All About Adaptogens

All About Adaptogens

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are plant-derived compounds that help the body adapt to stress. They bring the body back into balance (homeostasis) and restore normal physiological functioning that has been altered by stress.

Adaptogenic Criteria

All Adaptogens must meet three criteria to qualify as a true Adaptogen.

— They must be non-toxic.

This means they have minimal side effects and no toxic dose. Taking too much does not lead to negative consequences. Once you take up to a certain amount, the benefits will plateau, as your body cannot utilize more than a given amount.

— They must be nonspecific.

Unlike most other medicines, adaptogens do not have a specific action on the body. Instead, they build adaptive energy in the body through a multitude of systems. In doing so, they help the body balance itself and support a broad range of natural functionalities.

— They must have a normalizing effect.

Adaptogens often contain compounds with opposing effects. These are compounds that work synergistically in adaptogens that, if isolated, act quite differently. This means that there is a bidirectional effect on physiological function. The same adaptogen can be energizing or relaxing, and the compound needed to bring the body back into a state of balance will have a “louder” effect than others. Think of them as calibrators, adapting to each body’s unique needs.

Health Benefits of Adaptogens

Adaptogens can assist with a large variety of ailments and have a vast number of benefits.

— Anti-stress qualities

— Anti-inflammatory

— Enhances the immune system

— Fights diseases

— Regulates the endocrine system

— Balances hormones

— Calms the nervous system

— Provides nutrition

— Elevates energy (without overstimulating the system)

— Promotes homeostasis

— Boosts cognitive function

— Increases stamina and endurance

— Improves gut health

— Supports the cardiovascular system

— Lowers cholesterol

— Counters the effects of ageing

— Balances mood

— Eases symptoms of depression and anxiety

— Reduces fatigue

— Improves focus

— Increases metabolism

— Supports liver function

— Boosts libido

— Aids in detoxification

— Repairs organs

— Promotes overall well-being

Key Compounds in Adaptogens

— Saponins. Saponins have incredible health benefits. They help eliminate toxins and prevent them from getting reabsorbed by your body. Additionally, they support immune health through their antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and insecticidal properties. They also help reduce cholesterol levels, scavenge oxidative stress, inhibit tumor growth, improve lipid metabolism and help prevent and treat obesity.

— Polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are long sugar chains, most famous for their immune system support. They are antibacterial and antiviral, and can stimulate or suppress immune activity as needed. They are also extremely beneficial to gut health as they act as prebiotics (food for the bacteria in the gut). They can increase the number of diverse healthy bacteria in the gut, which can also improve the immune system and whole-body health.

— Triterpenes. Triterpenes are a specific type of terpene. Plants and mushrooms use terpenes as part of their defense systems. Triterpenes have been studied for their numerous biological activities including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and anti-viral properties.

— Antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize, prevent, and repair the damage done by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can damage cells, cause illness and accelerate ageing.

— Phenols. Phenols are a powerful group of plant metabolites that have shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-aging and even anticancer activity. Each subgroup of phenols plays an incredibly important role in protecting the body against stress, toxins, and chronic inflammation.

Adaptogens also contain other famous compounds such as vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, and healthy lipids, but they are more specific to individual species.

Adaptogens are Magical, but Not a Cure-All

A lot of people think adaptogens are a panacea, when in fact, they are not a replacement for the foundations of good health, including sleep, exercise, a healthy diet and a robust social circle. No herb, mushroom, or supplement is a cure-all. Don’t expect major changes to happen overnight, and as with any wellness or health regimen, you still have to put in the work. If you’re taking adaptogens for stress but making no effort to manage other stressors in your life, you can’t expect your stress to simply disappear. Adaptogens can assist you and your body in dealing with stressors, but you still need to do your part to deal with the root cause of your issue.

The Whole is Better than its Isolated Parts

Rather than being composed of isolated compounds, adaptogens contain multiple compounds working in concert to create an effect in your body. When science tries to isolate a compound, the results may fall short because it may not be any isolated compound that results in the benefit but rather the combination of how they work together. Adaptogens, when used properly, can have profound benefits in raising baseline health and vitality.

Effectiveness

It can be hard to believe that something as naturally occurring as plants, herbs, roots, and fungi can aid in treating health problems. Yet, the literature shows otherwise. Many studies have shown convincing evidence of the efficacy of adaptogens. More anecdotally, adaptogens have assisted in curing millions from stress, fatigue and even life-ending diseases. Although more research is definitely needed, proponents believe adaptogens are very effective for a wide variety of ailments.

Safety

Although adaptogens are considered very safe, they can still pose risks. Since they affect a range of systems in the body, it is always a good idea to consult with a medical professional before adding adaptogens to your life, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dose

The proper dose of adaptogens will vary wildly depending on the adaptogen species and what you are trying to achieve. An effective dose can range from upwards of 0.5 grams. If you are trying to treat a specific condition, a higher dose is typically required for maximum effectiveness.

Adaptogen Form

Adaptogens can be taken in a variety of forms. As long as they’re from a high-quality source, there’s no one option that’s better than the next.

— Powder. Extract powders are one of the purest, most versatile, and most effective ways to take adaptogens. These powders are easy to add into recipes and also make it easy for you to titrate your dose, and mix whatever combination of adaptogens suits you best.

— Tinctures. Tinctures are a liquid adaptogen extract that is made through alcohol extraction or dual extraction. Tinctures are easy to use and easy to control the dose.

— Capsules. Capsules are convenient, require no extra preparation, and are easy to travel with. The highest quality capsules will contain nothing but pure adaptogen extract powder and a natural capsule shell, free from fillers.

— Dry adaptogens. Many adaptogens can be purchased dried. The best way to use dried adaptogens is to prepare a hot water extraction by making tea.

— Whole fresh adaptogens. Some adaptogens have both culinary and medicinal value and can be added to many dishes!

Choosing the Right Adaptogen

Each adaptogen has a slightly different function, so the best one for you depends on the specific ailment you’re experiencing. Adaptogens work best when an in-depth knowledge of their effects, energetics and the appropriate companion herbs are known. If you want to reap the full benefits of these magical plants, it is important to educate yourself so that you are using the right herbs and maximizing their benefits for your personal health. When people take the wrong herb, in an inadequate dose or a poorly designed formula, they can be ineffective. People then think that adaptogens don't work, but it is because they have not incorporated them appropriately into their life.

Criteria for Choosing Adaptogens

— Organic. It is important to buy organic adaptogens, as they can be extremely porous and easily absorb pesticides and other chemicals.

— Pure. No other ingredients are added to the formula. No fillers, binders, flow agents or other additives.

— Third-party tested. Adaptogens are third-party tested for bio‑identity, heavy metals, mycotoxins, microbiological issues, irradiation and pesticides.

— Bioavailability. Actives are bioavailable (ensures absorption) and bioactive (easily assimilated).

— Potently dosed. Adaptogens are appropriately dosed with an effective dose.

— Sustainably sourced. Ingredients are 100% traceable, unadulterated and ethical.

Adaptogen Glossary

CHAGA

Immunity, longevity and beauty

ELEUTHERO

Immunity, endurance and brain health

TURKEY TAIL

Immunity, gut health and longevity

Turmeric

Beauty, immunity and longevity

GOJI

Beauty, immunity and libido

SHISANDRA

Beauty, endurance and stress

ACEROLA

Beauty, immunity and longevity

GINSENG

Energy, libido and brain

CORDYCEPS

Energy, endurance and libido

MACA

Energy, libido and stress

LION’S MANE

Brain, longevity and immunity

MUCUNA

Brain, libido and stress

GOTU KOLA

Brain, stress and longevity

RHODIOLA

Brain, endurance and stress

ASHWAGANDHA

Stress, longevity and brain

REISHI

Stress, longevity and immunity

TULSI

Stress, longevity and mood

CACAO

Longevity, immunity and brain

GYNOSTEMMA

Longevity, endurance and stress

MORINGA

Longevity, mood and beauty

ASTRALAGUS

Longevity, immunity and recovery

SHILAJIT

Sex, energy and power

SHATAVARI

Sex, beauty and power

LICORICE

Dream, relax and digest

CISTANCHE

Brain, immunity, ageing, skin, circulation and sex

GUDUCHI

Detoxification, rejuvenation, cognition and immunity

CYNOMORIUM

Detoxification, ageing, sex, immunity and energy

RHAPONTICUM

Brain, endurance, energy, stress and sex

AMLA

Beauty, youth, stress, elimination, immunity, circulation and digestion

CODONOPSIS

Stress, digestion, inflammation and illness

BACOPA

Stress, cognition, mood and power

NETTLE LEAF

Pain, energy, stress, hormones and cleansing

Disclaimer. This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. Always consult your doctor about any medical condition.