Stress has become a permanent resident in our lives. Between work deadlines, social events, and simply keeping up with life in general, finding a balance is practically impossible. Yoga and meditation are great tools to utilise, but sometimes our bodies need a little extra assistance from the inside out. This is where adaptogens come in to save the day. This powerhouse herb and mushroom duo is making a huge appearance in the Australian wellness scene, and for a good reason: they might be the answer to making life a little easier.
Understanding Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a special category of non-toxic plants that have been marketed as a way of enabling the body to fight off any and all stresses, whether physical, chemical, and biological in nature. For centuries, the herbs and roots that fall into the category of adaptogens have been a normal part of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, but now they are experiencing a huge popularity in the Western health and fitness communities.
For a plant to be defined as an adaptogen, it has to fulfil three specific requirements: first, the plant has to be non-toxic to a normal dose. Secondly, it should be able to provide the body with the means to resist any and all stresses. Finally, the plant should be able to assist the body in regaining its natural balance, its “homeostasis.”
The Science of Stress Response
Each time you are confronted with a stressful experience, your body responds in a particular way, known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) response. This response has three phases: the alarm phase, the resistance phase, and the exhaustion phase.
Adaptogens assist in the resistance phase to make you last longer and thus resist giving in to the need to collapse into an exhausted state. The adaptogens affect the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, the entire system that manages how the body responds to a stressed state and how the body processes functions such as digestion and the immune system.
Most Common Adaptogens and their Special Advantages
Adaptogens don’t all work the same way. There are those which are energising and those that are relaxing. Ashwagandha is perhaps the most well-known adaptogen and has been prized for its effectiveness in alleviating anxious states and enhancing quality sleep. For those needing an energy boost but in a way that is more sustained and less jittery than caffeine, Rhodiola Rosea is always an excellent choice against fatigue and to enhance cognitive function.
For immune system boosters, the popular choice is the Reishi mushrooms because of their reputation as the “mushroom of immortality.” Another favorite is Holy Basil, also referred to as Tulsi, to banish “brain fog.”
Integrating Adaptogens into Your Life
The best thing is that adding these potent plants to your diet has never been easier. While you can certainly take them in supplement form, an increasing number of Australians are discovering the value of alternatives in powder form. For instance, you can simply add certified mushroom powders in Australia to your daily coffee routine, to smoothies, and even to soups and drinks.
The important thing to remember is to maintain a routine, since taking adaptogens will make a difference in the long run. Why not swap the second coffee of the day with a drink made from cacao and Reishi, and why not add Cordyceps to the workout drink?
Taking a Well-Rounded View of Wellness
Adaptogens are no magic bullet, but they are an important tool in your health arsenal. When combined with a balanced diet, a full night’s sleep, and regular physical activity, adaptogens can be a powerful way to increase resilience to the challenges that life presents. By working with the body to enhance its natural resilience to stress, you will be able to face the challenges of each day with energy and focus.
