In a previous article, we talked about the majestic category of herbs known as adaptogens. These herbs are better known for their ability to protect your from high stress levels!
In this one, we will take a look at 15 other benefits of adaptogens and how they can improve your health, give you vitality and energy!
Table of Contents
Adaptogens act as tonics
Their job is to tonify the system, give strength to the weak whether that is the physical (body), emotional (mind) or the spiritual part of our being.
Adaptogens modulate the immune system
They do this by bringing it up when it is down (enhance) or bringing it down when it is hyperactive (harmonize).
Adaptogens optimize functions of our bodily organs
They can either protect an organ from damage, optimize its function or create balance among interactions between different organs.
Adaptogens optimize the cellular intake from nutrition
This means that our food is actually used as optimized fuel for creating or detoxing body cells.
Adaptogens detox and drain when overflow occurs in the system
This can relate to one organ (example kidneys or liver), an entire system (example lymphatic, endocrine, neurological) or the entire body as a whole (example immune system).
Adaptogens optimize oxygen uptake
Oxygen is life for our body. Stress reduces the proper intake of oxygen and use it for our bodily purposes. By regulating oxygen intake, adaptogens help us with our response to stress.
Adaptogens can optimize our blood circulation
They help by getting more blood everywhere (especially the heart and the brain) and even accelerate muscle repair, clean the blood and/or remove toxins. In some cases, they even help the body to build more blood.
Adaptogens can regulate insulin production
This means they can increase insulin resistance, which is a must for optimal health (physical or hormonal). That can be especially beneficial for diabetes patients.
Adaptogens increase protein synthesis
This means that they can rejuvenate the body by aiding with tissue (muscle) or ligament tissue development, repair and protection. That can also support the nervous system by reconstructing neurons.
Adaptogens have anti-aging properties
They can also protect against free radicals and prevent aging due to their strong antioxidant powers.
Adaptogens affect multiple pathways and can help protect against cancer
This happens due to their inflammation modulator properties in the body. At times of high inflammation, they reduce production of inflammatory pathways such as nf-kb or cox-2 and build our body’s protection against inflammation.
Adaptogens can support and optimize metabolism
By doing so, they can support muscle gain and improve muscle to fat ratio by burning excess fat instead of storing it. And vice versa.
Adaptogens can protect our brain
By assisting in hormonal balance, they protect us from brain damage (as result of stress, free radicals or other external or internal factors) which can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life even at an advanced age.
Adaptogens can protect and even heal adrenal fatigue
They can also help with low energy levels, low sexual energy and performance as well as adrenal fatigue by regulating stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol) as well as adrenaline production.
Adaptogens can help with emotional problems such as anxiety and depression
Adaptogens are able to optimize hormonal production and establish hormonal balance. When this happens, serotonin and dopamine levels normalize which can lead to better mood and thus lowers the effects of anxiety and depression in both healthy and people with such conditions.
As you can understand from this short list, proper use of adaptogens can heal, protect and lead to a healthy and long life.
So are adaptogens stimulants?
I cannot answer the question with a definite yes or a no. They can have stimulative properties but they do not work in the same way as caffeine does. You get all the benefits without the side effects associated with caffeine (addiction, headaches, dehydration, burn out etc).
This is because unlike normal stimulants which force the body to create a fight or flight response (by acting on the sympathetic nervous system), adaptogens work with the body in order to normalize functions within by acting on the HPA axis instead.
They tend to act as modulators and their effect also depends on the current state of the user’s system. If the user has an overworking immune system, they will bring it down in order to maintain homeostasis and balance. If the user’s immune system is under-working, then they will bring it up.
Closing Thoughts
Adaptogens are a powerful group of herbs that can help us fight off stress and adrenal fatigue, increase our energy levels, help improve our mood and even assist with sexual health and libido. Using adaptogens in the right way will allow us to live happier, longer and stronger lives. I will be uploading in-depth articles on my favorite adaptogens so that you can also learn how to use them for a better life.
Have you experienced any benefits by using adaptogens? Which ones did you use and what did you experience? Share it with the world by leaving a comment below!
I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did writing it. Putting together this article took a bit of time but it will only take you a second to click on the Share buttons below and show your support to this blog.
Also if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Until next time, live your life: strong, healthy and free!
by Nick Sigma
CWC, EH, E-YRT200
References:
- http://www.dragonherbs.com/herbalismphilosophy.asp
- http://www.donnieyance.com/the-many-benefits-of-herbal-adaptogens/
- Book: Adaptogens: Herbs for strength,stamina and stress relief by David Winston and Steve Maimes, Healing Arts Press
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