It’s been a while since I wrote about adaptogens but if any year could use some adaptogenic help, 2020 surely is it. Adaptogens have that word ‘adapt’ as a root for two reasons: 1. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress. This includes all stress such as mental, emotional, physical, and environmental stress. (More info on that further down). 2. Adaptogens adapt to the person’s needs in the body. Many herbs have adaptogenic qualities, but to be labeled first and foremost an adaptogen, the herb must ’cause no harm’ meaning most people can take adaptogens and only ever experience benefits. (There are always exceptions due to individual allergies or other personal conditions so check with your health professionals if you have any concerns.) This means if you take an adaptogen such as Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) for its mood balancing effects but you also have low blood pressure, it will not lower your blood pressure further even though another person with high blood pressure might take the same herb to help lower theirs. These herbs are balancing and are best taken over a long period of time, mixing up the herbs instead of just taking one for years on end. The best way to take adaptogens is take one or a blend for a couple of months, then switch to a different one or blend for the next couple of months, and so on.
Back to that first point of adaptogens helping the body adapt to stress. That can sound very non-specific but all herbs have affinities for certain bodily systems, and adaptogens work mostly on and through the endocrine system. The endocrine system involves the organs that create and transport hormones, such as cortisol known for instigating the fight or flight response. Adaptogens help create balance in the hormonal system, therefore adapting to stress in healthier ways. They replenish exhausted adrenals, lessen the peaks of stresses, and are known to nourish energy levels for the same reason. If your energy is not being sharply peaked and lowered as much as what happens each time cortisol is activated, then that energy is more balanced and can support stamina better. Adaptogens are in fact used by athletes to encourage stamina and lessen recovery time.
To learn more about adaptogens and how to take them, check out my post from a couple of years ago or watch my mini-class on them for free.
Take care of yourself this crazy year in any and every way you can.
💜🌿
I have often used adaptogens in the past (ginseng, astragalus, holy basil) but I’m scared to at the moment as I’ve just been diagnosed hyperthyroid. Is there anything you would suggest for that? I’m having tests etc but I really want to try to avoid taking medication for it if I can…
Oh dear, I hope you can manage it without medication too! I believe the only adaptogen you want to be a little cautious of is ashwagandha. Let me look into hyperthroidism though to see if there are any good herbs specifically recommended for it.
It looks like bugleweed is the main herb to use with hyperthroidism, at least here in U.S. Here is a blend that you might like to look at and see if you can find something similar (this is a good company): https://www.herb-pharm.com/product/thyroid-calming/
Thanks so much for looking into that.🙏 I think I can get that make at iherb which is where I usually buy my supplements. I really hope I’m going to be able to calm it using herbs/supplements…
Best of luck! I’ll keep an eye out for any other natural remedies…I’m sure you are already figuring out nutritionally what your best options are which will be huge!
Yes I am although I don’t really know to proceed until I have the ultrasound etc… Hope you’re well!
Great info! I am definitely going to look into this.
Thanks for this post Kristen…I think it is so important during this time. I want to come back and read the linked post and watch the class because I think this is a very important component in gaining balance. I hope you are well!! Hope all your loved ones are well too <3
Thank you Lorrie! Adaptogens have played a huge role in my mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health these last couple of years. I hope they help you too if you are called to them!
They certainly jumped out to me from your post. I always try to listen to that intuitive voice that says, “Hmmm…I think this is something you should look in to.” And I got that feeling when I read your post.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge you have…it is so important to help people heal.
Have a blessed weekđź’ś
Great post, Kristen. I’ve had adaptogens in my world/system for quite some time now.
Thank you! I can’t imagine life without adapatogens :0).