Have you heard about the new super group of super foods?

If you haven’t heard about adaptogens yet, you could be missing out on something that could change your life…

Adapotgens are a unique group of herbs and plants that help to build up your physical and mental strength to deal with stress and other common ailments including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Anxiety

• Thyroid Conditions

• Common Colds

• Weight Loss Resistance

• Mild OCD

• Insomnia

Although they are only just becoming talked about adaptogens have been around for millions of years and have been scientifically researched for nearly a century!

All adaptogens are natural plants that are non toxic to humans and each have their own special health boosting benefits.

To be able to be classed as an adaptogen the natural compound needs to meet the following criteria:

• It is safe for consumption.

• It increases your resilience to stress.

• It supports overall health. It doesn’t just focus on one specific organ and helps the whole body to maintain balance.

Here are our favourite adaptogenic herbs and plants:

• Goji Berries

  

You’ve probably heard of Goji Berries before but do you know how amazing they are?

These Chinese adaptogens are full of antioxidants and anti inflammatory carotenoids and flavonoids which help to maintain all over body health.

If consumed regularly Goji berries can strengthen weak muscles, maintain blood, liver and kidney health and create better vision.

They were also traditionally used to help improve sexual performance…

• Ginseng

This has been used for thousands of years as a ‘pick me up’ herb and is regularly the subject of scientific and medical studies across the globe.

South Korea alone publishes at least 100 ginseng studies per year!

The botanical name for Ginseng is “Panax” which means “cure-all”, which is fitting considering the range of ailments it is shown to help with.

Ginseng is the most stimulating of the adaptogens meaning it works best for motivating and waking you up.

The most common uses are for improving stamina, increasing energy levels, helping depression, exhaustion and stress.

Ginseng is also great for boosting the immune system and concentration levels.

• Ashwagandha Root

  

This traditional stress reliving adaptogen is well known for helping to soothe and calm nervous systems. It is really good for providing relief from chronic mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.

It is also used to calm physical ailments and aid in managing inflammatory conditions, like arthritis.

Studies have shown Ashwagandha root to be beneficial in treating anaemic patients due to it’s high iron content.

And it can be used to increase male fertility…

• Holy Basil

  

Known in India as the “elixir of anti-aging” Holy Basil is an amazingly versatile adaptogen.

Holy Basil is a a mildly stimulating adaptogen full or antioxidants which also has antibacterial properties.

Human medical studies have shown that it can help depression, fatigue and speed up the recovery from coughs,colds and flu.

Recent research has also shown that it can boost the immune system, help the symptoms of asthma and allergies and increase endurance levels.

• Licorice Root

This has been used in Chinese medicine for 3000 years and it well known for having many health benefits.

Licorice Root is an antiviral, antioxidant and anti inflammatory herb. It can help relieve the symptoms of a wide ranges of both mental and psychical illnesses.

In particular it is a great stress reliving herb and can aid adrenal gland exhaustion which is often related to stress.

It is also good for promoting good health through the heart and spleen, and can help to purify the liver and blood.

However it is important to check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or any hormonal disturbances before taking any licorice products as there are licorice side effects.

If you think that adaptogens could help you to live a fuller and healthier life it is always worth trying an adaptogen rich diet.

You may find a cure for your stress or a relief for your sleep disorder without the need to consult expensive doctors or pollute your body with unnatural medicines.

Always remember to practice caution though.

As amazing as adaptogens are they are no substitute for medical attention should you have a serious illness or something that could threaten your life.

Let us know your ideas about adaptogens in the comments below…