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Many of us including me are looking for natural alternative ways to de stress and improve sleep. That is what lead me to look intoAdaptogens. What are adaptogens? What are the popular adaptogens? The effects? The benefits? And the risks. This blog post includes the research I have done and my personal experience with adaptogens.
What are adaptogens?
According to the Article ” Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System” they are a group of herbs and mushrooms that helps the body “adapt” to the certain needs of the body. Adaptogens help the body deal with stress, boost energy and improve sleep.
Many studies and clinical trials have been done regarding adaptogens and studies have been found to improve mental capacity against stress and fatigue.
After reading a lot of this information I was convinces to give adaptogens to see if it would have any effect on my mood, stress and sleep. The last couple of months have been really stress provoking, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, loss of jobs, income and increased anxiety due to uncertainty of the future. Several people are increasingly interested in lowering stress and anxiety as well as improve sleep, so if adaptogens are able to provide a natural safer way, it’s worth a try. We all want to a great way to feel great, that way we look great and elevate our whole being.
Though adaptogens are natural they can have an effect on the endocrine system and it is advised to consult with your doctor/medical provider prior to making any changes to your regimen.
Ashwagandha
Benefits: increase energy levels and reduce stress, anti cancer
How it comes: Powder, Liquid and Capsules
Uses: add to your coffee, tea, or smoothie.
Risks: no proven longterm effects, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Ashwaganda.
It can have a bitter taste, start small and gradually increase to serving size
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Reishi Mushroom
Benefits:Fungus used in Eastern medicine to improve sleep, help boost your immune system, help combat fatigue.
How it comes: Powder, Liquid and Capsules
Uses: Add to Coffee, Tea, smoothies
Risks: Beware of allergy to mushroom, can cause upset stomache
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Maca Root
Benefits: anti cancer benefits, can improve mood and energy and increase libido. Maca root is known as the Peruvian Ginseng
How it comes: Powder, Liquid and Capsules.
Uses: Add to coffee, use as coffee alternative, add to matcha and/or Golden Milk
Risks: it can have an effect on thyroid, those with thyroid condition and/or on thyroid medication should avoid taking Maca Root. No other notable effects of maca root.
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Holy Basil (Tulsi Basil)
Benefits: Helps reduce inflammation, helps with mental clarity, anti cancer, can help regulate blood sugar and anti bacterial properties ( help with common cold and or flu)
How it comes: dried leaves, capsule, liquid
Uses: drink twice a day tea, add to water, juice, smoothies
Risks: Studies show may cause low blood sugar, decrease fertility and increased bleeding/or blood thining.
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Rhodiola Rosea
Benefits: Helps to de stress, and fatigue, control diabetes, help control symptoms of depression.
Uses: add to coffee, tea, smoothies and or oatmeal etc.
How it comes: Capsules, powder and liquid
Risks: can cause low blood sugar and low blood pressure, pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid taking.
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In order to try I purchased all 5 of the adaptogens in liquid form because I felt it would be easier to incorporate to my regimen. I typically drink tea or apple cider vinegar water in the morning so I have added the drops to my water in the morning. In the summer I did drink a lot of smoothies so I could have added them to the smoothies, but in the colder weather I do not drink as much smoothies.
I did noticed a slight change while taking these 5 adaptogens. It is hard to measure if my mood has improved, however I did notice I was a bit more focused and attentive. Taking these adaptogens ( Reishi and Tulsi) at night I was able to fall asleep faster and easier.
I did not experience any of the side effects mentioned as of yet, however I do not typically experience negative side effects. Also please do your research prior to adding or changing your regimen. Mentioned earlier Maca Root does have an effect on thyroid so those on thyroid medication should avoid. ***Consult you medical provider especially if you are on medications before incorporating any new adaptogens***
I hope you found the information useful use this guide as a starting point for research. There are many more Adaptogens like Magnesium, Ginseng, Blue Spirulina, Matcha just to name a few.
