Adaptogenic Plants

So what is an adaptogenic plant you ask?

Well, an adaptogenic plant helps restore balance to, and protect the body.
Some are quite popular and you've probably heard of them before. Some are so common that they are in things like teas, and sold at bodegas! (For those who don't know, a bodega is a corner store in NYC) They might be roots, leaves, berries or bark.

I'll list a few that are fairly common, and a few you may or may not have heard of.

- American (There is Panax and Korean varieties!) Ginseng:
You may have seen Arizona Iced Tea with Ginseng. Or those weird tinctures sold at the counter of some bodegas in NYC. I used to wonder what the hell they were- and then I saw that the majority of people buying them were older, and male. They say that it's great for, uh- virility. I did some research and it's also used for immune boosting, and respiratory conditions. Helps with jet lag and helps boost energy. The other varietals are intense and tend to make some people who might be sensitive to it, jittery.

Cordyceps Mushrooms: Oh goodness me, these are some potent fungi. They're not only incredible for circulation, but they are known to be anti tumor  and anti leukemic, with benefits for the cardiovascular system.

Rhodiola: Women will often take rhodiola for infertility, both sexes can take it to relieve depression, anxiety, and weakness.

And the next few are ones I've personally used and benefited from.

Holy Basil, a.k.a. Tulsi:
WOW! So I love holy basil. I've taken liquid capsules of holy basil during some very trying times in my life. It is known to relieve stress and elevate ones spirit and mood. There is a pretty impressive list of other uses too- regulating blood sugar, balancing hormones, heart health, lung health and immune support just to name a few. And it works! It's in the same family as mint, and the sweet basil that one would cook with. Let me reiterate, I LOVE HOLY BASIL!

Tulsi is also WONDERFUL! Ha, if I were to say this to you, I'd be shouting about it joyfully. Because it's true. I often drink Tulsi (My favorite brand is Organic India) tea for the calm, but potent energy boost it gives.

Ashwaganda: Ashwaganda is a very popular herb used in Ayurveda. What is Ayurveda? Short version- It is a holistic approach to health and wellness, and the balancing of body composition determined by certain health issues and predispositions that started in India.
So I've used ashwaganda to help me balance my hormones. I think that it worked, however I will say that I was also in the process of altering my lifestyle greatly when I used it so I can't say for certain that it was the ashwaganda or not. What I can say is that it certainly didn't hurt the cause. Oh, so it can also be used for it's ability to help the used focus, relieve anxiety and stress, immune support, and ailments that occur normally with age like arthritis, inflammation and sexual issues.

Sea buck thorn: Personally I love sea buck thorn. My favorite brand is Sibu, not because I used to represent them, but because their products are not only AMAZING, but sustainably sourced, and ethically procured. They help create jobs in the regions where they harvest the berries. Really great! Plus they make a myriad of sea buck thorn products that help you nourish your body inside and out.
And here's why you'd want to use/take a sea buck thorn product. These berries are super high in vitamin c, so that will bolster you immune system, they are also high in carotene, saturated and poly saturated fats- all of which nourish your skin. Then the phytonutrients in them are VERY potent antioxidants and are known to reduce inflammation significantly.

So there you have it. A brief look into the world of adaptogens. It's nice to know that there are some natural alternatives to some ailments right in your local health food store!