Unlock a Calmer Self with Adaptogens
Adaptogenic herbs and plants can help you achieve a calmer, less frazzled self. Let’s explore how they work and why they could be just the remedy you need.
There’s no denying that modern life is stressful. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of what truly matters. But for those looking to transcend the stress of modern life, there may be a solution.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are natural substances that increase your body’s resistance to stress.
While they don’t necessarily “cure” stress or anxiety, they do help your body better cope with both physical and mental strain. This is done by regulating hormones like cortisol* and adrenaline** in your body.
They also boast other benefits such as improved mood and cognitive performance, boosted immunity, better sleep quality, increased energy levels, and enhanced focus.
*What is cortisol?
When it comes to stress, our hormones may be trying to tell us something. Cortisol is one hormone that has a strong connection with the body’s response to stress.
When cortisol levels increase in response to a stressful situation, physiological responses like increased heart rate and shortness of breath can follow.
In the long term, higher levels of cortisol have been linked with things like sleep disruption, weight gain, and even mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
It’s not always easy to manage how your body responds to stress, but by being aware of how hormones like cortisol are involved you may be able to better cope!
**What is adrenaline?
When considering stress hormones, adrenaline is like an engaged inner superhero. It’s the hormone released in fight or flight situations that helps us make a quick decision and take decisive action.
Adrenaline puts us into high alert mode, ready to tackle any challenge coming our way.
However, too much of this potent hormone can have detrimental effects. It can not only impede our concentration but also result in undesirable physical symptoms like headache, fatigue and accelerated heart rate.
So while adrenaline plays a part in helping battle stress, it’s important to maintain balance.
And, that’s when adaptogens come into the picture.
Some common adaptogenic herbs include:
- ashwagandha
- cordyceps mushrooms
- ginseng
- holy basil (tulsi)
- licorice root
- maca root
- reishi mushrooms
- rhodiola rosea
- schisandra berry
Why Use Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens have been used as medicinal herbs for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine.
Today, research has shown that taking them regularly can help alleviate some of the effects of stress on our bodies while providing an array of other health benefits.
For example, studies have found that…
- Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol levels, improves memory recall and focus
- Holy basil helps reduce anxiety while improving overall mental clarity
- Reishi mushrooms boost immunity, reduce fatigue caused by chronic stressors
Stress isn’t good for anyone, but luckily it’s never been easier to find relief.
Adaptagenic Herbs – Ashwagandha
Up and coming is ashwagandha, an herbal supplement that’s quickly becoming a household name. But why should you care about it? It works wonders for reducing cortisol levels: the hormone released during times of stress that can have lasting effects when left unaddressed!
Ashwagandha has even been shown to be as effective as commonly prescribed anxiety medications in some cases, minus any of the side effects — a real win-win situation. So go ahead and add ashwagandha to your nightly routine; start your day by tackling the world with a smile!
Adaptagenic Herbs – Holy Basil
It’s no wonder holy basil (tulsi) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries—it truly is a multi-purpose herb!
Besides being an aromatic addition to herbal tea, it has also been proven to actively reduce feelings of anxiety. And to top it off, its restorative powers don’t just stop there—holy basil also helps enhance overall mental clarity and increase focus.
Whether you’re fighting the afternoon slump or have trouble winding down after a long day, try swigging on some holy basil tea and feel your worries fade away as your mind clears up!
Adaptagenic Herbs – Reishi mushrooms
Ever feel like the world is weighing too much on your shoulders? Reishi mushrooms to the rescue!
Not only do these fungi of fancy boast immune boosting benefits, but they can also help you reclaim your zest for life after long periods of stress have taken a toll.
We all know that our minds and bodies aren’t made for long-term chronic stressors, and yet sometimes it’s still difficult to shake away fatigue. Fortunately, regular consumption of Reishi mushrooms has been linked to providing restorative energy, perfect for countering the negative side effects usually associated with exhaustive exhaustion.
The Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs & Supplements
The primary benefit of taking adaptogen supplements is their ability to reduce stress-induced symptoms, such as headaches or muscle tension while promoting relaxation so you can feel your best even during times when life gets hectic.
Additionally, adaptogen supplements can provide you with more energy throughout the day without any jittery side effects like those associated with coffee or energy drinks. This makes them perfect for people looking for an all-natural alternative to their morning cup o’ joe!
Finally, adaptogen consumption may even improve your overall mood since many adaptogens contain compounds known to act as natural antidepressants like Rhodiola rosea root extract which has been found to reduce depression symptoms in clinical trials!
Adaptogens are a great way to naturally reduce stress and improve overall health without having to resort to drugs or chemicals. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries. However, they only recently become popular here in the West. This is due to their proven effectiveness at relieving stress symptoms like headaches or muscle tension while improving mental clarity and boosting immunity—all without any negative side effects!
So if you’re looking for a way to unlock a calmer self without having to rely on harsh chemicals or pharmaceuticals then why not give stress reducing adaptogenic herbs and/or supplements a try? Your body will thank you!