FINDING BALANCE: USING ADAPTOGENS TO TACKLE STRESS
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an all too familiar companion for many of us. The demands of work, family, and daily life can often feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling depleted and drained.
But what if there was a natural solution to help us navigate the challenges of modern life with more ease and resilience? Say hello to our adaptogenic wonders - nature's secret weapon against stress and its harmful effects.
UNDERSTANDING STRESS…
Let's start by delving deeper into what stress is and how it affects our bodies and minds.
Stress is not just a mental or emotional state; it's a physiological reaction that occurs when our body's natural state of balance and wellbeing, known as homeostasis, is disrupted. Whether it's caused by physical factors like illness or injury, or psychological factors like work pressure or relationship issues, stress triggers a cascade of responses in our bodies.
Contrary to popular belief, stress isn't always a bad thing. In fact, our bodies were designed to experience stress as a survival mechanism. It's the trigger that pushes us out of our comfort zones, propelling us into action and enabling us to tackle challenges head-on.
However, when stress becomes intense, chronic, or repetitive, it can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, leading to a host of issues ranging from anxiety and depression to heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF STRESS
To understand how stress impacts our bodies, it's essential to delve into the complex interplay of nervous, endocrine, and immune mechanisms that make up the stress response. At the heart of this response are two key axes: the sympathetic-adreno-medullar (SAM) axis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
When our brain perceives a threat, the hypothalamus, a small but mighty region in the centre of our brain, springs into action. It triggers the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that cause a series of physiological changes aimed at preparing us to either fight or flee. This is known as the fight or flight response, characterised by increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness.
In addition to the immediate response orchestrated by the SAM axis, the HPA axis comes into play to provide sustained energy over a longer period. This involves the release of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," which helps regulate various bodily functions in response to stress. While these mechanisms are vital for survival in the short term, chronic activation of the stress response can lead to a range of health problems.
THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC STRESS
The repercussions of chronic stress are far-reaching, affecting every system in our bodies. From memory impairment and difficulty sleeping to weight gain and weakened immune function, the list of potential consequences is extensive.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to stress can contribute to the development of serious medical conditions, underscoring the importance of managing stress effectively.
THE ANTIDOTE TO STRESS: RESILIENCE & ADAPTOGENS
In the face of stress, resilience emerges as our greatest asset. Defined as the ability to withstand and recover from difficulties, resilience empowers us to adapt, rebalance, and emerge stronger in the face of adversity. And when it comes to building resilience, adaptogens emerge as powerful allies.
Adaptogens, a class of herbs renowned for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, have been used for millennia in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. These botanical wonders support normal physiological function, promote balance, and enhance the body's resistance to stressors of all kinds.
Unlike conventional drugs, adaptogens exert a non-specific response in the body, helping to normalise physiological processes and build a reserve of adaptive energy. They achieve this through a myriad of mechanisms, including regulating cortisol levels, neutralising free radicals, and supporting healthy neurotransmitter balance.
SO, HOW EXACTLY DO ADAPTOGENS WORK THEIR MAGIC?
By interacting with the body's stress response system, adaptogens help modulate cortisol levels and protect against the harmful effects of chronic stress. Moreover, their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
From improving cardiovascular health and enhancing physical endurance to regulating mood and promoting relaxation, adaptogens offer a holistic approach to stress management. And perhaps most importantly, they do so without the side effects associated with many conventional medications.
''In comparison with many single chemical drugs, they are non-addictive, don’t impair mental function and don't lead to psychotic symptoms with long term use'' (Panossian and Wikman, 2010)
IN CONCLUSION…
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, finding balance amidst the chaos becomes paramount. By incorporating adaptogens into our daily routine, we can fortify our bodies and minds against the negative effects of stress, cultivating resilience and reclaiming our sense of wellbeing.
At The Herbtender, our expertly-crafted supplements help with sleep, anxiety, energy, focus, physical performance, fatigue and immunity. They're a simple and natural way to adapt to the stresses of modern living, enabling you to live a healthier, calmer and more focused life.
You can browse our full range here.
OUR FAVOURITE ADAPTOGENS HERE AT THE HERBTENDER…
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is one of the few non-stimulating adaptogens. It improves the body’s resistance to stress and can help to maintain mental balance.
Our ashwagandha comes from pure ground root, with nothing added, as has been used by herbalists through the ages.
View The Herbtender products containing ashwagandha.
LION’S MANE
Lion’s mane is a beautiful mushroom that gets its name from its resemblance to the mane of a lion. It has been referred to as ‘Nature’s nutrient for the neurons’ owing to its capacity to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor, which is crucial to the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Our lion’s mane is an organic blend of biomass and extracts to ensure optimum levels of all active constituents including terpenes and polysaccharides.
View The Herbtender products containing Lion’s Mane.
REISHI
Reishi is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ because of its use in China to strengthen the heart, improve cognition and prolong life.
We use only the highest quality dual extracted organic reishi to ensure a perfect balance of polysaccharides and terpenes.
View The Herbtender products containing reishi.
CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom which was, before cultivation, so rare that it was reserved for use of the emperor of ancient China and his family alone. In more recent times herbalists use cordyceps to support immune, kidney and liver function as well as helping with fatigue.
Our cordyceps is cultivated and is a combination of biomass with hot water extract to ensure optimum efficacy.
View The Herbtender products containing cordyceps.
HOLY BASIL
Holy basil is an Ayurvedic Rasayana – a herb that promotes long life. It was believed to help maintain balance in the body and nourish perfect health. It has significant antioxidant properties and is used by herbalists to enhance mental clarity and promote calm. Our holy basil is organic.
View The Herbtender products containing holy basil.
STINGING NETTLE SEED
Nettle seed is not yet classified as an adaptogen, however, it is used as such by Western Medical Herbalists who would argue that its usefulness in cases of tiredness and burnout demonstrates that it does have adaptogenic properties.
Nettle seed helps support both kidney function and the body’s vitality, making it a valuable addition to our ingredients list.
View The Herbtender products containing stinging nettle seed.
LIQUORICE
Liquorice has a long history of use as both food and medicine. Dioscorides (c. 40 - 90 C.E.) mentions liquorice in his book De Materia Medica where he cites it as being useful for burning stomach and issues with the throat, liver and kidneys. Today herbalists use liquorice to maintain energy levels, support the immune system and as a demulcent to soothe the digestive and respiratory tracts.
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