All About Adaptogens
Are you adaptable? Does change throw you for a loop?
Does change freak you out and add to your stress load?
What about your physical body? Does it feel out of balance or “off”?
Your body’s innate intelligence is always working on homeostasis—that is keeping your systems in balance. Poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and emotional trauma can all throw the body out of balance.
Fortunately, in the wellness space, there are products, foods, and supplements that can support your body’s homeostasis, called ADAPTOGENS.
What Is an Adaptogen?
It can be any plant, herb, or supplement blend that brings balance back to your physical and emotional state.
Adaptogens restore the mind and body from stress, illness, deficiency, and overall imbalance.
If you need more energy, it can boost your energy. If you need to be calmed down, it can have a calming effect. Adaptogens do something different for everyone, ranging from better and more restful sleep to supporting a body with cancer.
Phytotherapy refers to the use of plants for their healing abilities. Adaptogens are a unique class of healing plants: They help balance, restore and protect the body. According to naturopath Edward Wallace, an adaptogen doesn’t have a specific action; it helps you respond to any influence or stressor, normalizing your physiological functions.
Another definition for an herb to be considered an adaptogen requires that it must be nontoxic, nonspecific, and thought to affect the physiology of an organism.
Some Popular Adaptogenic Herbs Include:
Ashwangandha
Holy Basil
Licorice root
Panax Ginseng
Rhodiola
You can find these herbs in teas, tinctures, and professional-grade supplements. I especially favor a product from Apex Energetics that is a cream. You rub it in once a day. It’s called Adrenacalm. And you guessed it, it supplies a unique blend of herbs and vitamins to calm you down—giving your adrenals glands the love they need.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Another class of adaptogens can be found with mushrooms. Mushrooms have been used since ancient times, known for their adaptogenic capacity.
Indigenous cultures used these powerful superfoods in teas, soups, etc. Mushrooms are one of the most scientifically studied superfoods. Research shows that different types of mushrooms have incredible benefits for your brain, hormones, immune system, energy levels, mental acuity, mood, etc.
Reishi, Chaga, Agaricus, Lions Mane, Shiitake, Maiitake, and Cordyceps are all considered both superfood and adaptogenic.
Adaptogenic mushrooms are available in a variety of forms: powdered, capsules, extracts, drinks, and whole food. In my practice, I utilize several mushroom supplement blends, as well as hot drinks for supporting cancer recovery, strengthening the immune system, and improving brain health.
Four Sigmatic is one of the new companies on the forefront of mushroom products. They have a variety of powdered elixirs—one has become my new favorite hot drink. And sometimes I add the powders to my morning cup of coffee or smoothie.
For supporting brain health and memory, I strongly recommend a product that is a blend of both herbals and mushrooms: Host Defense, Myco Botanicals – Brain. (You can find it here in my online dispensary. Note that you may need to create an account first to access.)
Adaptogenic Cannabis
CBD oil without the THC or intoxicating component can also be considered an adaptogen. When the endocannabinoid system becomes under-active or overactive, the body will begin to malfunction and can no longer remain in a homeostatic state.
The benefits of CBD can be:
pain relief
reduced inflammation
improved mood
reduced anxiety, stress, and PTSD
nausea relief
headache and migraine relief
CBD also takes advantage of a variety of delivery systems including: Tinctures, capsules, salves/balms, and gummies.
In conclusion, ask yourself if you feel out of balance. Could your body’s delicate system be struggling and benefit from some adaptogenic support? None of the above-mentioned products are considered drugs or are toxic to your body.
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