By Kimber Badertscher, Assistant Grocery Manager, Co-op Owner
Chances are, you have heard the word adaptogen. You may be asking yourself, what is an adaptogen, and do I need them? Let’s take a look at what adaptogens are, where they come from, and what the benefits of taking them can be.
In basic terms, an adaptogen is (in herbal medicine) a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. Any kind of stress — physical, emotional, hormonal, and even things we eat and drink —affects the body’s systems. Experts believe that adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates your body’s stress response and plays a big role in keeping your body in balance. To be considered an adaptogen, an herb or plant substance must:
- Be nontoxic at normal doses
- Support the entire body’s ability to cope with stress
- Help the body return to a stable state
There are many herbs and mushrooms that qualify as adaptogens. Some common adaptogens and their uses include:
- Ashwagandha; shown to help reduce anxiety and depression.
- Ginseng; which refers to either American or Asian ginseng, and is used to combat fatigue.
- Reishi; a type of mushroom used to boost the immune system and fight cancer, studied for its effectiveness in treating cancerous tumors.
- Rhodiola; to reduce fatigue, depression and pain.
- Schisandra; for improved concentration, coordination, and endurance.
- Tulsi (holy basil); used to increase focus, decrease anxiety, and boost the immune system.
Adaptogens may sound like an exciting way to improve your stress response, but there are some things to consider before taking them. You may experience side effects such as allergic reactions, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Adaptogens may interact with other medications you are taking as well so be sure to talk to your primary care provider before taking them. It is also important to keep in mind that adaptogens are meant to be taken as a short-term supplement because your body may become resistant to them if you take them for an extended period of time. Stop in to GreenTree to shop our wide range of adaptogens.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. As always, if you are considering a new supplement, or if you are experiencing an ongoing health issue, you should consult your physician or pharmacist.