Adaptogens are natural herbs that help relieve stress by regulating important hormones.
They can help with the effects of long-term stress, strengthen the immune system and increase a general sense of well-being. When your body is over stressed and full of anxiety, it can completely throw you off balance, particularly affecting your digestive system and energy levels. Adaptogenic herbs include Chinese/Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng),
Astragalus,, Siberian ginseng, Withania , Eleuthero, Licorice and Ashwagandha
I often recommend Ashwaganda, (also called Indian Ginseng) to relieve stress and anxiety.
It’s more sedative than stimulating, unlike the other adaptogens. It aids the racing mind to relax and slow down. It also increases energy and overall health and longevity.
The full rand of benefits of using Ashwaganda include:
- Improves thyroid function
- Balances hormones
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Reduces adrenal fatigue
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Aids depression and anxiety symptoms
- Increases stamina
- Reduces brain cell degeneration
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Lowers cholesterol
- Boosts the immune system
And all of this is done naturally without the adverse reactions often associated with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications.
Using Ashwaganda along with a diet high in protein and fiber and removing grains and sugars can result in reducing your stress level, getting your hormones in balance, boosting energy, and improving your overall neurological health. The supplement can be taken in capsule form or a powdered blend in a smoothie.
There are other herbal medicines which work well with the adaptogenic herbs in treating stress, like Rehmannia, Licorice, Bacopa, Rosemary, Gotu kola and Schisandra. All of these should be supervised by your doctor if other prescription drugs are being used.
