Life has been….interesting to say the very least with the pandemic, normal environmental stressors, travel advisories and restrictions, politics, digital work environments, online learning, unemployment, underemployment, furloughs, etc through the roof. That’s why your body and being need a little extra support and assistance staying level, healthy, resilient, and yourself in these trying times.
This is where we bring in adaptogens. What are these fine substances, you ask? Adaptogens are substances that help your body deal with stress and are often calorie free, making them the perfect addition to any lifestyle. They basically act as a protector to help you stop getting bombarded by irritants by acting to normalize your physiology to your healthy baseline.
Different adaptogens have different effects, but they are known to:
Decrease inflammation
Decrease pain
Decrease blood pressure
Increase circulation
Aid in digestion
Improve brain chemistry
Decrease cortisol levels
Improve immune function
Help hormone levels balance
Below are few you can give a try to help. It is always a good idea to look at the research yourself so you know exactly how these substances help you on a chemical level, consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or pharmacist before starting any supplements if you are on any medications or prone to allergies.
Tulsi or Holy Basil
Ashwaghandha
Reishi
Lions Mane
Red Raspberry Leaf
Lemon Balm/Melissa Oil
Turmeric + Black Pepper
Ginger
Astragalus
Gotu Kola
Dandelion
Need a great way to add some of these into your day? Check out this Adaptogenic Latte Recipe for a great treat that is great for you:
Ingredients:
1 tsp Ashwagandha powder
1 tbsp matcha
1 tsp honey
.5 tsp ginger (1 inch root sliced)
.5 tsp turmeric powder (1 inch root sliced)
cracked black pepper
Directions:
Simmer milk of choice or water.
Add in all powders.
Whisk together until smooth.
If you use fresh roots instead of powders, let everything simmer for at least 15-20 minutes on low.
Enjoy!
I’m a dash of this, dash of that type of person….so I always recommend you go light on the spices and add a little at a time until you find your happy combination of flavors! Have a favorite spiced or otherwise adaptogenic recipe to share with the community? Submit it here.
Needing some other ideas on how to include some of these? Explore our Detox Tea Recipe book for other easy ways to incorporate adaptogens into your day.