All That Glitters Isn’t Gold? Or Is It If It’s Called An Adaptogen?
What is an adaptogen?
Defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body’s ability to resist the damaging effects on stress and promote or restore normal psychological functioning.” You probably have heard about these adaptogenic herbs but never knew what they can do for your body. I will list a few of the most common ones and why they are beneficial because everyone wants to use them whether in tonics, elixirs, vitamins, supplements, and food.
The allure they have in beauty and wellness is a big one, but so many people don’t know what they do for their body. If we aren’t aware of what these are doing for us, then why do we still want to use them? Just like a supplement we have to go into it knowing that not everything will work for our body. If you haven’t heard of adaptogens maybe you heard of these “superfood lattes” and gummy bears that have adaptogenic properties. What part of these products are nutritious and for the cost are you getting the adequate amounts that are good for you? Are these supplements being sold coming from the purest form or is it processed packaged and completely commercialized losing all its potent benefits before it even gets to you?
Here are a list of adaptogens that will help guide you through more understanding of what it is you are putting in your body. Next time you buy that Chaga latte you will know what adaptogenic properties are in that cup and if it is adding to your overall health. Educating yourself is the best way to know if something works for you. Adaptogens come in powders, tinctures, capsules and all serve a purpose.
Maca: Tastes like caramel used in smoothies and can help libido and mood.
Schizandra: Small bitter tasting berry has an umami flavor, used in tonics/elixirs. Helps to stay focused and for memory health.
Holy Basil: Comes in capsule form and is used for mental clarity and relaxation.
Reishi: Mushroom powder or root, helps the body adapt to stress.
Chaga: Mushroom powder form or chunks, used in coffee, coffee substitute, elixirs, and smoothies. Helps with high amounts of stress.
Ginseng: Comes in jelly, capsule, and root form. Helps mental state does contain high amounts of caffeine.
Astragalus: Herb that comes in capsule, powder, and dropper form. Used in teas/ beverages good for immune health.
Ashwagandha: Medicinal Herb that comes in supplement, powder, and dropper form. Help stress in the body, mental clarity, and overall health.
Aloe Vera: Plant that comes in a beverage and fresh cut plant form. Can use directly on the skin for a sunburn, drink to settle your stomach or having stomach issues.
Tulsi: Herb comes in tea form. Helps with stress.
Turmeric: Spice that comes in capsule and powder form. Used in drinks, food, and beauty products. Helps fight inflammation.
Mugwort: Comes in supplement form. Used in tonics. Helps energy and mood.
Cordyceps: Comes in powder form. Used in elixirs and tonics. Good for energy.
Pearl: Comes in powder form and capsules. Used in elixirs and tonics. Good for skin and nails.
Collagen: Comes in powder form. Used in coffee, beauty supplements, and drinks. Helps skin elasticity.
There are plenty more adaptogens but here are the most known ones that we see in the market. Adaptogens are very good for your body and can help you achieve overall wellness. Especially with medicinal mushrooms which are so vital in everyday life but knowing when to use them and what effects they have on your body is also very crucial.
Below I linked a few brands that make amazing adaptogenic products that are good for daily use.
Moon Juice | moonjuice.com
Kin | kineuphorics.com
Sun Potion | sunpotion.com
Four Sigmatic | us.foursigmatic.com