The Low Down on Adaptogens: Herbs for Resilience

You most likely have seen the word "adaptogen" on some type of herbal product or beverage in the past few years.  They are incredible herbs with an intelligence that helps our bodies adapt to stress.

The thing is, they are so amazing that many companies use this word to market products that don't actually have adaptogens in them.

In this informative episode I introduce listeners to adaptogens, a fascinating class of herbs celebrated for their ability to enhance the body’s resilience to stress.  And hopefully give some insight into what an adaptogen truly is so that you can be more savvy when buying products with these incredible herbs.

The conversation starts with the rich history of adaptogens, from their ancient roots in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to their discovery in the West during extensive USSR research. 

Key adaptogens such as ashwagandha, American ginseng, and Rhodiola are highlighted, alongside the criteria that make an herb an adaptogen: non-toxic, non-specific stress response, normalizing effect, and impact on the HPA axis and SAS (sympathoadrenal system). 

The episode also provides practical advice on choosing reliable adaptogenic products and emphasizes the importance of integrating herbs with a balanced lifestyle. Listeners are encouraged to explore adaptogens further and consider their potential benefits alongside lifestyle changes.


In this episode:

• Introduction to Adaptogens
• History and Discovery of Adaptogens
• Defining Adaptogens
• Popular Adaptogens and Their Benefits
• Using Adaptogens Wisely

Related Episodes:

Episode 55 - Nervous System Herb Allies
Episode 53 - The Window of Resilience


References: 

Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press.

(n.d.). The Definitive List of Adaptogens. Rasa. https://wearerasa.com/pages/what-are-adaptogens#definitive-list


Other Resources:

Learn More About 1:1 Nourished for Resilience Coaching here:  https://www.nourishednervoussystem.com/coaching

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

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