A quick guide to adaptogenic herbs - NL-037

There seems to be a lot of buzz around a class of herbs known for their ability to reduce stress and restore balance in the body, required for a healthy and disease-free living. Yes, we are talking about adaptogenic herbs such as Holy Basil, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), Reishi mushroom, Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea.

So, what makes these adaptogenic herbs so special is that they have unique and specific properties that qualify them to be called true adaptogens. These herbs improve the body's ability to deal with stress, are safe with no adverse side effects and benefit multiple body systems, unlike other herbs that have a specific action on the body. In fact, these herbs are so rare that only one herb in 4,000 herbs can be truly classified as an adaptogen.

How do adaptogenic herbs work? These herbs improve the way your body deals with stressors, both external or internal. Adaptogenic herbs can identify the areas where you need improvement and work towards correcting imbalances and restoring a healthy equilibrium. Most importantly, these healing herbs stabilize and strengthen the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, comprising of glands that play a crucial role in responding to stress.

Adaptogens restore your hormonal balance, nourish your adrenal glands, calm the nervous system, support immune health, reduce the risk of infections and diseases, reduce inflammation and also provide nourishment in the form of various vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidant compounds.

Adaptogenic herbs play a particularly important role in combating stress. For example, Jiaogulan, which is also known as the herb of immortality, reduces stress hormone cortisol, boosts energy, reduces anxiety and works as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Reishi mushroom, also known as Lingzi mushroom, is another powerful adaptogen that is known for its immune boosting properties. Reishi also improves the body's resistance to stress and corrects hormonal imbalances.  

Ashwagandha, a well-known rejuvenating and revitalizing herb, is widely used to relieve stress, anxiety and fatigue. It reduces cortisol levels and promotes healthy sleep. Another important adaptogenic herbs is Brahmi that is best known for its brain rejuvenating properties by improving memory, focus and other cognitive functions. As a true adaptogen, brahmi also enables the body to adapt to stress by nourishing the nervous system, regulating stress hormones, and boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status of the body. Brahmi is also extremely effective in improving fatigue and symptoms of insomnia.