Adaptogens are not new, in fact, some have been used in food and drink for centuries for their health and wellness benefits.
Adaptogenic plants have gained popularity for their ability to help your body adapt to stress, mainly by supporting the production of stress-related neurotransmitters and hormones. They’re sometimes referred to as “trophorestorative” or “modulating” because adaptogens can increase or decrease the function of any particular system based on what the body needs most. For example, depending on whether levels of a particular hormone are low or high, an adaptogen may increase or decrease the body’s production of that hormone.
The name “adaptogen” wasn’t established until the 1940’s, however the plants that fall into this category have been recognized in holistic medicine for a millennia as rasayana herbs in the Indian medicine system of Ayurveda and as qi tonics in traditional Chinese medicine. Here is a list of our favorite adaptogens we use in our meals:
Aloe vera
Egyptians were the first to discover the numerous health benefits of aloe vera deeming it the plant of immortality. While most known for its topical use, as an adaptogen aloe vera strengthens the body’s responses to immune reactions by calming inflammation. It can help the body adapt to stress, reduce blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Aloe vera is a celebrated superfood for its ability to posses amazing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Ashwagandha
The root of ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine and reportedly gives you strength and vitality while nourishing nervous, adrenal thyroid, and immune function and decreasing inflammation. This adaptogen is used for relieving stress and anxiety, promoting vigor, and increasing focus. Ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals and may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.
Chaga & Reishi
Medicinal mushrooms like chaga and reishi have long been used in Chinese medicine to promote longevity and overall health. They contain complex starches called polysaccharides which are made up of glucans. Our bodies perceive these glucans a threat, giving your immune system a training run to strengthen responses to fend off pathogens. All of our medicinal mushrooms have immune-supportive benefits, but these two particularly strengthen respiratory function and structure.
Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates immune function and activates immune cells for swift viral interference to better ward off both bacterial and viral infections by interfering with a virus’s ability to spread. This daisy-family flower also acts as an alternative to aid detoxification due to its cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Echinacea works by preparing your monocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights pathogens in the body, and helps with a quicker immune response.
Lion's Mane
This shaggy white fungi can be eaten raw, cooked, dried or even enjoyed as a tea. By decreasing inflammation and preventing oxidation, lion’s mane mushrooms boosts the immune system. This fungi may also aid digestive health by fighting inflammation and encouraging good gut health with the growth of good bacteria. There’s also growing evidence that the anti-inflammatory effects of lion’s mane extract can help in treating anxiety and depression.
Maca
The adaptogen of choice in the Andes, maca is a nutrient-dense root that has historically been used by the Incas as an energy booster and for enhancing fertility without affecting hormones directly. It’s been associated with reduced anxiety as well as reducing symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women. This root has historic use for virility, fertility, and longevity.
Adaptogens are a collection of plants that have been identified for their abilities to help the human body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors. These plants have the ability to help the body adapt its functions to manage stress related flare-ups. As we celebrate these powerful plants it’s important to remember that while adaptogens serve as a positive support to those looking for a brain boost, they should pair with a balanced plant-forward diet and healthy lifestyle and not as a substitute for optimal wellness.
Adaptogens are not new, in fact, some have been used in food and drink for centuries for their health and wellness benefits.
Adaptogenic plants have gained popularity for their ability to help your body adapt to stress, mainly by supporting the production of stress-related neurotransmitters and hormones. They’re sometimes referred to as “trophorestorative” or “modulating” because adaptogens can increase or decrease the function of any particular system based on what the body needs most. For example, depending on whether levels of a particular hormone are low or high, an adaptogen may increase or decrease the body’s production of that hormone.
The name “adaptogen” wasn’t established until the 1940’s, however the plants that fall into this category have been recognized in holistic medicine for a millennia as rasayana herbs in the Indian medicine system of Ayurveda and as qi tonics in traditional Chinese medicine. Here is a list of our favorite adaptogens we use in our meals:
Aloe vera
Egyptians were the first to discover the numerous health benefits of aloe vera deeming it the plant of immortality. While most known for its topical use, as an adaptogen aloe vera strengthens the body’s responses to immune reactions by calming inflammation. It can help the body adapt to stress, reduce blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Aloe vera is a celebrated superfood for its ability to posses amazing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Ashwagandha
The root of ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine and reportedly gives you strength and vitality while nourishing nervous, adrenal thyroid, and immune function and decreasing inflammation. This adaptogen is used for relieving stress and anxiety, promoting vigor, and increasing focus. Ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals and may improve brain function, memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.
Chaga & Reishi
Medicinal mushrooms like chaga and reishi have long been used in Chinese medicine to promote longevity and overall health. They contain complex starches called polysaccharides which are made up of glucans. Our bodies perceive these glucans a threat, giving your immune system a training run to strengthen responses to fend off pathogens. All of our medicinal mushrooms have immune-supportive benefits, but these two particularly strengthen respiratory function and structure.
Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates immune function and activates immune cells for swift viral interference to better ward off both bacterial and viral infections by interfering with a virus’s ability to spread. This daisy-family flower also acts as an alternative to aid detoxification due to its cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Echinacea works by preparing your monocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights pathogens in the body, and helps with a quicker immune response.
Lion's Mane
This shaggy white fungi can be eaten raw, cooked, dried or even enjoyed as a tea. By decreasing inflammation and preventing oxidation, lion’s mane mushrooms boosts the immune system. This fungi may also aid digestive health by fighting inflammation and encouraging good gut health with the growth of good bacteria. There’s also growing evidence that the anti-inflammatory effects of lion’s mane extract can help in treating anxiety and depression.
Maca
The adaptogen of choice in the Andes, maca is a nutrient-dense root that has historically been used by the Incas as an energy booster and for enhancing fertility without affecting hormones directly. It’s been associated with reduced anxiety as well as reducing symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women. This root has historic use for virility, fertility, and longevity.
Adaptogens are a collection of plants that have been identified for their abilities to help the human body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors. These plants have the ability to help the body adapt its functions to manage stress related flare-ups. As we celebrate these powerful plants it’s important to remember that while adaptogens serve as a positive support to those looking for a brain boost, they should pair with a balanced plant-forward diet and healthy lifestyle and not as a substitute for optimal wellness.
