Adaptogen Powders 101
What Are Adaptogens?
Can an herbal powder really balance your hormones, improve your sex drive, and relieve stress? The answer is simply yes! Adaptogens have been used to improve health for more than 2.500 years in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in the East. The West is usually late to the party, but once we get there we jump in head first!
Adaptogens are becoming a huge part of the natural health movement. We are beginning to see them in everything from or lattes, to smoothies, and even that gluten free vegan muffin you have in the morning. The benefits of adaptogens are vast, but some of the best things they can do for us are improving our immune system, mental clarity, soothing our nervous system, elevate mood, boost energy and mood, and help with skin health.
The best way to describe how these amazing herbs work is that they act like a thermostat in our bodies. Depending on what your particular body needs, adaptogens can calm you down or boost your energy without overstimulating you. They begin to re-calibrate your body's imbalances slowly and in rhythm with our complicated and sometimes compromised systems.
If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, low libido, thyroid issues, anxiety disorders, mild depression, brain fog, or digestive issues then adaptogens are a wonderful way to get back on track in a very natural and gentle way. They aren't a magic cure, but when used as a supplement along with a healthy diet, exercise, meditation or breathing exercise, adaptogens will rock your world in ways you never really expected. It's as if this unique group of herbs was made for us!
Let's Talk About Stress Baby:
Stress is how you are responding to the world around you. It's not what is happening to you, it's not who you are dealing with; like it or not, you hold all the control with your thoughts and actions. In our increasingly fast paced world, it can be difficult for all of our precious parts to keep up with what's happening. This is where meditation along with other health modalities and adaptogens can really help you on your path.
When you have held on to stress, fear, anxiety, and anger long enough (and we all have at one time or another!), your body follows suit and reacts in a physical way. As annoying as this can be, our physical reaction to something is actual our saving grace. Too many times we ignore our gut feelings, our emotions, and our thoughts. Because of this, our body cries out and makes us pay attention by stopping us in our tracks. This is truly a gift. Don't get frustrated! Instead have complete gratitude and awe for your incredible mind/body connection that is in constant communication with you.
Your body isn't a broken down machine that's messed up. You are an ever changing organism that can literally heal itself, if given half a chance. Our bodies have an innate wisdom and it wants to thrive. Instead of focusing on the stress, pain, or annoyance you are feeling (physically or not), ask yourself "what is my body trying to tell me?" and "how do I want to feel?".
With this all said, adaptogen powders are not a "quick fix" or a "magic pill." What they are is a natural, gentle, and comforting aid to your journey back to health, balance, and happiness. These precious herbs can be just the support you need to feel like yourself again, or to feel better than you ever thought you could!
Remember, no quick fixes here, you want to work with these beauties for at least a month before you see or feel subtle results.
My favorite Adaptogen Herbs:
1.) Ashwaghanda-Helps immune system, vigor and strength, reduces the effect of stress,full of
antioxidants, and helps the endocrine system.
2.)He Shou Wu (sometimes called Fu- Ti)-Can help tonify the blood, improves hair and skin, great for the nervous system, and helps with sex drive!
3.)Astragalus-Wonderful for skin, aids in metabolism and digestion, and increases energy.
4.)Rhodiola-Gives you mental clarity, creativity and stamina, strengthens immune system, helps balance weight, and improves focus.
5.)Mucuna Pruriens-Soothes the nervous system, elevates mood, refines the senses, and enhances brain function. (This one is wonderful for aid in depression!)
6.)Reishi Mushroom-Helps with immunity, longevity, and stress. *Adding this to your coffee in the can help with the absorption of the caffeine and create a calmer energy rise, helping those jitters stay away!
Xx,
Beth
