The top 3 adaptogens you need in your life
Stay stress-free and ward off fatigue with ‘healing plants’
Text: Joel T
The concept of adaptogen and adaptogenic herbs was established in the scientific community in 1940s. Though a seemingly relatively new concept, the inclusion of adaptogens in your daily diet has been practiced for over a millennia by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
Adaptogens, also known as ‘healing plants’, are natural, non-pharmacological alternatives to combat stress-related diseases and degeneration. They’re believed to be brilliant for staving off fatigue, inflammation, hormonal imbalances and adrenal fatigue. They come in many forms from powders to supplements and are readily available in everything from stress-reducing mushroom mixes to cell enhancing Triphala.
Singapore-based nutritionist Amanda Lim shares that adaptogens work by normalising body functions and strengthening the body systems. In sciencey terms, they go directly to the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands to ‘biohack’ and divert the stress response in your body. Adaptogen’s healing properties also include lengthening the amount of time between the stress and the response. For example, the herb Schisandra is known to stabilise glucose after eating a high-sugar meal and provides a natural alternative to insulin.
Lim shares with The Soothe her top three favourite adaptogens to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle, diet and daily life. As with all treatments, it’s advisable to consult your physician and naturopath before starting on any kind of adaptogen treatments.
Maca Root
A plant native to Peru, maca root (sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng), is commonly available in powder form or as a supplement. This fortifying ground root can be mixed into your everyday coffee or blended into a smoothie. Studies have shown that consumption of maca root can enhance mood, and reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women. Maca root has also been said to improve energy, stamina, and even sex drive –– so time to stock up maca supplements for this upcoming holiday season.
Goji Berry
Widely available and easily incorporable into your daily meals (boiled with tea or cooked with soup), goji berries are tiny yet pack a health-punch. Containing essential amino acids and vitamins, goji berries can help strengthen your liver, kidneys, and lungs and prevent illnesses and infection by naturally enhancing your immunity. They can also help boost mood and aid sleep, so give them a whirl.
Holy Basil
No. Not the herb that goes into your pasta. Thought to originate in India, both culinary basil and holy basil are members of the mint family but the holy basil sets itself apart with its medicinal properties.
It’s found to have pharmacological properties that help the mind to handle different types of stress arising from physical, chemical, and infectious triggers. Research has also shown that consumption of holy basil significantly reduce levels of anxiety while lowering levels of stress and depression.
We’ll have a bucket-load please.
