, capsules, and powders. Some will be blended specifically to address a particular health concern. Many can be taken alone or blended to make herbal tea infusions.

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How long should you take them? -

Adaptogenic herbs are considered safe, but always be mindful of potential interactions with other medicines. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. Some providers can recommend how to integrate adaptogens into your diet, as well as appropriate amounts.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Healthline) (John Hopkins Medicine) (Women's Health) (Verywell Health) (Hormones Balance) (Femallay) (UCLA Health) (Food Dive)

See also: This manuscript was the Medieval bible of health and wellness

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