Health Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs You’ve Never Heard Of!

Adaptogenic herbs, also known as adaptogens, are some of the highly acclaimed food sources that are suggested by global health experts. Adaptogenic herbs help us relieve stress by modulating the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. They also work as biological response modifiers and restore the body’s innate immunity function to help the body to adapt to different stressors. It makes them curative in compromised immunity.

Adaptogens fall into the pharmacotherapeutic group which helps with increased attention and endurance during fatigue. Adaptogens(1) are specialized roots, herbs, and spices that are well known to have calming effects on your body.

Health Benefits of Adaptogens

Modern scientific research on adaptogenic herbs began during World War 2, and this was because there was an enhanced need to increase stamina, endurance, and performance. The study of Adaptogen herbs established that they replenish our deeper immunity and rejuvenate our health and vitality.

The health benefits of adaptogenic herbs:

• Boosts Immunity: American Ginseng is an herbaceous perennial plant from the ivy family. This is a kind of adaptogen herbs. It benefits your body as it improves memory, imparts a sense of calm, and boosts immunity. It has been a part of Chinese medicine since the 18th century.
• Reduces Stress: Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng or poison gooseberry. It helps to alleviate stress and helps to feel less anxious.
• Medicine: Astragalus root is often taken to cure hay fever, diabetes, kidney diseases. Additionally, it also combats fatigue by boosting energy levels.
• Better Sleep: Goji Berry is also known as wolfberry. These fierce-looking red berries have a sweet and sour taste. They help to regulate sleep patterns and enhances well-being.
• Relieves Stomach Ailments: Licorice Root is also known as sweet root is most popularly used as a sweetener in candies and beverages. Its medicinal benefits include that it helps to soothe gastrointestinal discomforts and also helps reduce stress.
• Improves Mental Health: Tulsi and Licorice Root have medicinal properties. It benefits the adrenal and hormonal issues of the body by enhancing mental well-being and by helping to cope with depression.
• Acts as an Antioxidant: Turmeric has bioactive compounds that are medicinal. These medicinal compounds found in turmeric are called curcuminoids. Curcuminoids are very strong antioxidants and also help to improve your brain function and may help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

Another Function of Adaptogenic Herb Is:

Balances Hormones and Adrenal Fatigue

If you feel constantly stressed out or fatigued, you may be experiencing chronic adrenal fatigue. Researches have been conducted, and data from at least 50 studies suggest that the majority of chronic fatigue patients also have an abnormal adrenal function.

Adaptogens help in balancing out your hormones. They help in coping with stress by reducing cortisol levels. They improve brain function by regenerating brain cells and restoring balance in the immune system.

[Read: Herbs for Neuropathy]

How to Include More Adaptogenic Herbs in Your Daily Diet?

Adaptogenic herbs are very common everyday spices and herbs, which can be easily infused with your everyday meal or even be taken as supplements.

• The holy basil, for instance, is a very commonly available adaptogenic, which can be often added to stir-frys and soups.
• Ashwagandha, aka Indian Ginseng, can be grounded and used as a seasoning. The Reishi mushroom is also an adaptogen. It can be used in the powdered form available and can be added to soups.
• A pinch of turmeric can be added to everyday meals like scrambled eggs or a frittata.

Side Effects

Adaptogens are mostly beneficial, but one should conduct comprehensive research before in taking any of these herbs.

• Ashwagandha, for instance, is an immunosuppressant, and hence people with any auto-immune disease should be careful.
• Astragalus is another example that is mostly considered safe for adults. However, there have been reports of it causing nausea, diarrhea, and so.

[Read: Herbs for Stress]

Conclusion

Adaptogenic herbs are of excellent use for different functions. It is great for coping with stress and depression. Furthermore, it is used for improving immunity and mental health. In addition to this, people suffering from insomnia can get better sleep patterns after using it. Its health benefits are enormous. So, include it in your diet and enjoy its benefits.

FAQs

1. Is Ginger an Adaptogen?

Siberian Ginger is an adaptogen. It has been used in Chinese medication for a long time to treat muscle spasms, joint pain, and fatigue.

2. What Herbs Reduce Cortisol?

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is known to relieve stress by lowering the level of cortisol in the body.

3. What Is the Most Powerful Adaptogen?

Panax (Asian Ginseng) is considered the most well known and also the most potent Adaptogen for mental performance.