The good news is that adaptogens can help stretch out the resistance phase for longer, improving our ability to ‘adapt’ to the stressor. This is a complex process, but essentially, adaptogens do this by reducing levels of nitrous oxide and cortisol, leading to improvements in immunity and faster protein repair. This in turn can lead to better sleep, mood, endurance, health and immunity.
Which plants are adaptogenic?
Some typical adaptogenic herbs include:
- Siberian ginseng – herbaceous shrub containing compounds that can help protect against stress and increase endurance, concentration and immune responses.
- Schisandra – fruit-bearing vine with liver-protective and anti-depressive properties.
- Gotu kola – herb in the parsley family that may improve cognitive function and help relieve anxiety.
- Shatavari – member of the asparagus family with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive properties.
- Maca – Peruvian vegetable plant that may increase libido, boost memory and mood, and improve endurance.
- Liquorice – herb root containing compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties that can help protect against stress and digestive problems. It can also add a sweetness to bitter herbal teas.
- Tulsi (holy basil) – used for an array of health problems in Ayurveda, this herb has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant properties, and may protect against stress and help improve cognitive function and memory.
- Amla (Indian gooseberry) – extract used for relieving oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism.
- Reishi – mushroom used to reduce stress and fatigue and improve sleep.
How to take adaptogens
Adaptogens can be taken in a range of forms. This includes as a supplement pill, or in the herbal rejuvenating jams typically used in Ayurveda.
They can be combined with cacao and other ingredients in a powder for a soothing drink, as in our Spirit Dust. They can also be taken as a tea.
A tea blend can be a particularly good way of taking adaptogens, because it allows the combining of many kinds of herbs, potentially enhancing the stress-reducing properties of the beverage.
Teas that offer adaptogenic benefits include our naturopathically-formulated Energy Tea blend containing Siberian ginseng and gotu kola, and soothing Digestive Tea with liquorice. To order, go to our tea products page.
To learn more about Organic Merchant and to check out their full range of organic teas and products, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
