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What are Adaptogens? Here's why people take them

What are Adaptogens? Here's why people take them

What are Adaptogens? Here's why people take them

 

Adaptogens are a class of herbs that can help the body adapt to stress and balance hormone levels. They're also used for many other purposes, including increasing energy, regulating blood sugar levels and improving mental focus. Many people take adaptogens as part of their daily health regimen, while others use them when they're not feeling well or want to prevent problems. They have been gaining a lot of popularity lately.

 

What are adaptogens?

 

Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress.

Adaptogens are plants or herbs that help the body adapt to stressors. That's why they're also sometimes called "adaptogenics." They can help the body return to balance after it has been stressed by a chronic illness, exercise, trauma and emotional stress.

How do they work? Adaptogens support two important systems in your body: the endocrine system and the nervous system. The endocrine system is made up of glands throughout your body that produce hormones that control bodily functions such as metabolism, growth and development. 

These glands include the adrenal glands (which sit on top of your kidneys), thyroid gland (in front of your neck), parathyroid glands (surrounding your thyroid) and pineal gland (at the center of your brain).

The nervous system involves nerves connecting cells within organs with each other as well as with muscle fibers throughout our bodies--especially in areas like our arms and legs where we have an abundance of nerve endings for controlling movement through muscle contraction/relaxation cycles!



Adaptogens may help increase resistance to emotional and physical stressors.

 

Adaptogens may help increase resistance to emotional and physical stressors.

Adaptogens may help increase resistance to emotional and physical stressors.

Adaptogens are plants or herbs that have been shown to promote homeostasis by increasing the body's resistance to various forms of stress.

This includes both mental and physical stress, such as anxiety and depression, as well as the negative effects of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Essential oils can also be used as adaptogens. They're chemical compounds found in nature that have a wide range of therapeutic properties when applied topically (on the skin). Essential oils may be able to treat muscle soreness, improve sleep quality and increase energy levels when applied directly onto specific points on the body known as "chakras."


Another adaptogen that may have positive effects on memory is lion's mane mushroom.

 

This particular looking mushroom is a type of fungus that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately because many people use it regularly to improve their memory, mood and focus throughout the day.

 

This particular looking mushroom is a type of fungus that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately because many people use it regularly to improve their memory, mood and focus throughout the day.

According to research, lion's mane may aid in lowering tension, which is advantageous for those who struggle with memory. Lion's mane can also enhance the quality of your sleep, which may help you wake up feeling rejuvenated, according to numerous research.

Common dosages that people use when taking Lion’s Mane mushroom is 500 to 2.000 mg per day.

 

Bacopa monnieri is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine.

 

Bacopa monnieri grows profusely in wetlands. The stems are square with flat side shoots that bear small white flowers, followed by clusters of green berries that ripen into brown capsules containing numerous tiny seeds (like peas). Bacopa is also known as brahmi, water hyssop and water thyme—but it's not thyme!

A perennial herb with Indian origins is called bacopa monnieri. It has numerous conventional uses and has been utilized in Ayurvedic treatment for more than 2,000 years. Because of its capacity to reduce tension and anxiety, its Sanskrit name translates as "that which leads the mind to forget" or "that which cleanses the mind."

Bacopa monnieri grows profusely in wetlands. The stems are square with flat side shoots that bear small white flowers, followed by clusters of green berries that ripen into brown capsules containing numerous tiny seeds (like peas). Bacopa is also known as brahmi, water hyssop and water thyme—but it's not thyme!

The active compounds in bacopa are called bacosides; they're responsible for most of the herb’s medicinal effects on brain function and emotional wellbeing.

Common dosages that people use when taking Bacopa  is 300 to 450 mg per day. 


Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species.

 

Ginkgo biloba is a tree that is native to China and it is one of the oldest living tree species that we know of, and has been cultivated there for over 2,500 years.

Ginkgo biloba is a tree that is native to China and it is one of the oldest living tree species that we know of, and has been cultivated there for over 2,500 years.

Ginkgo biloba has been used in traditional medicine in China and Japan as an herbal remedy for many health problems including memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and tinnitus (ringing in your ears). It has also shown promising results in clinical research studies related to brain function such as improving memory recall and learning ability.

Common dosages that people use when taking Ginkgo Biloba is 120 to 240 mg per day. 


Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng or Korean red ginseng, may have positive benefits on memory.

 

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng or Korean red ginseng, may have positive benefits on memory. In one study, rats who were given panax ginseng extract had improved spatial working memory and other cognitive abilities. Another study found that supplementation with panax ginseng improved performance on a maze test used to measure learning and memory in mice.

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng or Korean red ginseng, may have positive benefits on memory. In one study, rats who were given panax ginseng extract had improved spatial working memory and other cognitive abilities. Another study found that supplementation with panax ginseng improved performance on a maze test used to measure learning and memory in mice.

Panax ginseng has also been shown to help with depression, fatigue and stress — all conditions that could potentially harm your ability to remember things. In fact, some people take it just for its energy-boosting effects because they find caffeine doesn't give them the same boost over time.

In addition to helping you stay alert so you can focus more easily (and thus remember more), taking regular doses of this herb will increase your stamina so you're able to keep up with physical activities like exercise or sports without getting tired out too quickly!

As a general guideline, people usually take 200 to 400 mg per day. Remember to start low and work your way up so you can really understand the effect and risk having an undesired effect.

 

Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional European medicine to help with fatigue and promote longevity.

 

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root and rose root, is a popular adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body cope with stress in a balanced way. Adaptogens may also promote longevity and increase energy levels.

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root and rose root, is a popular adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body cope with stress in a balanced way. Adaptogens may also promote longevity and increase energy levels.

Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional European medicine to help with fatigue and promote longevity. Rhodiola has a long history of usage in Chinese medicine for a number of ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression (PTSD).

As a general guideline, people usually take 200 to 600 mg per day. Remember to start low and work your way up so you can really understand the effect and risk having an undesired effect.


Are they safe?

 

Generally speaking, adaptogens are thought to be safe, with a few notable exceptions. Some, however, could have an adverse effect on some people or interact with certain drugs. Before using any herbal supplement, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about it.

You should also be aware that some adaptogens can be toxic if taken in large doses.

 

Popular adaptogens

 

  • Rhodiola Rosea is a popular adaptogen because it helps with stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Ashwagandha is another well-known adaptogen that can help you sleep better and feel less stressed out.
  • Lion's Mane might improve your memory, or at least make you think you're getting smarter.
  • Bacopa Monnieri has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and memory booster; it may also boost the immune system by reducing oxidative stress on cells.
  • Panax Ginseng has been shown to improve alertness, reaction time, mental performance—even physical performance! And if that weren't enough: It's also believed to have anti-cancer properties (which are currently being researched).

Generally speaking, adaptogens are thought to be safe, with a few notable exceptions. Some, however, could have an adverse effect on some people or interact with certain drugs. Before using any herbal supplement, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about it.

Here you can see a table with the ingredients, their benefits and the recommended dosages for adults.



Ingredient

Benefits

Recommended Dosages

Rhodiola rosea

May reduce fatigue, improve physical and mental performance, and enhance cognition and mood

200-600 mg per day

Ashwagandha

May reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, and enhance fertility and sexual function

300-500 mg per day

Lion's mane mushroom

May improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system

500-2000 mg per day

Bacopa monnieri

May improve memory and cognitive function, reduce anxiety and stress, and protect against age-related cognitive decline

300-450 mg per day

Panax ginseng

May improve cognitive function, reduce stress and fatigue, and enhance physical performance

200-400 mg per day




Conclusion

You can support your health and wellbeing by using adaptogens. When you're feeling worn out or stressed out, they might also provide you with an energy boost. Despite the fact that there are numerous varieties of adaptogenic herbs, the majority of people who use them rely mostly on one or two varieties for their daily routine. 

Before purchasing any supplements, we advise doing some research to see which herbs would work best for your needs if you're interested in testing them out for yourself.

 

 

Comprehensive guides of nootropics and adaptogens:

1. A Comprehensive Guide of Nootropics for Stress Relief

2. The Ultimate Guide of Nootropics for Increasing your testosterone Levels

3. The Ultimate Guide to Nootropics for Better sleep

4. The Ultimate Guide to Nootropics for Enhanced Focus and Concentration

5. The Ultimate Guide to Nootropics for Enhanced Mood

6. A Comprehensive Guide to Dietary Supplements: Types, Benefits, and Risks

  

 

Sources


  • Rhodiola Rosea

(PDF) The effects of Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on depression, anxiety and mood – A Systematic Review (researchgate.net)

The effects of Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on depression, anxiety and mood – A Systematic Review (globalpsychiatry.co.uk)


  • Ashwagandha

An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda - PMC (nih.gov)

(PDF) Studies of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) (researchgate.net)

A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults - PMC (nih.gov)


  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder - PMC (nih.gov)


  • Bacopa Monnieri

Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial - PMC (nih.gov)


  • Ginseng

Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis - PMC (nih.gov)

Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant - PMC (nih.gov)

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