Adaptogens–Your Go-To Guide

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens are a group of herbs that have been getting a lot of press recently. They are amazing and powerful healing herbs especially when used correctly. Adaptogens are a group of non-toxic herbs that produce non-specific effects and help our body respond better to stressors. When our body is able to respond to stress in an optimal and healthy way we see less impact on our adrenal glands and nervous system, a more positive outlook on life and this allows the body to become more resilient.

These special herbs are thought to "adapt" their function to meet your body’s needs (hence the non-specific effects) and have a normalizing impact on things such as energy, oxygenation, performance, and libido. They can stimulate or relax as the individual needs. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine these herbs tend to fall into the category of tonic herbs. They are known to help optimize the body’s mental and physical performance and make better use of energy production and recovery during states of rest.

There is no real substitute for healthy lifestyle choices, such as limiting technology usage, adequate exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a wholesome diet, and practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and gentle stretching, but these herbs are an amazing addition to help supplement and boost these healthy lifestyle choices!

These adaptogenic herbs are safe to be taken over long periods of time, and effects are usually seen after a month or so of regular intake, even though many people notice beneficial impacts before that amount of time. These herbs can make a big difference for a condition known as “Adrenal Fatigue” a condition that correlates best in Chinese Medicine to Qi deficiency. These herbal adaptogens work to help support the body’s generation of Qi, sometimes translated as our vital life force energy. When the body is overworked and stressed out often aspects of our Qi get depleted and these herbs can really make a difference not only in the short term but with our long-term energy and vitality.

Three Main Characteristics of an Adaptogen

1. These herbs are non-toxic

2. These herbs produce nonspecific effects

3. They help the body better respond to stress, systemically normalizing

Main Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs are renowned for their unique ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance, both mentally and physically. These remarkable botanicals, including well-known examples like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Reishi possess a wide range of benefits. Primarily, adaptogens act as regulators of the body's stress response, aiding in the reduction of cortisol levels and mitigating the negative impacts of chronic stress. They support the adrenal glands, fostering resilience against fatigue and burnout.

Additionally, adaptogenic herbs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health and longevity. They have been associated with enhanced cognitive function, improved mood, and increased energy levels, making them valuable allies in managing the demands of modern life. Adaptogens are versatile and can be tailored to an individual's specific needs, whether addressing sleep disturbances, immune system imbalances, or hormonal fluctuations. Embracing adaptogenic herbs as part of a holistic wellness strategy empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, promoting a resilient and adaptive approach to both mental and physical well-being.

• Help the body become more resilient, and adapt to daily stressors

• Help people recover from burnout

• Help support high-level athletes.

• Have a normalizing and regulatory effect on the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.

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Meet the Herbs

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

This is an adaptogenic herb at its finest. It is extremely helpful to boost energy in a grounded and efficient way, unlike substance like consuming too much caffeine which can leave you jittery and tired. Research has been done to show that ginsenosides, specific compounds found in American ginseng may stimulate the immune system, making the body more resilient against disease. It has been most researched in areas such as Diabetes as it has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

In TCM it is known as Xi yang shen, and falls into the category of herbs that tonify the yin. It enters in the Heart, Kidney, and Lung meridians with its cold nature and sweet slightly bitter flavor. It helps to benefit the Qi, generate fluids and nourish the yin especially of the Lungs.

AMERICAN GINSENG BENEFITS

• Boosts memory

• Improves reaction time

• Improves immunity

• Promotes stress reduction and calmness

• Natural stimulant/ fights fatigue

• Improves digestion

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Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

This amazing herb, commonly known as Indian ginseng, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It helps to enhance our resilience under stress,  fortifies adrenal function, regulates digestion, and eases anxiety. It can help manage energy levels and is not a cardiac stimulant. This herb is a great ally for safe and effective mood support, energy boosting, and stress management. It helps to support adrenal function and normalize cortisol levels while promoting greater levels of sustained energy and longer deeper sleep.

Ashwagandha is also considered on of the chief herbs in Ayurvedic medicine that falls within the Rasayana, or rejuvenating category, now known as adapogens. Rasayana is a Sanskrit word meaning the Path of essence. Within Ayurvedic medicine, these herbs are considered to boost vitality and lengthen one’s lifespan. Portland Ashwadangha Farm provides this adatopgenic herb in a tincture form.

ASHWAGANDHA BENEFITS:

• Helps boost energy

• Promotes restful sleep

• Regulates and boosts digestion

• Improves stress/ anxiety

• Regulation of blood sugar levels

• Promotes healthy cortisol levels

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Cordyceps Sinensis (Chinese caterpillar mushroom)

This unique herb, also known as Dong Chong Xia Cao (A mushroom that grows on the back of a caterpillar, weird right?!) is a highly valued adaptogenic herb that is used in TCM to restore the Kidney organ-meridian system, particularly the Kidneys yang Qi. It can help to combat adrenal fatigue and stress. It is also known to help increase libido, immunity, and enhance physical performance and endurance.

CORDYCEPS BENEFITS:

• Boosts immunity

• Increases energy/ stamina

• Improves respiratory function

• Benefits the kidneys and renal function

• Fights chronic fatigue/stress

• Protects heart health

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Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosis) Siberian ginseng

This powerful root is best known to improve one’s physical performance, increase stamina, and endurance, and enhance the body’s ability to recover from injury and disease. It has been used to regulate blood sugar levels, increase blood flow to the brain, and support immune function.

In TCM it is known as Ci wu jia, of course falling into the tonifying category–tonify the Qi. It is warm in nature, spicy, slightly bitter, and enters into the Spleen, Heart, and Kidney meridians. It is traditionally used to tonify the Spleen and Stomach Qi, boost digestion, and warm the Kidneys. It can also calm the Shen and invigorate the good.

ELEUTHERO BENEFITS:

• Boosts immunity

• Improves physical performance

• Reduces fatigue

• Increases oxygen intake/ absorption

• Increase fat oxidation

• Improves cognitive ability

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He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)

Longevity, anti-aging, and blood building are just a few properties of this adaptogenic herb, also known as Fo-Ti. While it helps to build blood, it also boosts and nourishes the skin, hair nails, and nervous system. It can help reduce cholesterol, promote the formation of red blood cells, enhance immune function, and improve energy levels. This Taoist herb has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and from a TCM perspective it tonifies and nourishes the Shen (spirit) and Jing (essence) and they say to keep your hair from turning grey! (Its name- “he shou wu” means “the black-haired Mr. He”) It is a bittersweet herb with astringent qualities that can help with soreness in the lower back, insomnia, blurry vision, or even blurry vision or dizziness. Sun Potion makes a super high-quality powder and the packaging is on point!

HE SHOU WU BENEFITS:

• Anti-inflammatory/ anti-oxidant effects

• Promoting brain health

• Reducing cholesterol levels

• Treating alopecia/ premature greying of hair

• Increases energy levels

• Promotes health and well-being

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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

This herbal tonic is a mushroom that has profound immune-modulating impacts. It is known as the “mushroom of longevity.” It is one of the most researched herbal medicines. It has been used in a multitude of studies about cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and cancer research, especially breast cancer. Its pharmacological properties are impressive- analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-hypertensive, cardiotonic, expectorant, cognitive, immunostimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, just to name a few!

In TCM it is known as Ling Zhi. It is sweet and neutral in temperature and enters the Heart, Liver, and Lung meridians. Traditionally its main uses were to calm the Shen (spirit) and nourish one’s Heart. It helps to boost the body’s Qi and the Qi-boosting impacts of other herbs. It is also known to improve respiratory function to stop coughing and wheezing. Read this article for a more in-depth understanding —> Reishi Mushroom

REISHI BENEFITS:

• Combats Fatigue

• Boosts immune function

• Helps improve sleep disorders

• Increases digestive function

• Improves cardiac function

• Anti-viral, ant-inflammatory

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Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

This amazing root helps to increase our adaptability and is considered an anti-fatigue ally and a mental performance enhancer. Rhodiola is a versatile herb that has been used for thousands of years and is a great choice for those struggling with adrenal fatigue, Qi deficiency or are severely stressed- out. This herb helps to support your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and increase mental stamina and concentration. Studies have shown beneficial impacts on depression and anxiety.

RHODIOLA BENEFITS:

• Stress relief

• Boosts memory, cognition and concentration

• Increases energy levels/ mental stamina/ physical endurance

• Supports cardiovascular health

• Increased Libido and sexual health

• Boosts immune system

• Increases mental stamina/ physical endurance

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Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)

This adaptogenic herb is known to help improve mental performance. longevity, endurance, and improved sexual function. The bright red berries are the medicinal part of this plant, and they are often called the five-flavor fruit or in TCM- Wu Wei Zi. Within Chinese medicine, this beautiful herb helps to create balance within the yin and yang of the body. It is known to help calm the Heart and Shen while benefiting the brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Its flavor captures the five major flavors – sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy.

SCHISANDRA BENEFITS:

• Anti-Inflammatory/ reduces free radicals

• Improves Liver function

• Boosts digestive health

• Improves libido and sexual health

• Boost energy level

• Helps protect the skin

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How Do I Use Adaptogens?

These herbs are so versatile and can be used in numerous ways. Many of them tend to have a bitter taste profile, so it’s nice to find recipes to infuse them into, such as teas, lattes, sweet chocolate treats, smoothies, and herbal elixirs. Make sure to follow the individual herbal products’ dosing. Often you can find them ground into powders- which makes for an easy application for tea and beverages, tinctures, and capsules. ​Stay tuned- Recipes coming soon!

Raw chocolate balls with reishi and he shou wu, cacao, local honey, hazelnuts and coconut butter!

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*These statements/products are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, please check in with a well-versed healthcare practitioner to see if these herbal choices are right for you. All substances mentioned above may be associated with mild side effects depending upon your constitution, so like with any herbs use with caution and make responsible choices.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23125505

• Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Portable Edition. (2015). Eastland Pr.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378736/

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