Adaptogens help our body recover or 'adapt' under stressful conditions. Many well-known adaptogenic herbs have been part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine remedy cabinet for thousands of years. Non-toxic natural plant ingredients are safely used to improve endurance energy, restore balanced nervous system functions and benefit feelings of overall vitality. If life's stresses have you feeling burnt out, foggy, fatigued or apathetic, it's time to integrate a few herbal medicinals into your daily self-care practice.
Here is a quick look at uses for a few the most commonly used adaptogens:
Ashwagandha is used to promote function of the thyroid and adrenals; it has also been shown to effectively alleviate painful inflammation, stabilize blood sugars, and reduce anxiety or depression
Eleuthero Root stimulates immunity and improves memory.; it assists in the treatment of chronic bronchitis or colds, lowers high blood pressure, and alleviates side effects of chemotherapy
Gotu Kola restores brain cell and nerve function, improves circulation, restores digestion, and speeds up the healing process in topical wounds
Holy Basil or 'Tulsi' is anti-microbial, treating acne, ulcers, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; it also improves metabolism and reduces high cholesterol or high insulin in diabetic patients
Licorice is used to relieve abdominal discomfort, alleviates chronic thirst and gnawing hunger; it harmonizes the use of other herbs in an elixir
Maca supports healthy sexual functions, increases daytime energy and improves slow sluggish digestion
Panax or 'Red' Ginseng is the most researched panacea of the adaptogen family; its anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic influence is highly regarded in herbal pharmacology
Reishi Mushroom improves liver detoxification while fighting cancer, allergies, diabetes and more
Rhodiola is a tonic for adrenal fatigue; it remedies poor attention span and decreased focus or memory
*Please make sure your herbs are ethically sourced to reduce at-risk status for over-harvested wildcrafted plants! All above-listed remedies are linked to sustainably resourced organic powders that can be mixed in smoothies, juices or tea*
Brewing Recipe for Adaptogenic Chai
Organic Ingredients:
2 tablespoons eleuthero powder
1 tablespoon rhodiola powder
1 tablespoon ashwagandha powder
1 tablespoon licorice root powder
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel
1.5 teaspoons fennel seeds
1.5 teaspoons allspice
1.5 teaspoons clove powder
1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 - 12 tablespoons of black loose leaf tea (use 4 tablespoons for a lighter crisp taste or 12 tablespoons of tea for a potent caffeinated stimulant)
8 cups (2 quarts) of distilled or filtered water
Directions:
Combine all herbs and powders, except for the black loose leaf tea, in a large saucepan with water
Cover and bring to a boil, immediately reducing heat to simmer for 40 minutes
Remove from heat
Add black loose leaf tea, let steep for 5 minutes
Using a fine mesh strainer, remove all solids and store refrigerated for up to one week
Add your favorite nut milk or coconut cream in a 1:1 ratio, makes for a great coffee replacement in the wee hours of the morning!