The Power of Adaptogenic Herbs for Resilience

Stress is a total jerk face.

Like we all learned in middle school health class, we need a certain amount of stress to keep us motivated, moving through life and doing the thing. But, severe or chronic stress turns us into an opossum. 

Quite literally, when the body is met with high levels of stress or stress that seemingly has no end, the nervous system goes into fight-or-flight - and can sometimes even get stuck there and just shut the body down.

I experienced this first-hand a few times in my life, the most recent being this past year, when, one day, my digestive system decided to peace out. Like, for days. It did nothing. I couldn't eat, I struggled to stay awake and even do simple tasks.  I could barely form a thought or remember a thing. I was not doing well managing the list of stressors in my life and how fast they were coming at me. 

I was navigating a brand new job, new home, new town, being a newly single mom without sufficient resources, a shift in my support network and a close family member with chronic and life-threatening health issues. I didn't have time to take a breath.

Because I wouldn't/couldn't slow down and prioritize my health, my body did it for me.

Enter, adaptogens. They were one of my saving graces - along with other support modalities -  to get my body back on track. 

Adaptogens are a class of herbs and mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What sets them apart is their unique ability to help our bodies adapt to various stressors, whether they are physical, emotional, or environmental. These stressors could be anything from a demanding work schedule to the challenges of this modern world.

Adaptogens work by interacting with our body's stress response system, which includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These herbs and mushrooms help regulate cortisol levels, a hormone produced in response to stress, and modulate our body's overall stress response. They don't eliminate stress but rather enable the body to handle it more efficiently, rather than like an opossum.

Ashwagandha: This herb is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. It's known for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and support cognitive function.

Rhodiola Rosea: Hailing from the cold regions of Europe and Asia, Rhodiola is believed to enhance energy levels, focus, and physical endurance. It's often used by those looking to combat mental fatigue.

Reishi Mushroom: Reishi is considered the "queen of mushrooms." It's revered for its potential to boost the immune system, improve sleep, and promote relaxation.

Lion's Mane Mushroom: Known for its potential cognitive benefits, Lion's Mane is believed to support memory, focus, and overall brain health.

Holy Basil (Tulsi): In Ayurveda, Holy Basil is revered as an "elixir of life." It's used to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and support respiratory health. This is my favorite adaptogen - it resonates with my body like peas and carrots.

Schisandra Berry: Used in TCM, Schisandra is thought to enhance endurance, improve mental performance, and support liver health.

My trusted source for purchasing herbs, mushrooms and tinctures is Mountain Rose Herbs, but you can also usually find them at your local natural foods store.

Incorporating adaptogens into your routine isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about finding the herbs or mushrooms that resonate with your body and lifestyle. Here's how you can start:

Learn & Explore: Learn about and explore different adaptogens and their potential benefits. If you're on medication or have health concerns, be sure to check with your health care professional before using them. Try adaptogens one at a time as a tincture, infusion or a decoction.

Start Slowly: Incorporate one adaptogen at a time. Begin with a small amount and observe how your body responds. Try them in different forms, also - as a tincture, infusion or a decoction (if appropriate). Make notes of how each one 

Consistency Matters: Adaptogens often have cumulative effects. Consistent, long-term use may yield better results.

Integrate Mindfulness: Alongside adaptogens, practice mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, walking and yoga to level up the stress management.

Prioritize Self-Care: Adaptogens work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Ensure you're getting adequate sleep, a nourishing diet, and regular physical activity.

The world asks a lot of us. Hustle culture is alive and flourishing, on top of just regular life stuff. And we are given the mixed message of making time for self-care, while also expecting to go, go, go and do, do, do.

Let's all pinkie promise to slow TF down, prioritize ourselves and give hustle culture the finger. Adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms offer a gentle and natural way to support your journey towards balance, resilience, and overall well-being. Stress will always be there, but adaptogens are a great ally to help us face it with more strength and calm.