A Guide to Adaptogens
Posted by Caterina Fonseca on
Your work deadlines are looming, your children are screaming, your check engine light just came on, and you still have no idea what is for dinner. We all experience stress in our lives but there are some days it seems impossible to cope with the pressure.
Instead of turning to unhealthy habits like coffee, high sugar sweets or alcohol, there is another way to deal with the stressors in our lives - adaptogens.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens have been used to treat a variety of ailments for centuries, particularly in parts of Asia and India.
- For Stress and Anxiety
- For Fatigue
- For Immune Health
Adaptogens are plant substances that have been found to help our bodies manage stress and maintain balance, or homeostasis. In other words, they help us adapt to external stressors. By strengthening our internal systems, adaptogens can promote vitality, stabilize mood and improve performance and focus. They can be consumed as supplement capsules, teas or tinctures.
So whether you are getting through a stressful morning meeting, training for a triathalon or pulling an all night study session adaptogens may be the key to finding a more healthy balance.
| Adaptogen | Potential benefit |
| American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) | Boosts working memory, reaction time, calmness, and immune system |
| Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) | Reduces stress and anxiety |
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) | Combats fatigue |
| Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) | Boosts stamina |
| Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) | Boosts energy, physical and mental performance, calmness, and sense of well-being, and can also improve sleep |
| Eluethero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) | Improves focus and staves off mental fatigue |
| Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) | Reduces stress |
| Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) | Staves off physical and mental fatigue |
| Schisandra berry/Magnolia berry (Schisandra chinensis) | Boosts endurance, mental performance, and working capacity |
| Tulsi/Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) | Reduces physical and mental stress, stress-related anxiety, and depression |
| Turmeric (Curcuma longa) | Boosts brain function and reduces depression |
Adaptogens are meant to help our bodies build resilience to stress and mitigate its further affects on the body. They are not a cure, and they may not work in extreme or immediate cases of anxiety or depression. Further, adaptogens work best in addition to a foundation of a balanced diet and adequate hydration.
Shop for more adaptogens online at natvd.com
The information provided on this site and Linked Sites, including without limitation information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is often provided in summary or aggregate form. It is not intended as a substitute for advice from your Healthcare Professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.