Adaptogens are rising in popularity, and they’re not going away anytime soon. The potent plants are known for their ability to help with stress, energy, and chronic fatigue. Adaptogens are frequently cited as a means of balancing the body and adapting to life’s stresses. Yes, they do! While they have some similarities, the name “adaptogen” refers to a diverse group of plants & fungi, each with its own set of properties. While some adaptogens in Australia are great for boosting immunity, others are great for boosting mood and removing tiredness.
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
The term “adaptogen” refers to a group of herbs & mushrooms that have a particular body-balancing effect. They adapt their functions to your body’s individual needs to help you react to and rehabilitate from physical, emotional, and environmental stressors, as well as restore homeostasis. The same adaptogen, for example, may have a soothing impact on one person and a mildly stimulating effect on another. Adaptogens are also non-specific, which means that their effects are broad and affect a variety of body systems.
Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways in the body—some individuals have headaches, some get an unsettled stomach, and still, others suffer joint pain. Adaptogen blends appear to go where they’re needed in the body, depending on how stress affects you, but non-adaptogenic herbs and medications seem to always fulfill a particular role or target a specific place.
Adaptogens’ purported effects may be minor, but evidence indicates that they do exist. They’re a good alternative for those who need a little extra help with low moods, exhaustion, poor attention, or recurring infections. While the particular mechanisms of action by which adaptogens function aren’t always obvious, it’s widely assumed that they assist balance the production of cortisol, one of the body’s main stress hormones.
HOW DO ADAPTOGENS WORK?
Because each adaptogen is different, it will reach its full range of effects in slightly different ways. Most adaptogens, however, appear to have some overlap in terms of their action.
When you’re stressed, your body reacts in the same fundamental way—the HPA axis fires up, causing the production of hormones like cortisol to prepare your body to deal with the stressor.
Cortisol becomes chronically increased over time if stress levels are persistently elevated, and the HPA axis is always active. Humans e start to feel increased inflammation under this constant flow of cortisol. Thus, they end up with digestion problems, physical problems, cognitive problems, and mood difficulties.”
So, how do adaptogens fit into the picture? The best adaptogen blend effectively acts as a reset button for our systems, allowing us to turn off the HPA axis system, reducing the stress hormones.
LIST OF A FEW COMMON ADAPTOGENS
Do you know what herbs & medicinal mushrooms fall under the category of adaptogens? It includes a list of some of the popular and readily available adaptogens. Many are available as supplement blends, single capsules, packaged beverages, teas or powders.
- American Ginseng
- Ashwagandha
- Gotu Kola
- Licorice Root
- Tulsi (or Holy Basil)
- Turkey Tail
- Lion’s Mane
- Astragalus
- Bacopa
- Cordyceps
- Maca Root
- Reishi
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Asian Ginseng
- Eleuthero (or Siberian ginseng
- Schisandra Berry
Adaptogens can help you feel better when you’re worried, weary, or otherwise unbalanced. “In our daily lives, most of us can make the best use of it by consuming adaptogens. Thinking, where to buy adaptogens? Look for authentic sources as they will offer you the original adaptogen.
