11. Adaptogenic herbs and their amazing biological, chemical and physical support.

Adaptogens are a class of botanicals that help us to adapt to our external stressors. They increase our body’s resilience to the physical, chemical and biological stressors we come across daily and work with our body by moderating and modulating our steroid hormones. Too much of one hormone and the adaptogen will help to lower it, just as, if there is not enough of a hormone, the adaptogen will help to replenish it.

Adaptogens can be stimulatory or calming to our nervous system. Stimulatory adaptogens are often used for stress and fatigue, while calming adaptogens are often used for anxiety, stress and immunity.

It is possible to combine adaptogens depending on the individual need, however they should be cycled when used. (eg. use for 3 weeks and then cycle off for 2-3 day before resuming).

Mushrooms are also used as adaptogens and known as medicinal mushrooms. They have a high density of immuno-stimulating properties & over 1000 other bioactive compounds found in beta-glucans (a polysaccharide).

How do you know what adaptogen is right for you?

It is best to discuss this with a doctor or nutritionist by looking at your signs and symptoms. From here you can match your needs with the actions provided by the various adaptogens. If it is your first time trying an adaptogen, make sure to check the ingredients, look for organic and start slowly on the lowest dose. See how your body responds both physically and mentally over the course of a few weeks. You can alter your dose with help from your clinician and eventually may even decide to combine two adaptogens. Remember that cycling their use is important (about 3 weeks on and 2-3 days off).