Adaptogens: What? Why? How?

The power of adaptogens: nature's stress-relievers

In our fast-paced, modern lifestyle, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many. While occasional stress is a normal physiological response, chronic stress can have significant impacts on our health, contributing to anxiety, depression, digestive issues, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment. However, nature provides us with a fascinating tool for helping the body resist and adapt to stress effectively—adaptogens.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a unique class of healing plants that have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. They are named for their ability to "adapt" their function according to the body's specific needs. The term was first coined in the 1940s by a Soviet scientist, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev, who defined adaptogens as substances that increase the "state of non-specific resistance" to stress.

Adaptogens work by harmonizing the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the central stress response system. They help modulate the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands, aiding in balancing the body's physiological response to stress and homeostasis.

Top 5 popular adaptogens and their benefits

P11206 KSM-66 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Often referred to as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha has a calming effect and is used to help alleviate stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and help improve concentration. KSM--66 has over 20 studies behind it 

P17773 & P17774 Rhodiolife®: This herb is used for increasing energy, stamina, strength, and mental capacity. It also helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.

P07115 & P0713 Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Perhaps the most well-known adaptogen, ginseng is used to improve thinking, concentration, memory, and physical stamina, and also to help with depression, and anxiety, and as a general tonic to combat stress.

Interested in learning more? Read more of our "What? Why? How?" blogs below: