As winter is approaching, it is time for romantic, cozy, warming atmosphere. I see the world is in chaos at the moment, but if we go inward, we might find the peace and harmony there. Moreover, adaptogens can help us adapt to life’s doozies.
What is adaptogen?
Nowadays health supplements are gaining a lot of attention as we seek natural remedies to promote overall well-being. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, but they are having a renaissance today. These are non-toxic herbs, roots, and fungi that work to increase the body’s ability to resist stressors and restore the body to its normal physiological function. Some also boost immunity and overall well-being. Research shows adaptogens can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety.
How adaptogens work?
Adaptogens help the body respond to stress by regulating hormone responses. When we face a stressor, whether physical or mental, our bodies go through what’s called general adaptation syndrome (GAS). GAS is a three-stage response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Adaptogens help us stay in the resistance phase longer, via a stimulating effect that holds off the exhaustion. Instead of crashing in the midst of a stressful moment, task, or event, we attain equilibrium and can soldier on.
Adaptogens are like mini stress vaccine. They do for our adrenal glands what exercise does for the muscles. When we exercise, it’s a stress on our body. But as we continue to train and exercise, our body becomes better at dealing with the stress of it, so we no longer get as tired. When we take adaptogens, meanwhile, we are training our body to handle the effects of stress.
What are the best adaptogens?
There are various adaptogens. Each have a slightly different function. Here are Namu favourite adaptogens that we use in our food at the cafe.
1. Ashwagandha – reduces stress and anxiety
2. Licorice root – reduces stress, boosts endurance and overall energy
3. Maca root – boosts mood and energy levels
4. Reishi mushroom – boosts immunity, helps the body create a healthy sleep pattern and adapt to stress
5. Turmeric – boosts brain function, reduces depression and inflammation, helps the body balance stress hormones
6. Goji berry – boosts energy, physical and mental performance, calmness, and sense of well-being, can also improve sleep.
How to take adaptogens?
You can take adaptogens as herbal supplements in capsule form. Although, you also can be creative and add them to your food, like we do at Namu. For example, our energy balls have one of adaptogens, mostly ashwagandha or maca, turmeric is used in salads, waffles and dinks, goji berries – on chia pudding and sweet waffle.
You can use adaptogens for a few days or weeks to get through a challenging period or for dealing with the chronic chaos in life. It is recommended to rotate the adaptogens in six weeks.
And finally check below Adaptogen Ball recipe and do not forget while it is easier to take a pill than change your lifestyle, getting at the root cause of stress is healthier in the long run.
Adaptogen Balls
1 cup toasted nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, cashew, peanut or walnuts)
1 cup dates (pitted and soaked)
2 table spoon of cacao (preferably raw cacao)
1 table spoon adaptogen (e.g. ashwagandha)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tea spoon of cinnamon
1/4 tea spoon of Himalayan salt
Process everything in food processor until you get sticky dough. Shape desirable size balls and put them in the fridge for an hour.
Love and Gratitude
Ana