Adaptogens have been used successfully in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. The Western world is now also recognizing how adaptogens can have a positive impact on both body and mind.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are not just herbs, but powerful substances that restore the (hormonal) balance in your body and help you better cope with physical, chemical, or biological stress. The name 'adaptogens' comes from the Latin 'adaptare', which means to adapt.
Special effects of adaptogens
Adaptogens adapt to the body's needs and help maintain or restore homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body's self-regulating ability to keep all bodily functions in balance.
Adaptogens accomplish this by improving communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. While it is not yet fully understood how this happens, it is clear that adaptogens play a role in regulating our hormones, increasing the resilience of cells to stress, supporting the immune system, and positively impacting energy levels and mental clarity.
Operation
Adaptogens, like most supplements, are available in powder or capsule form.
Examples of Adaptogens
The Passion Flower
Passionflower is often considered a valuable medicinal plant. It is known for its beneficial effects on the nervous system and shows adaptogenic, antidepressant and anti-stress properties, in addition to its powerful antioxidant effect.
One of the remarkable properties of passionflower is to promote better sleep quality. This herb is known for its relaxing and calming effects, which helps with falling asleep and promoting a good night's sleep. By influencing the REM phase, it contributes to improved recovery.
Reishi
In America, Reishi is also called the “power mushroom” and in Chinese it is better known as Ling Zhi, the “divine mushroom of immortality”. Reishi shows an intrinsic abundance of vitamins and antioxidants, with additional presence of molecules such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans. These bioactive substances are associated with the adaptogenic properties of Reishi. What the ancients have understood for thousands of years: Reishi supports the balance of the immune system. Important in a time when our immune system is weakened by toxins, pollution, stress and unhealthy lifestyles. Reishi is also said to have a calming effect, resulting in less stress and a good night's sleep. Good night!
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian tuber that grows exclusively between 4000m and 4500m in the Andes. Maca is traditionally used for its aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties and research has shown that Maca reduces rates of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Maca also appears to reduce blood pressure and depression in menopausal women.
Shatavari
Shatavari is the herb that every woman should have in her kitchen cupboard. It stimulates a regular menstrual cycle, increases fertility, supports during pregnancy and postpartum and is also recommended during menopause. Shatavari owes its name to the meaning 'she who has 100 husbands'. Although having a hundred husbands may not be the goal, Shatavari is said to be known for promoting both sexual desire and zest for life. The herb is said to increase your energy and vitality so much that you could theoretically easily keep up with a hundred partners. Want to try this too?
Lionsmane
Hericium Erinaceus, known as Lionsmane or Mountain Priest, has a long history of general brain and memory support. The name 'lionsmane' comes from the mushroom's lion-like mane. This mycotherapeutic agent is used to promote neurological health and reduce emotional and stress-related complaints. In addition, it shows potential positive effects on concentration and memory. The scientific allure of this lion's mane illustrates its promising contribution to cognitive support.