Aug 10, 2022

Nine Potent Adaptogens that Help You Overcome Stress

If you are dialed into the health community, you’ve likely heard of adaptogens and you may be wondering if adaptogens really work to help your body respond to stress. Learn why to take an adaptogen and which ones should you take. From Ashwagandha to mushrooms, know what is best for you.

What is an Adaptogen

There just might be some truth to the old saying that “Tea is cheaper than therapy.” In 1947, a Russian scientist named Dr. N.V. Lazarev first used the term “adaptogen” to describe substances found in nature that increase the body’s natural resistance by strengthening its ability to adapt to both physical and emotional stress. One of Lazarev’s students, Dr. Israel Brekhman amassed a team of over a thousand German and Russian physicians and biologists to continue the research experiments and clinical trials, eventually identifying a number of adaptogenic botanicals. Though you can’t solve all your problems with tea, they have found that there is real power in a number of herbs that can be brewed into the warm beverage.

Why You Should Take an Adaptogen

To qualify as an adaptogen, a substance must have several characteristics:

Entirely natural
Safe
Non-toxic
Innocent of any negative side effects
Produce a normalizing and stimulating effect
Improve the function of the body’s systems
Increase resistance to stress and disease
Diminish anxiety

As a general class, Adaptogens are found to have anti-inflammatory qualities, increase energy and endurance, significantly improve recovery after physical exertion, injury, or illness, reduce feelings of stress, improve mental alertness, and aid in effective rest. They function on the cellular level, thereby increasing the health and vitality of the entire body. It's a tall order qualifying for this class of nutritional.

As mentioned, all adaptogens enhance immunity, improve the body's ability to handle stress, and help bring the body into balance; however, each also possesses additional unique benefits. Here are a few of the more common botanical Adaptogens:

Ginseng (several types, including Suma)

For centuries it has been used to increase circulation, improve work performance, lower cholesterol levels, and enhance mental function and vigor.¹

Ashwagandha

One of the thyroid's best friends, it has the ability to calm down an over-active one, like in Grave's Disease, and stimulate an under-active one, such as experienced with Hashimoto's Disease. It has been used to treat adrenal fatigue, modulate hormone production and improve stamina. Ashwagandha is a go-to botanical for dealing with anxiety and depression and has been demonstrated to boost cognitive abilities, even showing promise in the case of Alzheimer's Disease.²Sunwarrior’s Be Well Ashwagandha is 100% organic and can provide you rest and relaxation while also offering rejuvenation and boosted brain function.

Astragalus

Increases basal metabolic rate, WBC and killer cell activity, and aids in recovery from illness.³

Licorice Root

Possesses analgesic, anti-spasmodic, and antibiotic qualities, stimulates the adrenal cortex, as well as enhances the production of some hormones.⁴

Goji Berry

Shown to balance blood sugar and insulin levels. It has been found to have strong antioxidant qualities. Has a positive impact on fertility and has even been called Nature's Viagra. The little blue pill may be replaced by this little red berry.⁵Sunwarrior’s Harvest Goji Berry powder is a quality, organic, nutrient-dense superfood that can perk up your pancakes, add sublimity to your smoothies, and provide the difference in your tea, and anywhere life needs a little nutritious sweetening.

Schisandrae Chinensis

Also known as Magnolia Berry, it is used by elite athletes to improve performance and endurance. It is valued to prevent mental fatigue, sharpen the mind, and improve concentration. It has also been shown to have a promising effect on neurological functions.⁶

Holy Basil

Also known as Tulsi, is highly regarded as a supercharger for the immune system. It functions as a natural expectorant helping with coughs and colds. It is beneficial for lung disorders, including asthma, and is an effective breath freshener and oral disinfectant.⁷ You can get your Holy Basil along with a serving of other healthy greens in Sunwarrior’s Beauty Greens Collagen Booster!

Rhodiola

Suppresses the production of cortisol thus helping relieve stress-related anxiety. It is also useful in weight management programs.⁸

Mushrooms

These potent mushrooms are potent adaptogens, grown in the US, and have been shown in research to help people overcome and "adapt" to physical and mental stress. They also provide powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. ⁹ Feel the benefits of Sunwarrior’s Be Well Mushroom—the functional fungi to increase your body’s resistance to physical and mental stress.

We’re just barely skimming the surface of this potentially life-improving subject, but hopefully, it's enough to help you discover a few ways Adaptogens are better than therapy.

To get you started on your adaptogen journey, enjoy this bright Goji Berry Chia Seed Smoothie!

Sunwarrior, Adaptogen, goji berry, coconut milk, chia seed

Goji Berry Chia Seed Smoothie

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Sunwarrior Harvest Goji Berry powder
1 tablespoon Sunwarrior Harvest Chia Seeds
1/3 cup Sunwarrior Harvest Coconut Milk Powder
1 cup water
Juice from 1 lime
½ cup strawberries
1 frozen banana

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Pour into your favorite glass. Top with a few chia seeds. Use it to wash down a Sunwarrior’s Be Well Mushroom or a Be Well Ashwagandha capsule and Enjoy!