What are Adaptogens and How Do They Work?

Nature is full of some amazing phytochemicals (chemicals derived from plant sources).  One of these types of phytochemicals that is worth consideration is adaptogens.  Working much like a buffer like baking soda does to regulate the pH of a solution by keeping it from going up or down, adaptogens helep to regulate the production of various chemicals in our bodies to keep us “on an even keel.”

 

Stress has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. From work deadlines to personal responsibilities, our stressors can affect our physical and mental well-being. Many individuals are turning to adaptogens – nature’s powerful allies – to help combat the effects of stress and promote overall wellness.

Understanding Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a class of herbs and mushrooms known for their ability to help the body adapt to stressors, whether they are physical, chemical, or biological. These remarkable substances have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, adaptogens work by supporting the body’s natural ability to cope with stress rather than suppressing symptoms.

How Adaptogens Work

At a cellular level, adaptogens exert their effects by modulating the body’s stress response system, primarily the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system. They help regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are responsible for the “fight or flight” response. By promoting balance within these systems, adaptogens can help improve resilience to stress and enhance overall vitality.

Benefits of Adaptogens

The benefits of adaptogens are wide-ranging and diverse, making them valuable allies for supporting overall health and well-being. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Stress Reduction: Adaptogens help the body manage stress more effectively, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of calmness.

2. Improved Energy Levels: By supporting adrenal function, adaptogens can help combat fatigue and increase energy levels, promoting sustained daily vitality.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Adaptogens have been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity, by supporting healthy brain function and reducing the negative effects of stress on the brain.

4. Balanced Mood: Adaptogens can help stabilize mood swings and promote emotional balance by regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

5. Enhanced Immune Function: Some adaptogens possess immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can help regulate the immune system and enhance its ability to defend against infections and illness.

Examples of Adaptogens and Their Benefits

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Known as the “Indian ginseng,” ashwagandha is prized for its ability to reduce stress, improve energy levels, and support adrenal health.

2. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): Rhodiola is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, which include boosting energy, improving mental performance, and enhancing resilience to stress.

3. Panax Ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng, is revered for its ability to increase energy, enhance cognitive function, and support the immune system.

4. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Holy basil, or tulsi, is revered in Ayurveda for its stress-relieving properties and its ability to promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.

5. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi is a powerful adaptogenic mushroom known for its immune-modulating effects, stress-reducing properties, and ability to support overall vitality.

6. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Siberian ginseng is prized for its ability to increase energy, improve focus, and enhance physical performance, particularly during times of stress.

Harnessing the power of adaptogens offers a natural and effective way to support our bodies’ resilience and promote overall health. Whether it’s combating fatigue, reducing anxiety, or enhancing cognitive function, adaptogens provide a holistic approach to wellness that aligns with the body’s natural rhythms. Incorporating these remarkable herbs and mushrooms into our daily routines can cultivate greater vitality, balance, and vitality in our lives.

References

• Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. “Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel), vol. 3, no. 1, 2010, pp. 188-224. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/.

• Bhattacharya, S.K., et al. “Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study.” Phytomedicine, vol. 7, no. 6, 2000, pp. 463-469. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11116534/.

• Mao, Jian M., et al. “Effect of rhodiola and physical exercise on the glucocorticoid receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats.” American Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 34, no. 6, 2006, pp. 1007-1015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17127495/.

• Cho, In Sook, et al. “Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” PLOS One, vol. 9, no. 4, 2014, e94180. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0094180.

• Bhalerao, Satish S., et al. “Protective effect of Ocimum sanctum in experimental induced noise stress in albino rats.” Pharmacologyonline, vol. 2, 2011, pp. 973-981. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22238446/.

• Gao, Yufeng, et al. “Immunomodulating activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) on murine splenic lymphocytes in vitro.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 72, no. 3, 2000, pp. 429-433. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11091082/.

• Szolomicki, S., et al. “The clinical use of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) in the prevention and treatment of stress-induced ailments.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, vol. 71, no. 4, 2000, pp. A55-A57. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10660835/.