Benefits of adaptogens

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Do you know someone who’s burning the candle from both ends?

Are you finding yourself in an extremely demanding and competitive work environment?

Do you have young kids that keep you up at night before you head to work?

I talked previously about herbal truffles.  I love this preparation because it allows you to make a simple and nutritious snack containing healing herbs.

Many of the herbs I include in my truffles are adaptogenic by nature. That’s why, today, I wanted to tell you more about benefits of adaptogens.

After graduating from pharmacy school, I felt tired from studying, tired from not eating well, tired from not caring enough about my body and putting my academic pursuits ahead of my health.

Since that time, I’ve heard different versions of this story many times from my students and colleagues.

A typical part of the problem is adrenal gland burnout.

Your body has two small glands that sit right above kidneys.  They secrete hormones such as adrenaline or epinephrine, noradrenaline and cortisol to help the body react to stressors and decrease inflammation.

When your body remains in a state of a chronic stress, these little glands stop working properly. Tiredness and exhaustion are some of the typical symptoms that appear as a result.

We often think that after one part of our life is completed, the problem will disappear and the stress will go away.  I’ve learned that unless you take an active role in this process, things aren’t likely to change magically.

My powerful guide was a strong desire to take care of my body and mind and to help my family and friends through incredible herbal allies.

This path to wellness wasn’t a quick one for me.  Looking back, I am grateful for these important lessons.

When I began to explore adaptogens, I quickly fell in love with this category of plants.  Most of the time when you look at plants, you can find a medication that potentially have a similar effect on the body.

Adaptogens are truly unique: There are no other drugs in our contemporary pharmacopeia that work the same way.

These herbs help the body to handle the stress of every-day living. Sometimes adaptogens are also called tonics, antioxidants, amphoterics. But there is a clear difference between these.

1. Tonics

Tonics are a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine system. These herbs are typically used to supplement deficiencies in the body, enhance energy and well-being.  Most can be used on a daily basis without adverse effects.

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are plants with a specific property – ability to reduce the effects of aging and cell damage. Many adaptogens have this property, but not all antioxidants are adaptogens.

3. Amphoterics

Amphoterics are a group of plants used to normalize the function of a specific organ or entire system.  These are considered to be “health food” for that organ.  Some adaptogens are amphoterics, but amphoterics don’t necessarily need to be adaptogens.  Some examples include oats for nervous system or hawthorn for the cardiovascular system.

Adaptogens are broad spectrum amphoterics (think food) with effects on multiple organs.

Some of these plants grow in the mountains and are difficult to harvest. Other ones take multiple years to mature and are expensive as a result.  There are several that are easy to cultivate.  These are my favorites.  Some can be used as teas or part of a tincture, others as powders that can be mixed into your herbal truffles or chocolate or even hummus.

I shared some of them with you in my other posts – Tulsi (also known as holy basil), Ashwagandha and Rhodiola.

If you’d like to read a great book on this topic, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief written by David Winston is a favorite of mine.

To summarize, there are several key points you want to remember about adaptogens – they:

1. Are food for your adrenal glands
2. Normalize the function of adrenal glands
3. Preserve our vitality by protecting our adrenal glands
4. Are typically safe when taken over long periods – but it’s still important to check with your doctor to make sure there are no contraindications or precautions in your specific situation.

[tweet]Adaptogens are truly unique: There are no other drugs in our contemporary pharmacopeia that work the same way.[/tweet]

Questions: Have you ever tried adaptogens? What benefits of adaptogens do you appreciate the most? What else would you like to know about this group of plants?