Welcome to my blog! I am glad you’re here. Have you ever heard of adaptogens? I had not until a few years ago and today it seems that they are getting more and more popular with regular diets as well as being used in more prescriptions across the country. So, what are adaptogens? What are the benefits? And are they effective? I will go over these questions and others so you can make an informed decision about taking them. Let’s dive in and check them out.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals that counteract the effects of stress in the body. Stress causes physical changes in the body, including the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Adaptogens have stimulant properties that help to counteract those harmful effects. Normally, when our bodies are stressed, we go through three stages:
- alarm
- resistance
- exhaustion
As we encounter a stressor (alarm phase), our body responds by pumping out hormones like adrenaline that improve muscle performance and increase concentration and gives attention to the task at hand in the resistance phase. Our body is literally resisting the stressor, so we feel energized and clearer, giving us a boost to fight the stressor. As we fatigue, we enter in the exhaustion phase. Adaptogens helps the body to stretch out that “sweet spot” in the middle, the phase of resistance, allowing us to hold out in the powerful part longer.
Adaptogens Effectiveness
Researchers have found they have several effects on our bodies. Neuroprotective elements, anti-fatigue properties, antidepressive effects, and a stimulant for the central nervous system just to name a few. They also increase mental work capacity, enhance attention, and prevent stress and fatigue. The idea that a pill could improve mental and physical performance in healthy people was devised during World War II. Various stimulants were given to pilots and members of submarine crews. For instance, the first studies on the stimulating effects of Schisandra chinensis were published in Soviet Union WWII military journals.
Adaptogen List
So, there are basically three main adaptogenic herbs that have been studied and found to be both safe and nontoxic: Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea (Arctic root), and Schisandra chinensis. *
Siberian ginseng: This herb isn’t ginseng, but it works in similar ways. One study found that it may help ward off fatigue, depression, and stress.
Artic root: This is sometimes referred to as “rose root” and grows in cold climates in Asia and Europe. It’s an herb that’s been used in Russia and Scandinavia to treat minor health ailments like headaches and flu for years.
Schisandra: This herb is most useful for promoting liver health and stabilizing blood sugars.
These herbs are associated with boosting mental clarity for people with many health conditions. For example, a study that was conducted using Arctic root was found to help boost activity and productivity when used alongside an antidepressant. It also helps people bounce back more quickly and feel more energized after illnesses like the flu or Covid.
*One thing to keep in mind and remember, while there are health benefits to adaptogens, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor the quality or purity of the herbs and supplements. *
How to take Adaptogens
Since adaptogens come from plants, you can take them in several different ways. You can add them to a food or beverage, take them in a capsule form or use the liquid form and add them to your food. Some adaptogenic plants can be dried, ground up and steeped in hot water in the same way you would steep tea. Check your local grocery store because there are several different types of tea blends on the market that use some adaptogens as the main ingredient and another word of cautions is read the label to see what the effects of the tea are, how long you should steep the tea for and how often you should drink it.
What dosage strengths do adaptogens come in?
Adaptogen dosages vary by plant and how you choose to take it. For example, the dosage to take a capsule of ashwagandha is 1 to 6 grams of dry root per day. Capsules can also be made with plant extract, where the dose for standardized extract is 500 milligrams twice a day.
Check the label on how much and how frequently you should take them and always talk with your healthcare provider to see if they have recommendations on which adaptogen is right for you. Also, they will let you know if there are adaptogens that will interact with any medications you are currently taking.
I hope this help you with maybe adding a new supplement to your daily routine to reap the benefits of these wonderful plants. There are a lot of health benefits and could really help you to stay healthy and happy. That is always the goal!
Until next time. Take care,
Darren
Harmony Shift 