What Are Adaptogens Good For?

Stress-related symptoms like suboptimal sleep, mood swings, inability to relax, and digestive problems are often brushed off as normal.  While there’s no magic wand to make life’s challenges vanish, nature, in its infinite wisdom, has given us a secret weapon against stress: adaptogens.

In this article, we’ll cover the science behind adaptogens, and what you need to know about them.

Before diving deep into the world of adaptogens, understanding stress responses can help you better optimize your stress resilience. For a more in-depth understanding, refer to HPA Axis Dysfunction Part 1 and HPA Axis Dysfunction Part 2.

What Are Adaptogens? Nature’s Own Resilience Boosters

Adaptogens are natural substances, mostly from plants and fungi. They help your body adapt to stress and maintain balance in your bodily processes, such as hormones and the immune system. This way, your body functions optimally and you can keep performing during demanding times.

The term “adaptogen” was first coined by Russian scientists in the mid-20th century. They were researching substances that could enhance the body’s resistance to stress. The criteria for an adaptogen include:

• Non-toxic
• Increases resistance to stressors
• Has a normalizing influence on the body

Adaptogens help balance, restore, and protect the body. Traditional medicine has relied on adaptogenic herbs for centuries to help the body cope with all kinds of stress.

What makes adaptogens so remarkable? These aren’t just any plants; they’re nature’s elite, possessing unique properties that set them apart:

Gentle Yet Powerful: Some solutions that give a quick fix also come with side effects. Adaptogens are gentle on the body. Think of them like your favorite yoga instructor: they challenge you, but they also help you find balance and strength.

Harmonizers: Adaptogens don’t push your body in one direction or another. Instead, they help your body regulate and find its natural rhythm. Whether you’re too tense or too lethargic, adaptogens steer you toward your center.

Resilience Warriors: Think of adaptogens as your personal trainers for stress. Exercise prepares your body to face physical challenges. Adaptogens prepare your system to handle life’s whirlwinds with more grace and resilience.

This ancient wisdom, passed down through generations, is now finding validation in modern science. Adaptogens work at a molecular level to:

• Regulate your stress response glands, such as the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands.
• Regulate neurotransmitters and other molecules involved in your stress responses.
• Protect organs and their vital functions from wear and tear that may arise from working hard for extended periods of time

Essentially, adaptogens allow you to handle more prolonged periods of stress while maintaining performance and stress reserves as much as possible. These traditional practices of using herbs in times of stress or fatigue weren’t just folklore. They were early observations of adaptogenic benefits.

What Are the Types of Adaptogens?

Not all adaptogens are created equal, just as everyone’s stress manifests differently. There are also adaptogens from various healing traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Western herbalism, and the Amazon. 

Herbalists, naturopathic doctors, and other professionals who rely on herbs will take history, symptoms, presentation, and sometimes energetic patterns into account when prescribing. 

Typically personalized treatment will ensure the best results and minimize side effects. 

It’s best to consult a qualified healthcare professional before introducing an adaptogen, and also check with your doctor to prevent drug interactions or contraindications.

For example, some adaptogens promote energy and endurance, while others lean towards calming and sedation. Some are better for cognition, mood, or focus. Some promote blood flow and circulation to certain organs more so than others. 

Benefits of Adaptogens Beyond Stress

Adaptogens counteract the negative effects of stress throughout your body, not just within the stress response. Some of them also deliver the following benefits: 

• Supporting immune balance and readiness: Especially during rapid weather changes or colder seasons.
• Enhancing Brain Power: Some adaptogens are also nootropics. They help you think clearly and improve memory, attention span, and mental agility.
• Supporting a balanced inflammatory response: This is crucial for optimal health and performance.
• Physical Stamina: Whether you’re an athlete or someone who loves an occasional jog, adaptogens help enhance your physical performance and speed up recovery.
• Hormonal Harmony: By ensuring hormonal balance, adaptogens assist in maintaining both physiological and emotional well-being.

Certain adaptogenic herbs deliver some of these benefits more so than others, which is why it’s important to pick the correct ones for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Adaptogens for You?

Safety First: Who Should Be Cautious With Adaptogens?

While adaptogens are nature’s remedy for many modern challenges, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some folks should tread carefully:

Expecting and Nursing Moms: Pregnancy and lactation are special times when the body undergoes a myriad of changes. Not all adaptogens have been extensively studied for their effects during these periods. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making them part of your routine.

Those on Medications: Like any natural remedy, adaptogens interact with certain medications, especially those for clotting issues, blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. If you’re on medication, it’s a wise call to chat with your doctor before starting any adaptogenic regimen.

People with Specific Health Conditions: Those with hormone-sensitive conditions, allergies, or certain autoimmune disorders might need to approach adaptogens with a bit more caution. It’s always best to be safe and seek expert advice.

Common Side Effects: Listen to Your Body

Nature’s remedies, as holistic as they are, sometimes have side effects. As you embark on your adaptogen journey, here’s what to look out for:

Digestive Upsets: Some people might feel a bit queasy or face digestive issues initially.

Sleep Pattern Changes: You might experience alterations in your sleep, either sleeping more soundly or, occasionally, feeling more awake at bedtime.

Headaches: As your body adjusts, you might face mild headaches.

Allergic Reactions: Rashes, itchiness, or other allergic symptoms might happen in very rare cases.

Other Bothersome Symptoms: Hot flashes, irritability, or feeling overstimulated.

Remember, the key is to start slow. Introduce adaptogens at small doses, observe your body’s reactions, and gradually adjust the dosage as needed. If any side effect feels pronounced, it’s best to pause and seek guidance from a professional herbalist.

Making Adaptogens a Part of Your Life

Adaptogens, with their incredible versatility, effortlessly fit into various life scenarios. Here’s how:

The Busy Bee: If your professional life has you perpetually on your toes, these adaptogens provide the energy and focus to conquer your tasks. Here are some of the best adaptogens for the busy bee:

• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris): Cordyceps is a fungus with energy-boosting properties. Whether you’re running from one meeting to another or juggling multiple deadlines, Cordyceps helps you keep up the pace and maintain productivity.
• Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea L.): Rhodiola is the friend you’d want during those brain-draining tasks. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or working on a complex project, Rhodiola keeps your mind sharp and agile.

The Fitness Enthusiast: Pushing physical boundaries is exhilarating but also taxing. Adaptogens not only enhance performance but also ensure you bounce back quickly post-workout.

• Ginseng (Asian and Tienchi Ginseng): Ginseng is a world-renowned energy booster. It’s not just about physical energy. It also sharpens your mind, making sure you’re on top of your game, both mentally and physically.
• Eleutherococcus (Siberian Ginseng): Often dubbed as the endurance booster. This adaptogen is a favorite amongst athletes and anyone facing physical exhaustion. It’s like that morning shot of energy to help you seize the day.
• Ashwagandha: This adaptogen not only boosts endurance but also aids in muscle recovery. It is an excellent choice for post-workout rejuvenation. It mitigates exercise-induced physical stress on the body and promotes overall physical resilience

The Wellness Warrior: In this age of health consciousness, if you’re someone always on the lookout for natural ways to support immunity and overall well-being, these adaptogens are your best bet.

• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): This “mushroom of immortality” is not just about longevity. It’s an immune system champion. It also has calming properties. A perfect companion for your evening teas.
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis): Think of Schisandra as the multitasker of adaptogens. Schisandra supports liver function, enhances skin health, and boosts energy. It’s a berry with many tricks up its sleeve.
• Astragalus: This adaptogen has immune-boosting properties. It strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making your immune system robust and resilient.

The Balance Seeker: Life is full of ups and downs. The following adaptogens help anchor and restore a sense of calm and equilibrium in the whirlwind of daily challenges.

• Holy Basil (Tulsi): Holy Basil is an adaptogen known for its calming properties. It helps support emotional well-being and mental balance, ensuring you stay centered even in turbulent times.
• Lemon Balm: This adaptogen is prized for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It improves mood and enhances relaxation, allowing you to find tranquility amid life’s storms.
• Passionflower: If you’re seeking a tranquil mind and better sleep, Passionflower is a valuable addition. It helps reduce restlessness and promotes a sense of peace, ensuring you get the rest you need to face each day with resilience.

Remember, these adaptogens are versatile and cater to multiple aspects of well-being. Depending on your unique needs and challenges, incorporate a combination of these adaptogenic herbs into your daily routine to reap their holistic benefits.

Making the Right Purchase

With the rising popularity of adaptogens, the market is full of products claiming to offer the benefits of these herbs. However, not all are created equal. It’s essential to choose products that are backed by research and prioritize transparency in sourcing and processing. Look for certifications, third-party testing, and reviews to ensure you’re getting a genuine product.

Herbal products and raw ingredients often contain contamination or are impure, so it’s even more crucial to ensure that you get your herbs from vendors who test every batch of raw materials. At BiOptimizers, safety and effectiveness are #1 because we thrive on returning customers, so we source our materials very carefully and always test them before use. 

But with so many adaptogens available, how does one choose the right blend?  

Stress Guardian brings together the potent properties of Eleutherococcus, Astragalus, Reishi, and many more, ensuring that you get a comprehensive solution in one package.

So, if you’re seeking a natural, potent, and holistic solution to help you stay resilient and in flow, try Stress Guardian. It’s a potent blend formulated for