Unlock Your Inner Medicine with the Power of Adaptogens
Meet the Plants that hold the key to your inner medicine cabinet. They are known as Adaptogens.
Adaptogenic herbs and roots have been used traditionally for thousands of years by indigenous peoples all over the world to increase vitality and health. They tend to be plants that are high in antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory and also good at boosting energy and mood levels- what’s not to love?. The name of these herbs, roots and mushrooms, adaptogens, is derived from their ability to help you adapt to different situations in life. Turning to them in times of stress can help unlock your body’s ability to heal and feel revitalized.
Although there has been a recent surge of interest in North America around adaptogens- they have a long history of use. Ginseng was mentioned in written texts in China as far back as 196 AD described it as a "superior tonic". Ginseng was also in ancient books of scripture knows as the Vedas from India as giving, “The strength of the horse, the mule, the goat, the ram, moreover the strength of the bull it bestows on him. This herb will make thee so full of lusty strength that thou shalt, when excited, exhale heat as a thing of fire.”
The root and leaves of American Ginseng, native to eastern North America, were considered sacred by indigenous peoples who used it for headaches, croup, for soothing eyes and as a poultice for wounds. Documented medicinal use for Rhodiola dates back at least to A.D. 77 when a physician recommended it for headaches.
The Soviet Union was where the term adaptogen was first appeared in 1947. Russian scientists led the way in adaptogen research around the body and stress. They discovered that adaptogens do for your adrenal glands what exercise does for muscles, basically helping them increase mental and work capacity even against a background of stress and fatigue.
Adaptogens Work with You on a Personal Level.
There are lots of different ways that adaptogens are used around the world, which is not surprising considering many of them have been in constant use for centuries.
Part of the difficulties with adaptogen research is that they can have different results between people or even within the same body. In some studies, ginseng relieves anxiety and in other studies, it stimulates anxiety. Equally some studies show that ginseng raises blood pressure while in others lowers it. Adaptogens work with your body to make the adjustments that you personally need. This is what makes them so interesting, and also controversial within western medicine. The same herb may stimulate adrenal action and energy while also helping you relax and sleep better. They can adjust levels of hormones, raising those that are low while lowering those that are elevated.
The effectiveness of adaptogens not only depend on the state of the person being tested but also how they are combined with other herbs and used over time. Many adaptogens are intended to be taken over a longer period of time where their effects can be gentle and subtle, but very powerful. Ginseng taken over time, for example, increases energy and sexual vigor, improves skin and muscle tone, and helps build resistance to stress.
Do adaptogens have side effects?
Any plant, can be allergenic for some people, but there’s not much evidence to suggest that adaptogens have serious side effects. It is possible that some could adaptogens could interfere with prescription medications and are not recommended for people with certain conditions. Rhodiola, for example, may cause mild episodes of dizziness, dry mouth, sleep problems or jitteriness, because of its mild stimulant-type effect. Astragalus has deep immune activation, which might cause counteractions for those taking immunosuppressant drugs. Women who are pregnant should avoid Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Tulsi (holy basil). Always refer to your medical care provider for questions about your health and taking herbs or supplements.
How do you add adaptogens to your life?
There is an ever-growing list of products- pills, drinks, tinctures and salves incorporating adaptogens. If you’re looking for a straight dose of herbs, you can sip adaptogen teas or combine tinctures with water.
To add adaptogens to the foods you’re already eating, you can buy the pre-mixed powder to spice up everything from smoothies to soups to salad dressings.
Some adaptogens can be taken as capsules but it is largely buyer beware in the marketplace for adaptogen shoppers, so caution is required. Be aware of the active ingredients in the product being sold.
Although they are not yet on the radar for many doctors, others who are knowledgeable about alternative medicine like naturopaths, herbalists, and chiropractors should also be able to provide reliable information.
Some Adaptogens To Get to Know
1. Strengthen your overall system using the mushroom king – Chaga. Chaga’s origins are in Northern countries, where traditionally the Chaga was taken to assist the body and mind in dealing with harsh conditions. Chaga is also loaded with antioxidants. Taking it when things aren’t going as planned will support your overall wellbeing and allow you to respond better and quicker to the changing situation. Try our Hot CHAGAlate for a delicious adaptogenic cocoa mix!
2. Calm your mind and balance your hormones with Tulsi. The Goddess of herbs-Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It works with your lungs, which is commonly where anxiety sits, to bring sensations of calmness and relaxation that will allow you to restore balance within the body and significantly reduce stress. Try Tulsi Green tea, Heart of Gold tea, Jasmine Green or North Coast Immunitea for a cup of our farm grown tulsi!
3. If a situation and associated stress is causing you to lose sleep, try introducing the mushroom Reishi. Reishi supports deep and quality sleep and together with a thoughtful bedtime routine can help you both to fall asleep quicker and to sleep throughout the night. Sleep is of huge importance in order to keep healthy in the long and short run, so this is a big one. Reishi mushrooms can be found wild in the Oregon rainforest and the powdered mushroom can be added to soups or teas.
4. For boosted Immunity you can try Astragalus. A perennial flowering plant, astragalus has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back 2,000 years. This adaptogen herb is a member of the pea or legume family.Whether for energizing the body, strengthening immunity, or nourishing and satiating appetite, it can ward off both physical and mental stress and help to combat various illnesses. Try astragalus in our North Coast Immunitea blend.
5. Licorice Root the sweetest adaptogen. Naturally sweet tasting licorice is a powerful adaptogen that benefits the lungs, skin, digestion and nervous system. It helps regulate the adrenal system and production of the stress hormone cortisol and also helps the body naturally lose fat and helps with menopausal symptoms. Try licorice root in our soothing Anise Bliss tea blend.
Health Disclaimer
Many of you have already experienced herbal medicine’s positive effect on your health. I hope that these blog articles give you tools to take an even greater role in your own well-being. The content on our website is for educational purposes only. No post should be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before trying any new herb or remedy mentioned in the website or any related forum.
The information I provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
You are responsible for your own health. As with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is vast and complex, and must be used responsibly. People react differently to different remedies. Some herbs are contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical drugs. There are many plants and mushrooms that can make you sick, or are deadly poisonous. Be 100% of your identification before you harvest any plant or mushroom.
Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods, supplements, essential oils, or lifestyle changes have not been evaluated by medical professional or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I, the author of this North Fork 53 Communitea Blog, will not accept responsibility for the actions or consequential results of any action taken by any reader.
