Using Adaptogens to Adapt to Stressful Times
We just finished up the most special time of the year (then followed by the most stressful time of the year...January!), but truthfully? I think most of us can become even more stressed out with the busyness and celebrations of the holiday season quickly followed by the “New Year, New You” mentality of the New Year. It all just feels so go, go go and I have heard from so many of you that you feel extra stressed lately.
My tool to combat the added layer of stress (for anytime in my life when the stress picks up!) is to use adaptogens.
We’ve discussed adaptogens here on the blog before (read more here) and on the Nourishing Women Podcast, too (listen here) but let’s do a quick review on what adaptogens are.
Adaptogens are naturally occurring, nontoxic plant substances such as herbs, spices, roots and even mushrooms. These nontoxic plants have been used traditionally for thousands of years, most notably in Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga and a 5,000 year old practice of medicine in India), Chinese medicine and Eastern folklore.
Adaptogens are defined most by their safety to consume. In order for a substance like a plant, root or mushroom to be considered an adaptogen it has to be safe, nontoxic and non-habit forming. Meaning you could take it year-round and that would be safe to do so. They are also nonspecific, and adapt (hence the word ‘adapt’-o-gens) to your body’s needs, improving the stress response either by relaxing the body or providing energy. In that sense, they are balancing to the body.
Adaptogens also benefit the body by reducing inflammation from the daily stressors and consistent cortisol output we experience, improving oxygen output and work on the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
I love to use adaptogens clinically to help my clients in various ways. I will recommend them if a client is in a heightened time of stress in their lives. I also love to use them if I believe stress is one of the reasons why a client has a missing or irregular period. Additionally, if a client has digestive issues with a root cause identified to be related to stress, I think adaptogens can be a wonderful addition to the supplement protocol. While I believe our food and daily habits make the biggest difference, adaptogens can be a beneficial addition and layer of stress protection that I love to utilize to further support my client’s health and wellness routines.
Let’s talk about a few notable adaptogens, all from my favorite supplement company New Chapter:
This adaptogen, Rhodiola rosea, is known as the “elixir of life” and is one of my absolute favorites to use personally and to use for clients who are in high stress times in their life.
Rhodiola is traditionally believed to support mental performance, uplifting mood, and increasing mental stamina and endurance.
Rhodiola for some can be stimulating, so this adaptogen is one I like to recommend taking during the day, either in the morning or early afternoon.
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for health benefits including increased mental clarity, improved mood, and just like all adaptogens- improved stress response of the body. This adaptogen is well known for its cognitive enhancement and is said to support alertness, focus and memory, too.
New Chapter’s Holy Basil Force is made with dual extracts of the holy basil plant, so it can deliver the full spectrum of healing compounds, and because of this it can support our immune cells and be a great addition for immune support.
When you’re in a crazy season of life, holy basil is a great addition to help you focus, get things done and help your body adapt to the stress levels*.
Mushrooms can even count as types of adaptogens too, including the popular reishi mushroom. One of the reasons I love New Chapter’s LifeSheild Reishi is that it’s been DNA tested. Since mushrooms can be tricky to identify, they cross check and confirm that their mushrooms are identity assured.
Reishi mushroom, similar to the other adaptogens we have discussed today, has been traditionally used for thousands of years for medicinal benefits including supporting the body’s normal stress response, supporting overall wellness and a potent form of antioxidants, too.
Reishi is one of my favorite adaptogens to use later in the day or evening, as it tends to have a calming effect for most of us. Unlike most mushrooms where you have to mix the mushroom into a drink, this is a supplement you can take and immediately get the benefits*.
As with any supplement, this is general advice only and not meant to replace medical advice. Please be sure to check with your medical doctor before consumption, especially if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or taking medication.
Remember, nothing is mandatory! My favorite thing about adaptogens is they can be a fun, additional support and a unique way to use plants as medicine when I need extra support. You can also talk to your health care provider to consider incorporating them into your protocol or healing plan.
This blog post is proudly sponsored by New Chapter. You can purchase New Chapter prenatal and postnatal vitamins and supplements on New Chapter’s website, or at Whole Foods, CVS, Amazon and local health food stores.
+ Consult your healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition; supplements are not a substitute for medical therapy.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
