Adaptogens are herbs that help you adapt to stress. To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe and non-toxic. It must have broad uses for health, and it must specifically reduce stress, both mental and physical.
“Adaptogens are natural substances that work with a person’s body and help them adapt; most notably, to stress. Adaptogens are a natural ally in dealing with persistent stress and fatigue because they work with regulating important hormones.”
Adaptogens offer several other health benefits. They boost the immune system, support healthy weight management, increase physical endurance and mental focus, reduce discomfort caused by poor health, and they balance moods. Adding adaptogens to your regular diet will bring these benefits.
There are a number of naturally adaptogenic herbs. They can be taken in capsulated supplement form, brewed in teas, or simply cut up and used to spice up a meal. For maximum health benefits, it’s best to include a healthy variety of these herbs in your diet. Here are some of the most popular adaptogenic herbs and their effects.
Asian Ginseng
This herb, also called Panax Ginseng, supports physical endurance, mental clarity, and has antioxidant properties that support heart health and your immune system.
Holy Basil
A member of the mint family, this herb has soothing properties. Its antioxidant properties support heart health and normal lipid profiles. It’s also a powerful weapon against stress.
Milk Thistle
The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, supports liver health and metabolism that helps manage the hormones associated with stress.
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)
Also called Indian Ginseng improves how people handle – and feel – stress. It’s also taken to keep the mind sharp and for energy.
Rhodiola Rosea
This herb supports regular energy levels and fights altitude sickness. Studies also show it helps encourage normal cortisol levels as well as energy levels.
Ginseng Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
This root is known for its adaptogenic properties and as a natural energy booster.
Rosemary
Two of rosemary’s compounds, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, support heart, digestive, and liver health, and is considered to relieve stress.
Aloe Vera
Two compounds in aloe vera, acemannan and aloctin A, support immune and adrenal health.
Gotu Kola
Stimulates blood flow, helps reduce swelling, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Astragalus
This herb encourages good health and fights stress. Its active compound, called TAT2, protects against aging, supports detoxification, and is nutrition for the kidneys.
Moringa Oleifera
The seeds, leaves, roots, and oils of the Moringa Oleifera supports the immune response, eases swelling, and promotes energy and adrenal health.
Schisandra
This herb promotes good health and overall wellness. Research shows it has powerful antioxidant properties that help your body stay balanced.
Bacopa
This popular Ayurvedic herb supports brain health like memory, focus, and thinking.
Licorice Root
This herb promotes many aspects of wellness, including normal metabolic function.
Adaptogenic compounds help mitigate the stress response. They work to bring the hormones of your adrenal system back into balance and overcome adrenal fatigue, a common condition of chronic stress. Studies show adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea and Schisandra reduce the presence and effect of stress hormones. In this way, they help endurance during physical stress like exercise and return your body to normal when you’re faced with chronic stress.
Think of adaptogens like a thermostat. They keep your body’s stress response at a desirable level, much like the way a thermostat keeps the temperature from becoming too high or too low. They’re good for you all the time, not just when you have a high level of stress.
“God has caused to grow out of the ground herbs for the use of man, and if we understand the nature of these roots and herbs, and make a right use of them, there would not be a necessity of running for the doctor so frequently, and people would be in much better health than they are today.” Medical Ministry, page 230.
Nature Knows Best!
**Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.