Benefits of adaptogens

Do you know someone who’s burning the candle from both ends?

Are you finding yourself in an extremely demanding and competitive work environment?

Do you have young kids that keep you up at night before you head to work?

As we grow up and mature, the boundless energy we used to have is not there anymore. From the perspective of Chinese medicine we are born with certain amount energy, that we typically recover good food and rest, specifically sleep. This is our typical ‘checking account’ of energy. When you stop eating well or sacrifice on your sleep and forget to replenish that account, you begin to dip into your energy ‘savings.’

After graduating from pharmacy school, I felt tired from studying, tired from not eating well, tired from not caring enough about my body and putting my academic pursuits ahead of my health.

Since that time, I’ve heard different versions of this story many times from my students and colleagues.

Look around and ask yourself how many people can actually function well without their first cup of coffee or some other type of stimulant. We are not typically taught to pay attention to the energy levels or look for ways to maintain it. But it is wise to know where that energy is coming from.

Our endocrine system has a lot to do with energy production.

A specific pair of glands living above your kidneys and called adrenal glands have a very key role to play.  You might’ve heard people talk about adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion or burnout, these are the same adrenal glands we’ll look into further.

They release two sets of powerful hormones.

The middle of the gland (medula) releases catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine – you might remember them as adrenaline and noradrenaline). These are your ‘fight or flight’ triggers. When you are running away from a tiger, this is what’s helping you to move faster.  Catecholamines are super stimulants necessary for your life (have to get away from that tiger after all). 

The outer part of the glang (cortex) releases glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone and other), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) and sex hormones. These are much less essential for living, but are so incredibly important for good health.

The release of different adrenal hormones is a delicate dance.

It helps to regulate metabolism, immune system, inflammation, blood pressure, stress and so much more. When we’re chronically stressed (and not eating or sleeping well) we push our body to release more of the adrenal hormones to keep us functioning. So the state of adrenal stress comes from this type of overuse. Overtime adrenals stop working properly. 

Tiredness, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, salt and sugar cravings, unexplained weight fluctuations, low blood pressure, dizziness, skin discoloration are some of the typical symptoms that appear as a result.

Today’s lifestyle is unfortunately not very conducive to relaxation and recharging we often need.

We often think that after one part of our life is completed, the problem will disappear and the stress will go away.  I’ve learned that unless you take an active role in this process, things aren’t likely to change magically.

As I mentioned earlier, rest and good food are two major requirements to help with the stress in your life. Without those, you can’t correct the problem. However, herbal medicine presents us with additional solutions.

Once category of herbal medicines that has effect on our adrenals are adaptogens. Most of the time plants offer effects on the body that can be similar to conventional medications (for example, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, antimicrobial.) 

Adaptogens are truly unique.

There are no other drugs in our contemporary pharmacopeia that work the same way.

These herbs help the body to handle the stress of every-day living. The help to return body to homeostasis and balance usually after periods of prolonged stress. 

Sometimes adaptogens are also called tonics, antioxidants, amphoterics. But there is a clear difference between these.

1. Tonics

Tonics are a part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. These herbs are typically used to supplement deficiencies in the body, enhance energy and well-being.  Most can be used on a daily basis without adverse effects.

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are plants with a specific property – ability to reduce the effects of aging and cell damage. Many adaptogens have this property, but not all antioxidants are adaptogens.

3. Amphoterics

Amphoterics are a group of plants used to normalize the function of a specific organ or entire system.  These are considered to be “health food” for that organ.  Some adaptogens are amphoterics, but amphoterics don’t necessarily need to be adaptogens. 

Some examples include nervous system amphoterics like oats or cardiovascular system amphoterics like hawthorn.

Adaptogens are broad spectrum amphoterics (think food) with effects on multiple organs.

Some of these plants grow in the mountains and are difficult to harvest. Other ones take multiple years to mature and are expensive as a result.  There are several that are easy to cultivate.  These are my favorites.  Some can be used as teas or part of a tincture, others as powders that can be mixed into your herbal truffles or chocolate or even hummus.

There are 8 classic adaptogens known today – Asian ginseng, American ginseng, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Cordyceps, Rhodiola, Shilajit.

I have written separately about some classic adaptogens Ashwagandha and Rhodiola and other adaptogenic plants like Tulsi (known as Holy basil) and Maca.

If you’d like to read a great book on this topic, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief written by David Winston is a favorite of mine. Or listen to my conversation with David and discover his most recent update on the topic. 

If you are brave and want to try incorporating adaptogens into your life, check out one of my favorite ways to taking adaptogens – give this recipe of herbal truffles a try.  I love this simple and nutritious snack containing healing plants. 

To summarize, there are several key points you want to remember about adaptogens:

Adaptogens are truly unique: There are no other drugs in our contemporary pharmacopeia that work the same way.

Have you ever tried adaptogens? What benefits of adaptogens do you appreciate the most? What else would you like to know about this group of plants?

Image courtesy of Pixabay/Geralt/Katetsib0