Top Adaptogenic Herbs and a Superpowered Adaptogen Blend
2014
Adaptogenic herbs are safe, non-toxic herbs that recharge the adrenal glands, helping you respond to stress. The top adaptogenic herbs can be taken safely as they are non-toxic. One of the main benefits of them is that not only do they work on the whole body, but they go to work where your body needs it the most. The top adaptogenic herbs will help you to reduce stress and gain energy. They also strengthen the immune system, improve mental and physical performance, increase energy and promote longevity.
What are Adaptogens, or Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens are classified by their ability to help the body adapt to stress and bring the body back to balance. They are a unique class of plants with potent healing properties that help to balance, restore and heal the body. In order to be classified as an adaptogen the herb must have 3 traits.
- It is non-toxic, within a reasonable amount.
- It benefits on the body as a whole.
- It restores the natural homeostasis of the body.
Adaptogens are not only curative but preventative, and they are good to consume in general, as many are high in antioxidants and nutrients. They are known to increase the body’s life force energy and are often taken for longevity and to rejuvenate cells. Adaptogenic herbs are especially good at fighting fatigue, anxiety and stress and have been used for these symptoms for thousands of years. The top adaptogenic herbs also strengthen the immune system and help the body fight disease.
Stress? What stress?
Stress on the body can come in many forms from mental and emotional stress (negative self-talk, anger, fear, longing, concern, anxiety) physical stress (over work, poor sleep, injury, pregnancy, lack of exercise, poor nutrition) environmental stress (EMF’s, lack of sunlight, heavy metal contamination, GMO’s, mold, bacteria, fungi), spiritual stress (figuring out purpose in life) etc. We all have some stress on the body, but if we don’t have the resources in our body to deal with the stress, it can take a huge toll on our body.
Top Adaptogens
There are many adaptogenic herbs that will benefit the body and help you deal with stress. Some of the top adaptogenic herbs are: He Sho Wu, Rhodiola, Panax Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Codonopsis root, Eleuthro root, Licorice root, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Goji berries, Maca, Suma and Cordycepts, Reishi and Chaga mushrooms. The following are 5 of my top adaptogenic herbs.
5 Top Adaptogenic Herbs to Reduce Stress and Gain Energy
He Sho Wu, aka Fo Ti, is one of the top adaptogens. It works on kidneys, which are known as the body’s batteries, and the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are a part of the endocrine system and sit right on top of the kidneys. The adrenals create and store important chemicals and hormones, such as norepinephrine, dopamine and epinephrine that help the body deal with stress. When stress occurs over long periods, these chemicals get exhausted and this leads to adrenal exhaustion.
The adrenal glands generally start declining when we are about 30 years, and at a rate of about 15% each year. The scary part is when they start to decline, they start borrowing energy and nutrients from the other major organ systems and can lead to their decline as well. He Sho Wu balances and restores the adrenals, enabling them to function properly and put out the hormones needed to help the body adapt to stress, thereby giving you more energy and making you feel good.
Rhodiola is a potent adaptogen that has been the focus of much research. It is grown at a high altitude in Tibet and has developed powerful phytonutrients that allow it to grow and thrive in adverse climates. Rhodiola is known as a whole-health herb, enhancing longevity as well as immune system. It is known to help with stress related mental and physical fatigue, anxiety and depression. Rhodiola works on thyroid function, adrenal function and the lungs, allowing us to bring in more oxygen. It gives endurance and is great for athletes, allowing then to train harder and recover faster. It increases blood circulation, enhances brain function, improves memory, may extend longevity and new research proves it is also effective in weight loss.
Panax Ginseng, including both American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng. Both of these ginsengs are top adaptogenic herbs, but they have different healing properties and some prefer one over the other. The active ingredient in both is called ginsenosides and they both help adrenal gland fatigue, which prevents stress and anxiety while increasing energy.
American Ginseng is milder acting and less stimulating than Asian ginseng, which for some with high use can cause insomnia and nervousness. American Ginseng is beneficial to lung function and is beneficial for recovery from pneumonia, bronchitis or athsma. It also is beneficial to rid the body of fatigue, anxiety, depression and beneficial for autoimmune diseases of the lungs or GI tract.
Cordycepts was very rare in the past and one of the most unusual adaptogens. Cordycepts was formerly a fungus that grew from a particular Himalayan caterpillar (winter insect, summer plant) but now is mostly grown on soybeans, cultivated for its powerful health benefits, instead of being harvested from wild plants. It is known as an excellent tonic for fatigue that boosts energy and enhances the immune system, circulation and aerobic activity, great for athletes. It has also been shown to reduce the size of tumors, improve libido, aid impotence and is used as a kidney tonic.
Reishi was revered in China as an immortality herb, and known as a powerful immune enhancer. This anti-aging herb (mushroom) is helpful to prevent damage to cells caused by aging. It also prevents inflammation, which is often related to diseases in older people. Reishi is known to soothe anxiety and prevent insomnia. It is claimed to be a powerful tonic herb that helps the body resist diseases and to heal viral hepatitis, asthma and several other health conditions.
Taking Adaptogens
As adaptogens are safe to take, within reasonable amounts, you can feel comfortable to take these herbs daily, and on a regular basis. Get your superpowered groove on with this happiness and energy-boosting blend that you can mix together at home.
Superpowered Adaptogen Blend
2 parts Maca
1 part He Sho Wu
1 part Rhodiola
1 part American Ginseng
1 part Cordycepts
1 part Reishi
Add the above ingredients in a glass jar. Cover and shake to mix well. Add 1 or 2 teaspoon of this mixture to your green smoothie every day!
