Fighting Stress and Anxiety With Adaptogens
By Peter Orpen, Co-Owner, Teelixir
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out lately? You're not alone! With the world becoming more fast-paced and demanding, it's no surprise that many of us are struggling to keep up. But what if I told you there may be a simple way to help support your stress and anxiety levels? Enter adaptogens.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and superfoods that have been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices to help support general wellbeing. They are thought to work by influencing the body's stress response systems.
In today's world, we have access to some of the most potent adaptogenic herbs on the planet. From ashwagandha to Rhodiola, various adaptogens on the market have been traditionally used to support general wellbeing during times of stress, with some people finding them helpful for maintaining balance in daily life.
So why not give adaptogens a try? Incorporating these powerful herbs into your diet may help support your overall health and well-being. By potentially reducing stress levels, you may also be supporting your general wellness. So go ahead, take the first step towards a healthier, happier you, and start exploring the best adaptogens for stress and anxiety today!
What Are Adaptogens?
Are you dealing with a stressful lifestyle? Have you heard of adaptogenic herbs? These incredible herbs are gaining popularity in the health and wellness community for good reason! They're plants and fungi that may help support an individual's resistance to stress, potentially making the body more “adaptable” to all kinds of stressors.
Adaptogens are herbs traditionally used to help support the body's response to stress. They're used as natural remedies that some people find helpful for coping with stress and negative emotions. Each adaptogenic herb has unique characteristics that may make it supportive for various types of stress, with many being the subject of ongoing research into their potential effects.
The term “adaptogenic” may be new to the Western world, but adaptogenic herbs have been used for centuries in Asian and Indian traditional medicine to combat a variety of symptoms. In fact, the term was coined by scientist Nikolai Lazarev during the 1940s when the USSR commissioned him to search for a performance-enhancing herb with pharmacological qualities to Asian Ginseng.
To be classified as a true adaptogen, an adaptogenic herb must exhibit three functions.
- First, it must be non-toxic and safe for long-term consumption.
- Second, it must produce a non-specific benefit and resistance to stress. Unlike many pharmaceuticals that work on only one biological pathway, adaptogens work on hundreds of biological pathways simultaneously, making them truly unique and remarkable.
- Lastly, adaptogenic herbs may help support the body's natural balance and harmonise imbalances caused by stress.
Adaptogenic herbs contain a variety of potent compounds such as triterpenes, beta-glucans, antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, lactones, and other polysaccharides. Their chemical makeup and structure make them incredibly unique and unlike any other herbal medicine on the planet.
Some traditional adaptogens that have been used for centuries include Reishi Mushroom, Cordyceps mushroom, Ashwagandha root, Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero root), Holy Basil, Rhodiola, Panax Ginseng, and Schizandra berry. These botanicals contain various bioactive compounds and have a long history of use in traditional wellness practices. Reishi mushroom, Cordyceps mushroom, and Rhodiola Rosea are valued in many cultures for their potential to support general wellbeing. For those interested in traditional herbal practices, Ashwagandha root, Lion's Mane mushroom, Reishi mushroom, and Siberian Ginseng have been historically used in various wellness traditions.
All adaptogenic herbs are traditionally used to support the adaptability and resilience of the individual taking them. And, interestingly enough, adaptogens follow the doctrine of signatures. This means that these incredible herbs must grow and adapt in the harshest climates and environments in the world, from sub-arctic to desert-like conditions. The strongest survivors of these herbs possess the most potent adaptogenic qualities.
For example, Rhodiola grows wild on cliff sides hundreds of meters above sea level in Siberia, Tibet, and China. We're beginning to see the emergence of these potent adaptogen supplements within the mainstream. And in these highly stressful times, we live in, their presence could not be more welcomed! So why not try adding some adaptogenic herbs to your daily routine and see how they can help you feel more balanced and resilient?
How Stress and Fatigue Can Be Dealt With Adaptogens
Imagine feeling like you're constantly running on empty, no matter how much you sleep or how well you eat. That's what chronic stress can do to your body and mind. It's like a thief that robs us of our joy, well-being, and health. But fear not! There's a natural way to help combat the effects of chronic stress: adaptogenic herbs.
Adaptogenic herbs have been traditionally used to support the body's response to stress, with some research exploring their potential effects on general wellbeing.
Acute stress is the type of stress our body-mind has evolved with. Imagine being chased by a lion - that's an example of an acute stressor. In this emergency situation, the body responds by flooding the nervous system with cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which switches the body into fight or flight mode.
But in modern times, stress is a constant in our everyday lives. Chronic stress happens continually when we're dealing with traffic, work deadlines, toxic relationships, financial hardships, lack of sleep, and the overconsumption of processed and nutrient-deficient foods. Over time, chronic stress leads to burnout and exhaustion.
This is where adaptogens come in. They have been traditionally used to support the body's stress response and general wellbeing. Many people find them helpful for maintaining balance during stressful periods.
Traditional Uses of Adaptogens in Human Health
There's a natural solution that may help manage those symptoms without any harmful side effects. It's called adaptogens - a class of herbs traditionally used to support the body's stress response and protect it from the potential negative effects of chronic stress exposure.
Each adaptogen supplement is unique in its benefits, and there are a few that stand out for their potential effectiveness in managing stress. Take the Ashwagandha root for example. This adaptogen is traditionally used to support the HPA axis, which plays a role in regulating our stress response. By potentially buffering the communication between the brain and adrenals, it may help balance the stress response and sympathetic activation, making it one of the best adaptogens for stress.
Siberian Ginseng is another adaptogen traditionally used to support general wellbeing during times of fatigue. Many people find it helpful for maintaining energy levels and vitality.
If you're looking for an adaptogen traditionally used to support general wellbeing, consider trying Schisandra berry. This adaptogen contains compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into cellular health and antioxidant activity.
By including adaptogens for stress in your diet, you may help activate stress-defence mechanisms and support your body against the potential negative effects of chronic stress exposure. Chronic stress may weaken the immune system, fertility, and digestive function, and drive cellular ageing. But with the help of adaptogens, you may nourish and support your HPA axis to manage stress effectively.
So don't let stress and anxiety take over your life. Try incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine and see the difference it can make in your overall well-being.
Adaptogens to Deal With Stress and Anxiety
Are you feeling overwhelmed with stress and anxiety? Don't worry, nature has got your back! Let me introduce you to the best adaptogens that can help you fight fatigue, improve your cognition and support your energy levels.
Ashwagandha Root
One of the most well-known adaptogens is Ashwagandha Root. This herb has been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices and is thought to support general wellbeing. It is also a source of iron, making it a nutritive option. If you're experiencing low energy and mental fatigue, Ashwagandha root may be a herb worth exploring.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom is another adaptogen traditionally used to support general wellbeing. Some people find its calming properties helpful for relaxation. Reishi has a long history of use in traditional practices and is the subject of ongoing research into its potential effects.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps Mushroom has been traditionally used as a tonic herb. Some people find it helpful for supporting energy levels, and it contains compounds that are the subject of ongoing research.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero root)
Siberian Ginseng, also known as Eleuthero root, has been used for centuries in traditional practices. Many people find it helpful for supporting general energy and vitality during demanding periods.
Rhodiola Rosea
This legendary herb native to Siberia and northwest China was called "The Golden Root" by the Chinese, who valued it highly. Rhodiola Rosea has been traditionally used to support wellbeing, with historical use for fatigue and general recovery. It contains compounds that are the subject of ongoing research.
Schizandra Berry
This berry has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a gentle tonic. It contains antioxidant compounds that are the subject of ongoing research into their potential effects.
If you're experiencing mental fatigue, Lion's Mane mushroom has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. Many people find it helpful for maintaining balance in daily life.
Pine Pollen
Lastly, Pine Pollen powder is traditionally used as a nutritive tonic. It contains various nutrients including Vitamin C, and is the subject of ongoing research into its potential effects.
Advantages of Adaptogens
These natural supplements have been traditionally used to support the body's response to stress. Many people find them helpful for maintaining wellbeing during challenging times.
But that's not all! Adaptogens have been traditionally used to support energy and general wellbeing. They are packed with key microminerals and have been traditionally used to support general wellbeing, including sleep, mood, cognition, memory, and energy.
It's important to note that each adaptogen has a unique way in which it benefits the individual taking them. For instance, some adaptogens have been traditionally used to support vitality in times of fatigue.
If you're feeling wired and tired, anxious, and unable to get good quality sleep, adaptogen supplements have been traditionally used to support the nervous system. So why not give them a try and see the difference they can make in your life?
Incorporating Adaptogens in Your Regular Diet
Adaptogens are powerful plants and fungi that have been traditionally used for their many health benefits, and incorporating them into your daily routine could make a big difference in your well-being.
But not all adaptogen supplements are created equal, so it's important to do your due diligence to find the right product for you. At Teelixir, we've got you covered with five easy ways to include adaptogenic herbs in your diet:
- Enjoy adaptogen powders on their own in hot water to experience their full flavour profile and the many benefits they offer.
- Make an adaptogen tonic by adding adaptogenic herb powder to hot water or plant-based milk for a delicious, low-sugar, nutrient-rich beverage that's perfect for every day.
- Try adding adaptogens to your morning coffee, tea, matcha, cacao elixir, smoothie, or bone broth. The best adaptogen powders will easily dissolve in these beverages with no damage to their structure or function.
- Use adaptogenic herbs in your baking and cooking by adding the organic extract powder to baking batters, sauces, soups, stocks, broths, or salad dressings. All you need is ½ tsp of each adaptogen every day to experience its incredible benefits.
- Add adaptogens to your breakfast granola or muesli for an easy, automatic way to consume these powerful herbs every day.
Concluding
Adaptogens traditionally used to support wellbeing include Ashwagandha root, Lion's Mane Mushroom, Cordyceps Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Siberian Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, Schizandra berry, and Pine Pollen. These herbs have been traditionally used and are generally considered safe for long-term use.
So what are you waiting for? Incorporating adaptogenic herbs into your daily routine is an easy and effective way to support your overall health and well-being. Try Teelixir's adaptogenic herbs today and see the powerful benefits for yourself!
References
Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
Feeling a little low on energy? Here's how adaptogenic herbs for energy can help - https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/feeling-a-little-low-on-energy-heres-how-adapt
Adaptogens for Healing Burnout — Dr Karen Wallace, ND | Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - http://drkarenwallace.com/blog-drkaren-naturopathic-dartmouth/2018/7/31/burnout-and-adaptogen-herbs
12 Best Adaptogens for Stress and Hormonal Balance — And How to Use Them - https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens#how-do-they-work
12 Best Adaptogens for Stress and Hormonal Balance — And How to Use Them - https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens#how-to-use-adaptogens
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston & Steven Maimes
Understanding adaptogenic herbs: new evidence on their possible effectiveness in stress-induced and ageing-associated disorders from a DNA microarray study of neuroglia cells - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273615817
Adaptogens - https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Adaptogens.pdf
Eliza Hedley is an Australian-born health, mindset and abundance enthusiast obsessed with helping millennials experience living at a higher level.
Eliza's relaxed new-age approach and understanding of nutrition and wellness see her empowering and coaching individuals to understand that their health is the ultimate asset. Upon experiencing firsthand the power and place of tonic herbalism and medicinal mushrooms in everyday life, Eliza’s becomes an adaptogen fangirl and feels their utilisation in today’s world is essential for abundance and wellbeing.
