Adapto-what we hear you say? Yes, we’ll admit, adaptogens do sound like the name of a group of superheroes straight out of X-men, but these super herbs and plants are nature’s way of giving us mere humans and our bodies, a touch of super-herb support. Top nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr gives us the low-down on the best adaptogens we need in our lives right now…
You may have heard of adaptogens and their ability to protect our bodies from the harmful effects of stress, whilst also supporting overall health, energy and mood. You might even be keen to add adaptogens to your morning latte, elixir, smoothie or medicinal nightcap, but as a newbie, where do you begin?
What are adaptogens?
Well, the clue is in the name. Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs that quite literally help the body to ‘adapt’ itself depending on our emotional and physical needs. They are non-toxic, help your body to achieve balance and reduce your body’s stress response. For example, adaptogens can help bring clarity in times of confusion, bring peace to a racing mind and bring calm in times of stress.
And although this might be the first time you have heard about them, they are not the new “superfood” kids on the block. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
How to adaptogens work?
Adaptogens work by controlling the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, from the adrenal glands and bring balance to our HPA axis – the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, that is our innate central stress response system.
They tend to work like a thermostat. When the thermostat feels that the room is too cold, it will smoothly bring the room temperature up, and vice versa, when the room is hot, the thermostat cools it down. Adaptogens will work to boost your energy when it is falling low and calm you down if you are stressed.
The best adaptogens to try right now
Here are some of my favourite adaptogens that are easily available to purchase online and that when used appropriately, will help those of us who are in need of some TLC.
Ginseng – best adaptogen for energy
Ginseng is the celebrity of the adaptogens. You will often find this herb in natural energy drinks and tonics, touted as offering a similar kick to caffeine. It is acknowledged for its ability to improve your mental concentration, boost energy and support your body with stress.
There are over five types of Ginseng, all with their own unique benefits and strengths. Brazilian Ginseng is best known to help hormone balancing whereas Asian Ginseng is famed for those needed a boost in energy.
Want to add Ginseng into your routine? Try making it as a tea with the fresh root or dried root powder.
Ashwaganda – best adaptogen for battling anxiety/fatigue
Ashwaganda is the most researched of the adaptogens herbs, and famous for its plethora of benefits. Its literal meaning is “smell of the horse” as it is suggested to give you the strength of a stallion!
This adaptogens has a reputation as a calming nervine that can help with anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. It is also used to support and boost immune system health.
There have even been studies to suggest that Ashwagada can be used by those who suffer from low thyroid function, by increasing T4 and T3, both hormones that contribute to balanced thyroid health.
Tulsi/Holy Basil – best adaptogen for treating nausea
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is one of India’s most powerful herbs and has been used in Ayurevedic medicine for over 3000 years. Its benefits range from memory support, anxiety, upset stomach and nausea through to acting as an expectorant for bronchitis.
It can be tricky to get your hands on the herbal tonic, but many high-street health food stores now sell Tulsi as a tea. Pukka Herbs do a delicious three Tulsi tea. To get the benefits from the tea, ensure you stew the tea bag for at least 10 minutes in hot but not boiling water.
Rhodiola – best adaptogen for releasing your inner warrior
Fan of the Viking method or fancy yourself a Viking warrior? Rhodiola was a go-to for the Viking tribes for enhancing physical strength before battles! But for us every day folk, Rhodiola is a fantastic aid to battle the signs and symptoms of stress. Rhodiola works in the body by preventing any hormonal changes that are tied to prolong stress. And with over 40 active chemical compounds, the Rhodiola root offers us benefits that include:
Lower cortisol, the stress hormone
Increase energy and mental clarity
Can potentially contribute to reduced visceral fat accumulation
Rhodiola is best taken in supplement form. Our favourite is the Viridian Rhodiola Complex. As we mention below, always consult with your GP or registered nutritionist before taking supplements or herbs.
How do you take adaptogens?
Adaptogens can be taken in many different forms. They can be taken in their whole food state, as combination formulas, powders, teas, tinctures or supplements.
Many people take adaptogens every day, whilst others will take them several times a day based on their needs. Make sure you consult with a licenced nutritionist or healthcare professional about which adaptogens and dosage is right for you. A 2018 study found that common herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications, and many people don’t tell their doctors which over-the-counter drugs and supplements they’re taking, so please be mindful of this before you jump on the bandwagon.
And if you don’t notice a difference instantly, be patient as adaptogens are powerful, but slow-acting, so it can take up to a few weeks to notice a difference.
Do I need adaptogens?
Adaptogens don’t treat a specific condition. Instead, they’re for anyone looking to boost overall wellbeing.
That said, there’s not a huge amount of scientific research on how adaptogens affect human health. Most studies have been conducted either in animals or in human cell samples; even those that have been published tend to appear in small, niche journals.
That being said, the literature on adaptogens is ever increasing and due to the minimal side effects of most adaptogens, it might be worth experimenting (alongside the advice of a health professional) with adaptogens to help support your body through times of stress or to achieve balance.
By Hettie
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Hettie is the editor and co-founder of DOSE. A keen runner, she’s also partial to a blast of high-intensity and hot yoga. A country girl at heart, she divides her time between London and the lush rolling hills of North Devon. When she’s not jetting off on her next adventure, Hettie can be found in a candle-lit alcove with a laptop, a spaniel and a full bodied Malbec.
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/