Getting To Know Adaptogens

We’re familiarizing ourselves better with adaptogens, they’re positive effects and how to use them in our daily routine.

What exactly are adaptogens?
By now most of us have probably heard the word and even included them in our supplementation routine but, do we know how they work? We’ve picked out the top ten popular adaptogenic herbs to help you better understand and find one that suits your needs best!

Adaptogens are naturally occurring compounds called immunomodulators which have incredible healing properties- garlic and echinacea for example have immunomodular properties (these are however surface level as they often act directly on a bacteria or virus).

What makes adaptogens truly fascinating is that these plants/herbs all have a particular intelligence in common — they work ‘non-specifically,’ meaning they target multiple functions in the body — physically, mentally and biologically. The inherent intelligence of adaptogens also works by providing your body with what it particularly needs in that moment. For example, if you’re fatigued, adaptogens can give you energy; or, if you’re anxious, they can calm you down. This is due to the impact that these special plants have on our endocrine system, the HPA axis (hypothalamus + pituitary and adrenal glands). In summary, they meet your body where it’s at, and match it by chemically remedying what’s needed to restore balance.

Cool! How do they work?
“The HPA axis continually assesses what’s happening in the body, gives feedback and calls for appropriate action, using hormones as its messenger molecules to bring homeostasis in the body. Although many believe that the main function of this highly complex glandular system is chronic stress management, it serves many other functions, and is even associated in Eastern traditions with subtle spiritual functioning.

The hypothalamus (H) is the command center of the brain, often called our “god” center. This area of the brain communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system and through an influx of hormones. H perceives, oversees and assesses everything going on in the body, then informs its “personal assistant”, the pituitary (P) gland, what to do. The personal assistant informs the “general managers” (the target organs), who then enlist the “workers” (particular biochemical processes) in the relevant tissues or organs in the body. The enlisted or activated tissues include the visceral organs — heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys, liver, pancreas (and their less publicized agents such as the gallbladder, spleen, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, etc.).” says Adriana Ayales, owner of Brooklyn’s Anima Mundi herbal pharmacy.

Which adaptogen is best for me?
The common thread which adaptogens weave is that they all work in targeting the HPA axis and stress build-up the only difference is that they vary in what they focus on. Below is a list of 10 popular ones…

Reishi

Reishi is an immune powerhouse, and works for just about anyone’s constitution. Known as the Queen, Reishi is one of our most highly revered medicines, as it’s appeared in many writings of Eastern tradition found from ancient times. It has appeared in recorded learnings for thousands of years.

BENEFITS

• high amount of antioxidants
• may help to balance mood/improve anxiety and depression
• may aid gut health

Ashwagandha

Known as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is also a herbal powerhouse.

BENEFITS

• may support a healthy immune system
• may reduce cortisol and damaging effects of chronic stress
• may boost immunity
• may aid in weight loss

Tulsi

Tulsi is the Hindu name for holy basil, and is considered the “Golden Remedy of Ayurveda” due to its immeasurable benefits in handling stress, anxiety and inflammation.

BENEFITS

• may lower cortisol levels
• nutritive + high in antioxidants
• may serve as digestive tonic
• may improve cognition

Astragalus

Astragalus is a foundation of Chinese medicine, heralded for its boost of the immune system.

BENEFITS

• known in Chinese Medicine as a “ Qi” or longevity tonic
• high in antioxidants

Licorice

Licorice has been used for centuries to address fatigue, PMS and pain relief. It is known equally as a “guide herb,” which means it can maximize the benefits of other herbs with which it’s taken.

BENEFITS

• could regulate blood sugar
• licorice flavonoids known to protect against oxidative damage

Cordyceps

Cordyceps sinensis, which is actually a parasitic mushroom, offers a wide variety of benefits such as enhancing mood and lowering stress.

BENEFITS

• nutritional powerhouse: contains essential B vitamins, even B12 – great for those seeking plant-based protein
• contains important polysaccharides, proteins, sterols, nucleosides, and other trace elements

Maca

Maca hails from Peru, and is revered for its sexual stimulation, decreasing stress and alleviating symptoms of menopause, among others!

BENEFITS

• non-caffeine-based energizer

Chaga

Chaga, a nutrient-dense mushroom, yields many powerful benefits, including antioxidants. Chaga may also boost immunity.

One of my favorite ways of taking chaga is in the form of hot chocolate- you can find the recipe here.

BENEFITS

• may boost immunity
• contains some of the highest antioxidant activity compared to other mushrooms

Schisandra

Schisandra is a red berry native to China, and has been used for thousands of years to reduce cortisol in the body and address skin health.

BENEFITS

• may reduce stress
• may add in combatting fatigue

Shatavari

Shatavari, a species of asparagus, grows throughout India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It is touted as a wonder herb for females especially, managing stress, and promoting healthy energy levels.

BENEFITS

• reproductive powerhouse
• may reduce excess “fire” in the body
• may promote healthy energy levels and strength

*As with any other supplementation, it is important to know how and when to take these medicines, as the common misconception is that because they’re tonics, they can be used daily in large doses.  It’s always good to carefully read, educate and do self-research. And, of course, always consult with a healthcare practitioner to truly tailor your herbal prescription to not just feel, but to thrive as well.

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