Adaptogens became my go to when I was studying. The intense workload and pressure of going to uni, studying, writing assignments and preparing for exams along side trying to work to pay for food, rent and bills was often very overwhelming and so I took a leaf out of my herbal training and started experimenting with these wonderful natural remedies. I also use them on and off depending on how I'm feeling, if I'm feeling particulary stressed, overwhelmed or tired, I'll make sure that I turn to them for support! It's amazing how quick adaptogens work to really help calm your mind, support your adrenals and boost your energy. I use them all the time in my treatment protocol for clients with great results!
So what are Adaptogens? Adaptogens are a category of herbal medicines which specifically work on nourishing the adrenals and reducing or balancing stress hormones in the body. There are many types of adaptogens so finding one that is suited to your needs will help you get the most out of using them! I've tried all of them at different times but the ones that are usually quite specific to my needs are Schisandra, Withania and Siberian Ginseng. This is because I need hormonal support (Schisandra is great for this) plus when I'm run down I get the stress and fatigue symptoms (Withania is very nurturing and supporting) and (Siberian Ginseng is stimulating), whereas other peoples experience of stress can cause depression/anxiety symptoms and would be more suited to different adaptogens, it's different for everyone! The way they works is by supporting and nourishing the adrenals, whilst normalising function, whether you are experiencing adrenal overdrive or adrenal fatigue, helping you to adapt to your own unique biochemical needs!
Here are just some of the many common symptoms caused by adrenal imbalances:
- Brain fog, concentration problems
- Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue
- Difficulty falling asleep (Wired and Tired)
- Blood sugar problems
- Cravings for sugar and carbs - especially in the afternoon
- Frequent colds and infections
- High blood pressure/ high cholesterol
- Hormonal imbalances, PMS, fertility problems, menopause symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Weight gain
There are many types of Adaptogens, all which have specific areas that they target, some are great for anxiety and adrenal over drive, others have a liver component, some are great for physical debility and recovery, whereas others are good for memory, concentration and energy. Below you will find some of my favourites and how they each have their own way of helping us to adapt to stress.
RHODIOLA
- Increases physical endurance
- Improves Mood
- Improves Attention Span
- Improves Memory and Productivity
- Indicated for fatigue, physical stress, debility, poor cognition, failure to thrive, convalescence, chronic immune deficiency, CFS, post viral syndromes, depression.
- Improves Depression
- Relieves Anxiety
- Improves Physical and Mental Performance
- Relieves Fatigue
REHMANNIA
- Adrenal Tonic
- Preserves, protects and restore adrenal cortex
- Treats addisons disease
- Good for both adrenal overdrive and adrenal depletion
- Restores cortisol production if low
SCHISANDRA
- Treats irritability, palpitations, dream disturbed sleep, insomnia
- Calms and contains Heart Qi
- Enhances Liver Phase 1 & 2 Detoxification
- Heals Chronic Hepatitis and Liver Damage
- Fatigue, Physical Stress and Debility
- Improves Mental Performance
- Increases Endurance
- Improves Blood Platelet Count
- Reduces side effects of sedative and anti depressant drugs
- Imroproves recovery and immunity
- Beneficial for Chronic Sinusitis
- Benefifical for Stress and Depression
SIBERIAN GINSENG
- Improves Memory
- Enhances Concentration and Focus
- Improves Immunity
- Boosts Energy
- Associated with lowered cancer risk
- Reduces cholesterol
- Improves blood sugar levels
- Improves circulation to extremeties
WITHANIA
- Reduced Anxiey
- Increases Male Fertility
- Reduced Cholesterol
- Reduced Serum Cortisol
- Increased Mental Performance
- Reduced Inflammation
- Improves Agitation and Stress
- Improves Testosterone in Men as well as Semen Quality
- Reduction in Sugar Cravings
- Reduction in Weight
- Reduction in Stress
- Enhances Muscle Strength
Adaptogens really are amazing herbs with wonderful benefits! It's great to know that there are so many medicinal plants that can help support you in times where you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed and fatigued. I know that they have definitely helped many of my clients and have been a great source of support for myself over the years. If you would like some help in identifying which ones would be most appropriate for your symptoms please get in touch by emailing me at kate@littleyarrow.com