Our hectic life takes a heavy toll on our health, as we all have to put up with tight deadlines, long daily commutes or chores that eat up most part of our time.
According to some expert estimations, in 2014-2015 stress was the cause of 35% of all work related illness, almost half of all waking days being lost due to sickness.
In addition, we are exposed to pollution, toxic environments, harsh cleaning products, refined sugars, highly processed foods, and many other such things that generate physical and toxic stress.
Under these circumstances, there’s no wonder that many of us suffer from sleep troubles, anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression and even physical illness.
Fortunately, there are some Adaptogens we can rely on to alleviate stress symptoms. These herbs are known as adaptogens and they can help us cope with all of these health troubles.
What Are Adaptogenic Herbs And What Can They Do For Your Health?
Their name says it all. These herbs help the body to adjust to the surroundings and to cope with the various adverse factors that influence our physical and mental health. Adaptogenic herbs can help you calm whenever you have to face stressful life situations. They can help you unwind and quiet your mind at night, allowing you to fall asleep and to enjoy a good night rest. They can provide you with the clarity you need in times of trouble. They can supply you with an energy boost just when you need it most.
Nikolai Lazarev, a Russian toxicologist, coined the term “adaptogen” to define “those substances that boost non-specific resistance” in high stress conditions. In order to qualify as an adaptogen, a substance needs to feature the four Ns:
- Nourishing – supply the body with extra nutrients
- Normalising – regulate energy levels and various other bodily parameters
- Non-specific – act simultaneously on multiple areas of the body
- Non-toxic – be 100% safe when used over a very long time.
- What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens help regulate the stress hormones production in the adrenal glands, and therefore alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms. In their role as biological response modifiers, adaptogens have the ability to restore the body’s natural immunity and help it adapt to a wide range of stressors. This makes adaptogens excellent for curative purposes, as well as for prevention and protection.
By helping us regulate our reaction to stress and by restoring our innate immunity, adaptogens provide multiple health benefits:
- Better overall health and wellbeing
- Higher energy levels
- Optimized functioning of our organs
- Attenuated stress response
- Higher inner strength
- Optimal blood sugar levels
- More efficient protein synthesis
- Lower cortisol levels
- Optimized LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio
- Better hormonal balance
Isn’t it wonderful that plants can offer us so many amazing health benefits? Here are three of our favorite adaptogenic herbs:
1. Ashwagandha
Thanks to its calming and energizing properties, Ashwagandha is the perfect herb for modern, dynamic and active people who need to cope with stress in their lives. This herb can help you calm nervous tension and enjoy a deeper and more restful sleep. It is also great for slowing down the natural aging process, for building bone strength and for providing us with an energy boost exactly when we need it most.
Ashwagandha is available as capsules.
2. Tulsi – Holy Basil
This plant belongs to the mint family. In Hindu tradition, it is the incarnation of the Goddess Tulsi. Holy basil has the power to calm busy minds, to promote digestion and to protect against seasonal anxiety.
You can find holy basil in the Tulsi Clarity tea.
3. Turmeric
Even though turmeric isn’t exactly an adaptogen, it shows a wealth of health benefits, and therefore deserves a spot on our list.
This spice is extremely rich in flavonoids. According to numerous clinical studies, turmeric helps prevent aging, reduces inflammation in the body, promotes the healing of wounds, and improves blood circulation. Also, it offers protection to the liver and intestines. Thanks to its multiple benefits, turmeric has gained a reputation as one of the world’s most powerful natural remedies.
