Adaptogens: Nature’s Miracle Anti-stress and Fatigue Fighters

Adaptogens: Nature’s Miracle Anti-stress and Fatigue Fighters

Judging from the proliferation of coffee and cupcake shops popping up these days, clearly caffeine and sugar are what a lot of folks are using to try to fight back against the daily stress and fatigue of a modern busy life. The problem is, they don’t actually work. Sugar and caffeine do offer a quick lift, but the crash is never far behind – so it’s back to Starbucks to start the cycle again, turning your day into a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Fortunately, there are healthier ways to get through the day – and that is with “adaptogens,” the special herbs that help your body adapt to stress and resist fatigue. Here is an adaptogens-at-a-glance guide:

Adapta-what?
Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress. They help strengthen the body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue – slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though the effects may initially be subtle and take time to before they can be felt, they are real and undeniable.

Where have they been until now?
Unlike big pharma drugs, adaptogens weren’t born yesterday. In fact, they’ve been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, to boost energy and resilience in the face of stress. Recently, several studies have found evidence to support what some in the wellness field already knew – that adaptogens offer positive benefits —and are safe for long-term use.

How do adaptogens work?
Adaptogens work a bit like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high it brings it down; when the temperature is too low it brings it up. Adaptogens can calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without over stimulating. They can normalize body imbalances resulting from internal emotional stresses or external caused by climatic changes or fear of survival. By supporting adrenal function, they counteract the adverse effects of stress. They enable the body’s cells to access more energy; help cells eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process and help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently. In other words, adaptogens do not work on the actual pathological condition, but rather they sense the stressor (the source of the stress) and in turn encourage the body to use its own natural means to restore balance and heel as quickly as possible. In short, adaptogens are amazing!

Which adaptogens should I use?
The adaptogen herbs that are considered most important include Asian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Ashwaghanda and Rhodiola Rosea. Depending on your needs and physical condition – consult your doctor before taking any herbs – you can take these adaptogens individually or in a combination formula. It is best to take a formula comprising a combination of different adaptogenic herbs. When buying a formula, look for one that has at least 3 of the above adaptogens and make sure it has some Rhodiola in it. Again, remember to consult your doctor first to get the all clear before you start.


Summary

Adaptogens can help people handle any form of stress by providing: 

Antioxidant activity
Liver protection and antitoxin activity
Improved blood-sugar metabolism
Less craving for alcohol or sugar
Improved immune resistance
Increased energy and stamina
Improved muscle tone
Increased strength
Faster recovery
Better focus and concentration
Less anxiety
Better sleep
Better motivation and productivity
A feeling of calm and well-being
Better moods