Before you ask, no, this is not milk from the moon. Moon milk is a fun term from Ayurvedic medicine that is essentially warm milk with spices and honey. Typically, people consume it before bed to help fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. You can make moon milk with any milk and combination of spices or sweetener. Typically, though, moon milk has a striking color that results from the different spices and adaptogenic herbs.

Cardamom moon milk obviously contains cardamom, which is a fragrant spice that is truly exotic. It is rich in antioxidants and helps improve digestive function. Besides cardamom, this moon milk contains ashwagandha, an adaptogen that works to regulate hormones, mitigate inflammation, and reduce stress. Although these herbs are highly beneficial, they do not provide the signature blueish hue that you see in the picture. In order to get that color, you need butterfly pea flower powder.

Butterfly pea flower powder has a dreamy blue color that works in harmony with ashwagandha and cardamom. According to health experts, butterfly pea flower helps reduce anxiety, stress levels, and may aid sleep. Not only does it provide a good dose of antioxidants, but it may also act as a natural aphrodisiac. It primarily helps relax the mind and body, just like the other ingredients in this moon milk, so we hope it helps you relax and fall asleep.

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Not only is ashwagandha mentioned to treat aging, stress and improve fertility. It can also boost testosterone levels in males. The root of the plant is said to support erectile dysfunction, increase libido, and enhance sexual pleasure.

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We are living in the revolution of the healthy cup of coffee. We are also living in a time when coffee has never been more unhealthy. People add creamers, whipped cream, artificial sweeteners, sugar, syrups, and more to their coffee without considering the consequences. Pumpkin spice lattes, for example, aren’t doing your waistline or gut bacteria any favors. The same goes for matcha lattes and Frappuccinos. 

There are many studies that indicate drinking coffee has some health benefits, which you can learn about by clicking here. That doesn’t give people an excuse to knock back five to seven cups of coffee per day, but it does mean that what you put in your body matters. If coffee has several health benefits, why not build on them by sneaking some extra nutrients into your morning cup? Below, you’ll find several healthy ways to make your cup of coffee healthier than ever!

Add Coconut Oil

You don’t have to subscribe to the keto diet in order to add some coconut oil to your coffee. Believe it or not, coconut oil can be an excellent substitute for those artificially sweetened creamers. A tablespoon of coconut oil in your coffee helps to both sweeten your coffee and provide you with lots of monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids may help improve cognitive function and heart health, but more research is still needed in these fields. 

Bring On The Ashwagandha 

Looking to add more adaptogens to your diet? Sprinkling some ashwagandha powder in your coffee may be the health hack you need in your life. Because ashwagandha has a powerful flavor, you may want to add some coconut oil or cinnamon powder to your coffee as well. Adaptogens were primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine, but they are becoming a popular health trend. Health experts say that adaptogens like ashwagandha work to help reduce stress, increase physical stamina, and combat feelings of anxiety. 

Could It Be Cardamom? 

Dubbed the “queen of spices,” cardamom has a rich, warm flavor profile and an even richer history in medicinal applications. Ancient civilizations used cardamom to fight everything from gum infections to tuberculosis. While adding some cardamom to your cup of coffee won’t be a DIY cure for anything, it may help your body fight off pathogens. A recent study confirmed that cardamom exhibits antimicrobial properties, fighting off bacteria like E. coli. It may also help freshen your breath, counteracting pesky coffee breath. 

Add Some Cacao

We are referring to cacao powder, not cocoa powder. Cacao powder is unsweetened and pure cacao, which contains lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutritional studies suggest that including a significant amount of cacao in your diet may offer anti-inflammatory protection, in addition to protection against risk factors of cancer. Cacao also adds some fiber to your cup of coffee. Keep in mind that it does contain a small amount of caffeine, so it may intensify the buzz of your caffeine high. 

Call On The Collagen

Health bloggers and health experts alike agree that a spoonful of collagen powder in your coffee can do wonders for your health. Collagen is a fibrous protein that exists in bodily tissues, bones, skin, muscles, and tendons. According to studies, collagen comprises one-third of total body protein, giving bodily tissues strength and elasticity. As people age, they produce less collagen, so adding a little scoop to your coffee may be a great starting place in your anti-aging plan. Supplementing with collagen may help you improve skin elasticity, enhancing skin hydration and reducing the early signs of aging. 

Turn Up The Heat

No need to put that cup of coffee in the oven; rather, add a dash or two of cayenne pepper to your morning brew. Not only does it help wake up your taste buds, but it also gives your body an extra dose of nutrients. Cayenne has demonstrated an ability to soothe an upset stomach, improve circulatory function, and even reduce general pain. Some researchers say that it affects appetite and may accelerate metabolism. Recent research even found that cayenne may fight against heart disease and enhance the digestive process. 

Baking Soda

Seems odd to add baking soda to your morning brew, doesn’t it? Well, if you look at it purely as a base, adding it to coffee can counteract the acidic effects. Baking soda is alkaline, so mixing a small amount into your coffee may help to neutralize coffee’s naturally occurring acids. This makes coffee a lot easier on your stomach, but drinking too much baking soda on a regular basis may have negative side effects. If coffee tends to bother your stomach, you can add a small amount here and there to give your stomach a helping hand.

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The stress of modern life can take a toll on the body. It isn’t healthy to live in a constant state of panic or fear, yet many people feel this way. How do you come up for air and take that much needed deep breath? There are many breathing techniques, exercises, self-care tips, and mindfulness practices that people use to help reduce anxiety, but certain teas may have the same effect. 

Could reducing anxiety be as simple as brewing a cup of affordable tea and sipping it on the couch? Since ancient times, various civilizations have used herbal teas to boost overall health and reduce stress and anxiety. To this day, certain teas may help lower stress hormones and improve sleep. It’s all about finding the tea that works best for you, as each person may have a different response to the teas in this article. 

Some teas have the power to calm the mind and body, which is beneficial for people who live with anxiety. Other teas tend to be better for overall health or specific health conditions. Some of the primary benefits of drinking different teas, especially herbal teas, include:

• Soothing upset stomach
• Improving sleep 
• Aiding with blood pressure reduction
• Reducing severity of menstrual cramps
• Relieving nausea

If you want to help naturally reduce stress and anxiety, consider experimenting with the following teas. 

Lemon Balm Tea

Since the 16th century, people have used lemon balm for its mild sedative effects. Even the word “balm” means “soothing” or “restorative.” Lemon balm belongs to the same family as mint, and it is quite common in European, Mediterranean, and certain Asian countries. A December 2021 review found that drinking lemon balm tea helped lower rates of depression and anxiety symptoms. Additional preliminary research supports the fact that lemon balm may be able to reduce nervousness and abdominal pain, two common symptoms of anxiety.

Lavender Tea

According to a 2020 study, lavender tea was able to reduce scores of anxiety and depression in older adults. It has the ability to calm the mind and body without a sedative effect. Even though there are more than 40 species of lavender, English and French varieties typically end up in teas. A steaming cup of lavender tea may help induce a calming effect, which may contribute to more restful sleep. For this reason, many sleep experts recommend that people with anxiety and insomnia drink lavender tea. 

Green Tea

It may seem odd to include a tea that contains caffeine on a list of teas that help reduce anxiety. Research suggests that green tea helps to calm the mind, protect the cardiovascular system, energize the central nervous system, and slow the aging process. The compound L-theanine, which is prominent in green tea, exhibits anti-anxiety effects. L-theanine may also increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure. Perhaps this explains the reason why it makes people feel alert, but also stress-free. 

Ashwagandha Root Tea

If you need a tea to help reduce stress and anxiety, ashwagandha root tea may become a staple in your tea rotation. It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, primarily because it’s an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are certain herbs or substances that help stabilize physiological processes. Several studies found that ashwagandha may effectively reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep issues. In fact, it’s one of the leading herbs for improving sleep quality. Additionally, one study found that taking ashwagandha root extract for 8 weeks helped reduce stress and anxiety levels. Ashwagandha may be able to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by 25%. Click here to learn more about this impressive herb.

Peppermint Tea

Many people enjoy peppermint tea because of the minty taste and relaxation properties. People commonly consume peppermint tea to help soothe upset stomach and sore throat as well. Peppermint tea contains menthol, a compound in the mint plant that is a natural muscle relaxant and calming agent. You can brew fresh mint leaves in hot water or steep a bag of peppermint tea in hot water; both will yield the same benefits. Lastly, one study found that inhaling peppermint aroma effectively reduced pain and anxiety.

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Great sleep is one of the hallmarks of vibrant health, but it’s something that many people often overlook. Sleep experts suggest that adults aged 18-60 get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night. A full seven hours, though, is not always easy to come by. 

It’s quite common for people to get cozy in bed and immediately feel wide awake. This is an unfortunate reality and it can seem like there’s no antidote or magical potion that immediately puts you in a state of deep sleep. That being said, health experts have identified certain beverages that contribute to a deeper state of relaxation. When the body is in a more relaxed state, it’s much easier to fall asleep. If you want to drive off to dreamland with ease, consider drinking the following beverages before bed. 

Passionflower Tea

Researchers in Mexico conducted an animal study to determine the effects of passionflower on sleep. The results indicated that rats injected with passionflower extract experienced a significant increase in total sleep time. No other human studies have confirmed these findings yet, but many anecdotal reports claim that passionflower tea helps people fall asleep.

Golden Milk

Golden milk, or a turmeric latte, before bed may help to promote a sense of calm. Warm milk, however, may not be appetizing because it can cause digestive discomfort. If you are sensitive to dairy products, consider dairy-free golden milk. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound that may reduce inflammation, relieve anxiety, and alleviate effects of sleep deprivation. You can sweeten the beverage with Manuka honey to further reduce inflammation and promote gut health, which may aid your sleep.

Tart Cherry Juice

Cherries are stone fruits that can be tart or sweet, depending on the variety. Cherries contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that’s a precursor to melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate when you fall asleep and wake up. Tart cherries tend to contain more melatonin, which is why their juice is better than the sweet varieties. In fact, tart cherries have up to six times more melatonin than sweeter cherries. One study observed 30 participants who consumed cherry-based juice twice daily. The results indicated that the juice improved nightly sleep and reduced the number of nighttime awakenings. Another study found that people who drank eight ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks slept an additional 84 minutes, compared to the group who consumed a placebo drink.

Valerian Tea

It’s common to find valerian in health food stores, but you can also purchase it online. The most widely used part is the root, which is popular in herbal remedies for insomnia. Valerian shows promise for its ability to relieve insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. One study found that 30% of postmenopausal women who took 530 milligrams (mg) of valerian twice daily for four weeks reported better sleep quality. Valerian root may help enhance sedation and you shouldn’t mix it with drugs or alcohol because of that reason. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of three should avoid valerian. 

Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb popular in Ayurveda treatments. Extracts and teas often include the root, berries, and leaves of the plant, all of which may help relieve stress, anxiety, and even arthritis. In human studies, ashwagandha exhibited the potential to help the body wind down and prepare for sleep. A study on mice identified triethylene glycol, an active compound in ashwagandha, to induce sleep when consumed in large doses. You can typically find ashwagandha in powder form, but it also comes in the form of tea and supplements. 

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a common go-to tea when you have a sore throat or runny nose. It’s comforting and helps reduce inflammation and cold symptoms. Other research noted that chamomile tea may be a helpful sleep tonic. One study, in particular, found that adults aged 60 and up who consumed 400 mg of chamomile extract for 28 consecutive days improved sleep quality. Another study monitored 80 women who experienced poor sleep. After drinking chamomile tea daily for two weeks, the subjects experienced a significant improvement in sleep. 

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Where there is a negative symptom, there is a supplement to address it. Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements are more popular than ever. They can affect mood, performance, focus, and even stress levels. In fact, there are supplements that help to naturally reduce stress, and it helps to know what they are and how they affect the body.

Most people don’t go a single day without experiencing some level of stress, no matter how minute it may be. Juggling a child’s schedule with your own, planning projects at work, or dealing with the arrival of family members can elevate stress levels. In the case of the world in which we live, the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 can increase stress. When stress levels are too high, though, it can be harmful to the body. 

Chronic stress or high stress levels can impair immune function and increase the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, stroke, and heart attack. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress negatively affects all aspects of a person’s health. People need to address stress and not simply sweep it under the rug. “Shrugging it off” isn’t the mindset people should have about stress. 

How Can Supplements Help?

While a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and healthy communication can regulate stress levels, they aren’t always enough. Either that, or people simply cannot adhere to the type of regimen that naturally reduces stress. This is where supplements enter the equation. Both vitamins and minerals help the body perform optimally, but it’s important to get the dosage right. You may have to discuss what supplements to take and how much of them you need with a nutritionist or doctor before you start taking them freely. The following supplements may improve stress or help the body cope with it. 

L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid that naturally exists in green tea. Despite being in a caffeinated tea, L-theanine has anti-stress and relaxing effects on the body. A 2019 study in the Nutrients journal monitored adults who consumed 200 milligrams (mg) of L-theanine or a placebo every night for one month. The results indicated that the L-theanine group saw an improvement in sleep, depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Valerian Root

Although this is a common herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety, valerian root also helps to reduce stress. Valerian root contains a number of beneficial plant compounds, including isovaleric acid and valerenic acid. According to research studies, valerian interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system that aids with nerve signal regulation. Valerenic acid inhibits the breakdown of GABA, which increases feelings of calm or relaxation. You can consume valerian root tea or take it as a supplement.

Lemon Balm

Many healers incorporated this lemon-scented herb in various herbal remedies during the Middle Ages. Now, it regularly grows around the world and has been used as a mild sedative or calming agent. A 2019 study followed 80 people who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Half the group received 500 mg of lemon balm three times daily, while the other group received a placebo. At the end of the study, the lemon balm group improved sleep quality by 54% and reduced anxiety by 49%. Lemon balm is commonly made into a tea, but supplements are also available. 

Magnesium

Some nutritionists refer to magnesium as the forgotten mineral because many people fail to consume enough via their diet. The body uses magnesium in various processes, including muscle and nerve function and protein synthesis. Several research studies indicated that magnesium helps to relieve mild anxiety. A 2017 review of 18 studies found that magnesium not only lowered stress levels, but also aided with anxiety reduction. More research is still necessary to determine how effective it is at lowering stress levels. You can readily find magnesium in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it enhances the body’s resilience to physical and mental stress. It’s native to India, where it was popularly used in Ayurveda. One study monitored 60 patients with mild stress. Half the group took 240 mg of ashwagandha and the other half took a placebo daily for 60 days. The results found that people experienced lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. A review of five studies determined that ashwagandha was beneficial for people who needed help managing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. 

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The American Thyroid Association estimates that 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder. Generally speaking, thyroid disorders result from an overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones. Standard treatment tends to involve some form of medication to establish a healthy hormonal balance. Some doctors even convince people to remove the thyroid, and they end up taking thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives. 

With more and more attention on alternative medicine and treatment options, people have a growing interest in remedying the thyroid without conventional medicine. According to Ayurvedic medicine, many herbs can help create balance in the thyroid. In Ayurveda, the thyroid connects with the increase in kapha dosha and vata in the body. Doshas are essentially biological energies that maintain the body’s mental and physical processes. If the kapha and vata doshas are out of balance in the body, it’s possible to experience thyroid problems. 

Since the thyroid regulates and monitors metabolism, heart rate, and other key functions in the body, optimizing thyroid health is paramount to overall health. Failure to balance the thyroid can lead to poor immune function, low energy, mood swings, and extreme weight loss or weight gain. Some of the Ayurvedic herbs (below) complement conventional thyroid treatments. If you don’t understand proper dosage or recommendation for your thyroid condition, consult with your doctor about taking the following herbs.

Guggul

Guggul has a reputation for regulating thyroid function, but it also has positive effects on blood lipids. Guggul’s antioxidant properties work to protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress. This ultimately decreases lipid peroxidation in the liver and increases the liver’s ability to transform thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3). One animal study found that guggul has strong thyroid stimulating actions, and may even increase iodine uptake. 

Shigru (Moringa)

Known for regulating hormone levels and ensuring optimal thyroid function, moringa is an excellent herb if you suffer from hyperthyroidism. At the same time, hypothyroidism patients also benefit from moringa because it has a rich iodine content. More often than not, iodine deficiency is a primary cause of hypothyroidism. According to several studies, moringa extract exhibits anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It can help to stimulate metabolism by regulating the production of T3 and T4 hormones. Finally, it may help to inhibit bone damage that results from an overabundance of T4 in the body. 

Ashwagandha

If you are familiar with Ayurveda, you know that ashwagandha has a healing reputation. It’s an adaptogenic herb, helping to naturally relieve stress and anxiety, but it also promotes internal balance in the body. In one study, ashwagandha exhibited an ability to increase T3 and T4 levels without significantly increasing iodothyronine 5’-monodeiodinase. In basic terms, ashwagandha was able to increase thyroid function. Other studies found that it helped decrease gluconeogenesis and improve antioxidant activity to protect the thyroid. Ashwagandha also stimulates the endocrine system and works to encourage lipid peroxide levels in the liver.

Piperine

Piperine is the active ingredient in long pepper and black pepper. It is an alkaloid that has been able to reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and insulin to almost normal levels. This is great news for people with hyperthyroidism. Piperine’s thyrogenic activity may also help to improve levels of A-1, T3, T4, and iodine. An animal study confirmed that piperine exhibited an ability to alter lipid profiles, hormone levels, and apolipoproteins. 

Bauhinia Purpurea

Bauhinia purpurea is a flowering plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology monitored female mice that received bauhinia purpurea bark extract for 20 days. The conclusion of the study was that the bark extract increased both T3 and T4 concentrations. In human trials, Bauhinia purpurea helped to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while protecting the thyroid from oxidative stress. It works to enhance antioxidant enzyme secretion, which may help to reverse metformin-induced hypothyroidism.

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The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. It’s vital for hormone production, playing a role in the development of the human body and metabolism regulation. Over time, however, stress, diet, and more can cause unnecessary strain on the thyroid and the entire endocrine system. When the thyroid starts to decline, it’s easy for the body to experience low energy levels, sluggish metabolism, poor digestion, and loss of appetite. 

What Is The Thyroid? 

The small butterfly-shaped gland in the base of the neck is known as the thyroid. It produces hormones that help to regulate metabolism and heart rate control. The two primary hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), it produces affect every cell in the human body. They travel throughout the bloodstream and deliver energy from food to your cells. This process regulates metabolism at a cellular level. 

One thing to keep in mind about the thyroid is that it’s possible to experience many thyroid issues. For example, one person may have an underachieve thyroid (hypothyroidism), while another person may have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The supplements that help one person with a thyroid issue may not help another person with a similar or different issue. One thing is for certain and it is that adaptogens are beneficial because they build adaptive reserve to help the thyroid. Keep reading to learn more about great herbs and supplements for the thyroid. 

Selenium

While selenium is a necessary nutrient in everyone’s diet, it is especially beneficial for optimal thyroid function. It works to assist with the metabolism of thyroid hormones. In fact, the body requires selenium to produce the T3 thyroid hormone. According to clinical studies, selenium can help reduce the levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase in people with hypothyroidism. This enzyme plays a role in thyroid hormone production. Selenium is present in Brazil nuts, shiitake mushrooms, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cabbage, lima beans, brown rice, and spinach.

Reishi Mushroom

Known for its anti-cancer benefits, reishi mushroom is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in existence. Working to establish balance in the body, reishi mushroom is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt and respond to stressors. It contains triterpenes, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, and beta glucans, all of which support overall wellness. Since stress can affect thyroid function, the belief is that reishi mushrooms help reduce stress and invite balance in the body. Additionally, reishi mushrooms are great sources of selenium.

B-Vitamin Complex

Anyone with hypothyroidism can benefit from taking a B-vitamin complex supplement. B vitamins work assist with thyroid function and hormone regulation, according to many studies. It’s best to take a B-complex nutritional supplement so that you don’t neglect any of the B vitamins. These nutrients also encourage optimal energy levels, healthy nerve cells, cognitive health, and neurological support. 

Ashwagandha

This is another adaptogen, which is typically used to help lower stress levels in the body. It’s known for balancing cortisol and DHEA, which people commonly refer to as the “healthy aging hormone.” According to studies, high stress levels lead to lower levels of T3 and T4, both of which are important thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha also stimulates the endocrine system, helping to optimize thyroid function.

Iodine

If the body doesn’t have iodine, it cannot make thyroid hormone. The recommended daily intake of iodine for the average adult is 150 micrograms per day. People with hypothyroidism should discuss iodine supplements or foods with their health care professionals, specifically because iodine can adversely affect hypothyroidism in some cases. Additionally, too much iodine can increase the risk of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Since the body cannot make iodine, you need to consume it via diet in responsible amounts. Great food sources of iodine include kelp, sea moss, and brown seaweed. 

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Stress leads to a state of emotional or mental exhaustion. It can feel like there is no escaping the feeling of underperformance and fatigue. There are numerous causes to feeling rundown, including the loss of a loved one, hard days at work, or just the expedited cadence of life. Regardless of the cause, stress can put undue strain on the derail glands, which cause a person to experience adrenal fatigue. 

The Relationship Between Stress And Adrenal Fatigue

According to health experts, adrenal fatigue is increasingly common in today’s day and age. The problem is that it is quite controversial because it’s not easy to diagnose. There’s no single marker or diagnosis that indicates adrenal fatigue. There is a connection between stress and adrenal fatigue, though. The adrenal glands release cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, to help regulate blood pressure. When the body encounters a stressful situation, the adrenals release high amounts of cortisol. Adrenal fatigue sets in once they release excess cortisol and can no longer produce adequate amounts for regular bodily functions. 

What Are Adaptogens?

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine used adaptogens to help enhance vitality and reduce stress. Adaptogens are plants that work to help the body respond better to stress by regulating hormonal responses. They make it so the body resists stress without entering a state of exhaustion. They help the body adapt to stress, but to the herb must do the following in order to be an effective adaptogen:

• Enhance the body’s ability to handle stress, both internally and externally
• Stimulate these effects after one use or multiple uses. If someone is using adaptogens in the long-term, they must be able to stimulate mental performance under fatiguing conditions.
• Be safe without side effects.
• Normalize bodily functions.

Adaptogens help the body combat fatigue and help to optimize the stress response. They may also help to boost immune function in the process. Continue reading to learn more about five adaptogens that fight stress and adrenal fatigue.

Rhodiola

A review about the stimulating effects of adaptogens included rhodiola as a standout herb. The review of studies found that it helps the body resist stress without interfering with sleep structure or creating an addiction to it. Another report found that rhodolia worked efficiently and quickly, lasting four to six hours. Rhodolia works to optimize concentration and support healthy energy levels in people who experience adrenal fatigue. 

Ginseng

The historical use of ginseng dates back thousands of years to traditional Chinese medicinal practices. Ginseng is now considered to be an excellent anti-inflammatory herb and an adaptogen. Chronic stress has the potential to cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to hormone dysfunction and poor immune response. Several studies found that ginseng has the ability to regulate the HPA axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. Ginseng also works to suppress the production of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory and generated by stress.

Maca

The maca root is a powerful superfood, but many people revere it for its adaptogenic properties. Native to the Andes mountains in South America, maca is rich in protein, calcium, fiber, essential amino acids, and magnesium. Maca works to balance hormone production when the body produces too many hormones. Alternatively, it works to support hormone production if the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. If you use maca consistently, it can help support the function of the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. All of this together can help reduce the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. 

Schisandra

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra berries have five flavors that correspond to those five phases of traditional healing. These tastes/phases are: bitter (fire), salty (water), sour (wood), sweet (earth), and acrid (metal). These five flavors/phases work with the synergy of your body to help promote vitality and resistance against stressful situations. According to several studies, schisandra may help reduce fatigue and stress caused by depression. Other research shows that schisandra exhibits the ability to reduce mental fatigue and improve overall endurance. 

Ashwagandha

We saved the best adaptogen for last. You cannot have an article about adaptogens and exclude ashwagandha; it would be sacrilege in the herbal community. Ashwagandha works to support the body’s inflammatory response, but it also helps to optimize blood pressure. Many studies found that it helps to support the activity of natural killer cells that the immune system sends to fight infections. One study in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha consistently reduced stress-induced damage. People who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily experienced a reduction in cortisol levels. 

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Ashwagandha has a long history of use in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. It’s an ancient herb that receives a lot of praise. Herbalists talk about ashwagandha the way comic book fans talk about upcoming Marvel shows and movies. If that doesn’t explain how special it is, we don’t know what analogy will. 

What Is Ashwagandha?

This evergreen shrub bears orange-red fruit, but most people use the roots for medicinal purposes. Also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, ashwagandha can help to reduce inflammation and protect against cognitive decline. It may also help to stimulate sexual health, improve memory, nourish the nervous system, and encourage better cell-immunity. Ayurveda considers ashwagandha to be a Rasayana, which translates to something that helps maintain youth, both in a mental and physical sense. 

Within the last few years, people have taken an interest in herbs like ashwagandha, in addition to other adaptogens. What is an adaptogen? It is something that improves the body’s resilience to stress. When the body encounters stress, it goes through a three-stage response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Adaptogens work to help the body remain in the resistance phase for a lot longer than normal by way of stimulating effects that delay exhaustion. In doing so, you can avoid a sudden crash in the middle of a stressful moment. Continue reading to learn how else ashwagandha can benefit your health. 

Health Benefits

Effects On Neurodegenerative Diseases

Health experts consider neuritic atrophy, synaptic loss, and Alzheimer’s disease to be primary causes of cognitive decline. Other neurodegenerative diseases cause atrophy to neurites, but the damage is significant in those previously mentioned conditions. Studies on ashwagandha show that it can slow, reverse, and even stop neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss. Because of this, experts believe ashwagandha is a viable herb to treat early stages of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. Ashwagandha is a nervine tonic that may help improve immunity and longevity in its users. 

Effects On Thyroid Disorders

Historically, Ayurvedic healers used ashwagandha to treat subclinical hypothyroidism. Many people hear this and think the evidence is merely anecdotal. In fact, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study in 2018 to back up that statement. The study monitored 50 patients with hypothyroidism. The pattens randomly received either a 600 milligram (mg) dose of ashwagandha or a placebo. The results indicated that the group that received ashwagandha saw improvements in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), serum triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4).

Effects On Stress

As we mentioned earlier, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps improve the body’s resilience to stress. In a 2019 study, patients randomly took either 250 mg or 600 mg doses of ashwagandha. The study concluded that both doses contributed to lower cortisol levels, with the 600 mg dose being more effective. A different 2019 study monitored a group of people who either took a daily dose of 240 mg of ashwagandha or a placebo. The subjects who took ashwagandha experienced a great reduction in cortisol, whereas the placebo group experienced nothing. 

Effects On Sexual Health

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there isn’t sufficient evidence that concludes ashwagandha’s ability to improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Despite that claim, there is a lot of research that proves otherwise. A 2015 study in BioMed Research International monitored 50 heterosexual women, all of whom experienced sexual dysfunction. They either could not become aroused, have an orgasm, or they had low libido. After taking 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for eight weeks, they experienced more arousal, lubrication, and orgasms when engaging with their partners. Another study found that ashwagandha may help men with erectile dysfunction. The men in the study took ashwagandha root powder for 60 days and they saw an improvement in performance.

Effects on Arthritis

The analgesic effects of ashwagandha may be beneficial for those with arthritis, especially because it helps to soothe the nervous system from pain response. By blocking pain signals from traveling along the central nervous system, the theory is that it may have anti-inflammatory properties. For this research, ashwagandha proved effective for people experiencing arthritic symptoms. According to an animal study, ashwagandha exhibited analgesic activity on rats experiencing heat analgesia from hot plate method. 

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