My morning routine consists of adding powdered ashwagandha to my mango-berry smoothie bowl and a ginseng-infused herbal tea bag to my hot water for tea. Possibly the turmeric in my dessert and the chaga and cordyceps in my coffee makes me who I am today.
My usage of adaptogens is common. Global Market Insights Inc estimates that the adaptogens market will grow from its current valuation of $8.5 billion in 2020 to over $14 billion by 2027.
Although the concept of adaptogens is relatively new, it has historical precedents. Adaptogenic elements like mushrooms and other plants have been utilized in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for millennia due to their purported stress-relieving and other healthful effects.
They have become ubiquitous in the United States, appearing on everything from beauty blogs to packaged foods and teas to TikToks of wide varieties.
Recognizing Adaptogens
According to holistic health practitioner and creator of Born From The Earth Sumitra Daswani, "adaptogens are a unique class of herbal plants and mushrooms rich with complex components that assist our body adapt and enhance resilience to stress."
After spending her childhood between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Jamaica, Daswani became familiar with indigenous adaptogens like noni while studying abroad in the region. Moving to India in 2017 allowed her to start getting out and seeing the world.
Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine has long used adaptogens to enhance the body's natural defenses against stress. Their use is associated with a return to homeostasis or a state of internal equilibrium. The name "adaptogen" was coined in 1947 by Soviet scientist Pyotr Petrovich Lazarev, but the notion dates back millennia longer.
How To Use Adaptogenic Foods and Supplements
There is a widespread belief that some of the most popular adaptogenic substances have therapeutic effects.
Ashwagandha:
The name of this plant in Sanskrit means "smell of the horse," a reference to the widespread belief that ashwagandha may significantly increase one's mental and physical stamina. Ashwagandha powder can be used in smoothie bowls, hot milk, and even baked products in recommended amounts by health practitioners.
Chaga:
Chaga is a medicinal fungus found on birch trees; its high antioxidant content makes it a popular addition to beverages like tea and coffee. The imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body, known as oxidative stress, is said to be mitigated.
Cordyceps:
Cordyceps are fungi that thrive on a particular caterpillar species and are well regarded for their anti-aging effects. Cordyceps has been shown to provide a variety of health advantages, from combating exhaustion to easing cough and flu symptoms. Always get the advice of a medical expert before using.
Ginseng:
Ginseng contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it the "wonder substance." The dried powder of this plant is often utilized in many Asian cultures and may be found in various herbal teas, drink mixes, gummies, and sweets.
Turmeric:
Curcumin in this root has been shown to treat a wide range of conditions, including those related to the skin, inflammation, and infection. For Indian cooks, the miraculous spice turmeric is a must-have. Try it in a golden latte, happiness balls, or a stir fry.
Using Adaptogenic Foods and Supplements
Ashwagandha and turmeric, among others, have been promoted as miracle cures for stress in the past decade. These methods may help in the short term, but they are ineffective means of dealing with stress in the long run. How adaptogens are used is critical.
Without considering factors like general health, food, or personal constitution, just popping an ashwagandha tablet to promote sleep may lead to unintended consequences, such as "have acne owing to the elevated testosterone."
Anyone interested in improving their health with adaptogenic substances should consult a professional. Therefore, "there is a need to consult health specialists" because the types, frequency, and dosages of adaptogens one takes are traditionally tailored to the individual.
Strategies for Including Adaptogens in Your Diet Risk-Free
It is easy to incorporate adaptogens into your diet if you prepare most of your meals at home, either in raw form or as powders to add to other foods. Teas, tinctures, and pills all feature adaptogens.
Always ensure you're getting your hands on a safe product by doing your homework before consuming anything new. Find out anything you can about the different brands, such as where they get their herbs from, if they are GMP-certified, and if they employ independent lab testing.
Employees at stores selling natural remedies may also be able to give helpful insight. First, it's best to take things gently and focus on learning about a single herb before moving on to others. It's best to test one at a time to see how you react to it and only then move on to the next.
