Superherbs! Adaptogens for Stamina, Strength and Stress Relief

Learn what adaptogens can do to help balance, restore and protect the body by normalizing physiologic function and enhancing the body’s resiliency to stress! 

Today’s post continues this month’s focus on meaningful stress management to celebrate Stress Awareness Month! Stress plays such a pivotal role in our health, happiness and lives, impacting our bodies, minds and spirits in many ways. Helping my clients and patients develop meaningful stress management strategies to avoid overwhelm is a key component of my Simple Pure Whole Wellness Solution and the premise of the wellness exercises and habits I teach in The Whole Cure. I invite you to join me this month for this special blog series and in my coaching programs to explore the impact of stress, incorporate powerful stress management strategies into your life and find a calmer more satisfying life and better health!

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My most popular program, The All Natural Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Recharge Experience guides you in choosing whole, real foods to support your optimal digestion, manage stress, enhance energy and gain overall health! It is a fantastic way to reset your metabolism and experience what it is feels like to purify your body and cleanse your entire system of stored up toxins that have been weighing you down for years. Join us for the next 28-day group online experience! Enroll now!!

Superfoods are all the rage for their health-promoting benefits and nutrient-density, and there superpowered cousins superherbs also pack a nutritional punch! These plants help the body adapt to stress and handle it in a more balanced way so that we don’t become as run down and exhausted. 

There is no shortage of advertised quick fixes for the depletion, exhaustion and overwhelm which is rampant in our lives: energy drinks, huge coffees, sugar-packed snacks and supercharged chocolates. We are in the midst of a human energy crisis! 

The problem with these caffeine and sugar-packed solutions is that they actually put more stress on the body and make the problem worse. They set off a swing of ups and downs in our blood sugar and energy and stress our body and hormones. 

The body handles stress in different ways and adaptogens help us adapt to various demands. Chronic stress elevates levels of cortisol and other stress hormones  in the body. Overtime, this can impact many systems, from the thyroid and adrenal glands to the heart and brain. Cortisol can also contribute to hormone dysregulation that leads to weight gain and bone loss, diabetes and digestive woes. 

In order to build your energy, strength and vitality and prevent premature aging and dysfunction it is important to keep cortisol levels balanced. Adaptogens are healing plants which help balance, restore and protect the body by normalizing physiologic function and enhancing the body’s resiliency to stress. 

Adaptogenic ingredients like moringa, Ashwagnadha, Holy Basil, astragalus, licorice, schisandra, American and Siberian Ginseng, reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms and maca help the body cope with stress through a variety of mechanisms. They are thought to support the adrenal glands and improve recovery, sleep and mood. These herbs allow the body to more effectively cope with the demands of everyday life. 

NOTE: These are powerful plants which can impact the body in a variety of ways. Adaptogens have not been adequately studied for safety in pregnancy nor in conjunction with other medications that impact the immune system. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Please be sure to check with your doctor before adding any new foods or herbs to your routine. This information is for not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should not be considered medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Ginseng

There are 11 species of ginseng, all belonging to the genus Panax of the Araliaceae family. Ginsenosides in ginseng are tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins which have been shown to have a variety of adaptive impacts on the body and brain. 

This potent adaptogen has been studied for its ability to enhance mental performance and support the body’s ability to physiologically handle stress. It has been used by various healing traditions for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for concentration, thinking and memory support. For example, the Native Americans turned to Ginseng for as a stimulant and headache remedy while recent studies shown that ginseng can improve mood and mental arithmetic. Ginseng stimulates brain cells and improves concentration and cognition, making it a valuable natural therapy for dementia and ADHD. 

Ashwaganda (Indian Ginseng)

Ashwaganda is a popular adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to regulate the immune system and ease anxiety. It is known as the “strength of the stallion” and a soothing herb for its ability to strengthen and support the immune system, especially when recovering from illness. 

The ability of Ashwaganda to improve thyroid function has been well studied. Research suggests that this adaptogen can balance thyroid and adrenal hormones to help both under- and over-active thyroid function as well as insulin and blood sugar issues. Like many adaptogens, this can help bring the body back into balance.  

Those who are pregnant or sensitive to nightshades should avoid ashwaganda. 

Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)

This root is a potent adaptogen which helps the body resist stress-related mental and physical fatigue. One mechanism by which it may do so is by increasing the amount of oxygen available for prolonged physical exertion as well as speeding recovery from strenuous training. 

Rhodiola contains a potent phytochemical, salisdroside, which helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Research suggests that rhodiola can help normalize eating and sleeping rhythms after major stressors and protect the heart, liver and brain from oxidative damage. 

Since rhodiola has a powerful impact on the mood and spirit and can help improve mental and physical stamina, it is best avoided by those with bipolar depression and manic behavior. 

Holy Basil (Sweet Thai Basil or Ocimum sanctum)

One of my personal favorite adaptogens is tulsi, or Holy Basil. This vitalizing herb has a rich history and is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine for its stress-reducing properties. Recent studies have shown that this herb is also valuable for reducing acne, correcting hypothyroidism and balancing blood sugar. 

I personally appreciate the power of holy basil to prevent mast cell degranulation and act as a natural anti-histamine. Holy Basil’s anti-histamine activity comes from its ability to impact the H2-receptor, similar to medications like Zantac/Ranitidine, as well as reducing mast cell degradation. This suggests that it may benefit those with asthma, mast cell issues and allergies. 

Would you consider utilizing adaptogens to balance stress and inflammation?

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You can also get started with these resources for meaningful stress management:

• FREE Stress Management Guide with a preview of The Whole Cure and several wellness exercises to get you started building your toolkit of habits for a more balanced life!
• My most popular program, The All Natural Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Recharge Experience guides you in choosing whole, real foods to support your optimal digestion, manage stress, enhance energy and gain overall health! It is a fantastic way to reset your metabolism and experience what it is feels like to purify your body and cleanse your entire system of stored up toxins that have been weighing you down for years. Join us for the next 28-day group online experience! Enroll now!!
• The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation Mindset Module one of my most popular online group coaching programs for lasting transformation and meaningful stress management that can shift your entire life! Commit to yourself now!
• My books, The Simple Pure Whole Wellness Solution and The Whole Cure  guide you in exploring foundational habits for a centered, meaningful life where stress does not take over.
• Breathe: Guided Relaxation & Breathing Exercises to Help You Find Your Whole Cure is now available!  This special resource will support you in bringing The Whole Cure to life! The individually-available breathing exercises and guided relaxation experiences (starting at $0.99!) can be used anywhere, at any time of day. Try using them when you feel panic, stress, anxiety or just want a few moments of calm in your day. They are also helpful for coping with pain and helping the body prepare for rest and relaxation.
• 3-Month Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Wellness Solution Essential Lifestyle Coaching Program! Get personalized one-on-one attention and transformational coaching to address your physical and emotional body, lifestyle and habits with customized virtual transformational wellness coaching!