What are they?
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing. You can take adaptogens by adding them to food or beverages or take them as tinctures. Adaptogens bring your body back to a steady balance by managing both physical and mental stressors.
The goal of taking adaptogens is to return your body back to a state of balance (homeostasis). The herbal action in adaptogens increases or decreases chemical reactions within your body. For example, if you’re stressed (elevated cortisol), an adaptogen will respond by reducing cortisol levels. If you experience chronic fatigue with low cortisol levels, an adaptogen will increase the level of cortisol in your body.Which ones should I take?
There are many to choose from and while experimenting might be exciting, it is also nice to consult an herbalist or a Chinese Medicine or Ayurvedic Practitioner trained in herbal medicine to help create the best blend for you. It is also important to consult your physician if you are taking any medication as there might be contraindications that are important to understand before experimenting.
How to source the best?
Organic or ethically wild-crafted herbs are best. It is important that they are fresh, or if they are dried or extracted that they are well-preserved (kept away from sunlight and oxygen) and that they are harvested at their peak.