Six Adaptogens to Reduce Your Stress Levels

Our fight or flight response is overstimulated in today’s modern world. Constant exposure to stressful situations take a toll on every organ and system in our bodies. When our adrenal glands secrete too much cortisol in response to stressors we begin to get worn down, our glands don’t function well, we get fatigued and our immune system no longer functions at its best. Here are six adaptogens that provide nutritional support to balance, strengthen and shield our bodies.

1. Ginseng; a well-known adaptogen is also an antioxidant, antidepressive, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

2. Holy basil; an herb found in India is used for its anti-aging properties. It also helps the body fight fatigue and stress; boost the immune system; and regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and hormone levels.

3. Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine for regulating the immune system and easing anxiety and feelings of stress by helping the body to lower cortisol levels.

4. Astragalus root boosts immunity and reduces the effects of stress. It increases the amount of anti-stress compounds our bodies use to repair and prevent stress-related damage.

5. Licorice root can increase energy and endurance, boost the immune system, and protect the thymus from being damaged by cortisol. There are assorted teas on the market which are a good source of licorice but no more than 8 oz should be taken per day to prevent it from negatively affecting blood pressure.

6. Rhodiola or golden root, is a potent adaptogen that provides a defence to stress-related mental and physical fatigue. Rhodiola rosea contains a component that helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins.