We understand that a healthy diet is a critical component to good health and eating raw vegan is a lifestyle choice that supports a healthier and happier mind and body.
What is Phytotherapy
The use of plants for treating ailments is certainly not a new concept, in fact, archaeological evidence suggests that we've been using plants for their healing properties since the Paleolithic period, which is around 60,000 years ago. Phytotherapy is the use of plants for herbal medicines.
What Are Adaptogens
If you haven't heard of adaptogens, they're a class of healing plants that help protect the body and increase your resistance to stressors. They help your body adapt to internal and external stress and support your adrenals, which are the glands that manage your body's response to stress.
Effects of Prolonged Stress on Cortisol Levels
Most health-concerned people have heard of cortisol. It's the hormone released at times of stress and serves many important functions in your body, which is why having a healthy balance is essential to good health.
When you have elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress, it puts your body into a fight or flight mode and this can be detrimental to your health. When in a state of constant stress or prolonged periods of stress, your adrenal glands will burn out and affect your body's ability to cope under stress.
Elevated levels of cortisol in your body will result in high blood pressure, feeling anxious and irritable, low energy, weight gain and bone loss, as well as an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Fight Stress - Benefits of Adaptogens
Adaptogenic herbs promote good health and overall well-being because they help you resist the effects of stress on your body, cope with anxiety and fatigue and reduce long-term cortisol levels.
By supporting adrenal function, adaptogens don't target a specific ailment, rather they help the body resist the adverse effects of stress and help to normalize body imbalances.
Quick List of Adaptogenic Herbs
Adaptogens come in different forms (powders, pills, liquids), so they can easily be incorporated into smoothies, juice, and dishes. Here are a few examples of adaptogenic herbs:
- Asian Ginseng
- Holy Basil
- Milk Thistle
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Ginseng Eleuthero
- Rosemary
- Reishi
- Aloe Vera
- Gotu Kola
- Astragalus
- Moringa Oleifera
- Schisandra
- Bacopa
- Licorice Root
Which Adaptogens Are The Best
- If you're dealing with long-term stress: Ashwagandha helps your body better respond to long-term stress and related hormone imbalances. You'll also feel the benefits of renewed energy and a sharper mind. Rhodiola helps raise and lower the cortisol levels in your body as needed.
- Feeling anxious and stressed: Siberian ginseng and Holy Basil may help intervene in the body's fight or fight stress responses, and decrease fatigue.
- Need a boost on your immunity: Reishi and ginseng have been found to strengthen the body's immune system.