What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are versatile plants and herbs. A plant or herb can be called an adaptogen if:
- It helps with mental pressure and exertion; it is a natural calming agent
- It restores balance in the body during inner turmoil
- It does not disrupt normal physiological functions
What happens when you are stressed?
To bring your body into harmony, continuous physiological processes are at work. The maintenance of a good balance between these processes is called homeostasis. Homeostasis ensures that the internal environment – consisting of tissue fluid between the cells and capillaries – refreshes the cells. In this process, a good balance between nutrients and waste products is crucial. If this process is disrupted, your body cells suffer, which can lead to various ailments and discomforts.
Regulating the stress response
Alongside factors such as poor diet, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, and intensive exercise, stress is one of the causes of a poor balance in your body. The process your body undergoes in defending and adapting to stress is complex.
HPA axis
In energy and stress regulation, the HPA axis is central. This is the interaction between the hypothalamus (part of your brain that regulates nerves), the pituitary gland (a gland in the middle of the head that secretes hormones), and the adrenal glands (which produce the stress-response hormone cortisol). This complex system ensures that your body returns to homeostasis during stress. However, this system can become dysregulated due to acute or chronic stress.
How do adaptogens help with physical imbalance?
Adaptogens influence the HPA axis, supporting your body in adapting to changing circumstances. While adaptogens generally have the same broad effects, they each have their own character with different properties. A few examples are:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family and has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda, India's traditional herbal medicine. Therefore, it is also known as Indian Ginseng. Ashwagandha has a relaxing effect but does not cause drowsiness, making it very suitable for students or athletes!
Rhodiola
Rhodiola, also known as rose root, grows in cold regions such as Central Asia and cool, mountainous parts of Europe like Scandinavia, Iceland, and the Alps. This plant provides support in stressful circumstances.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant whose active ingredients are extracted from the roots. There are different types of Ginseng, including the Siberian, Korean, and American varieties. Ginseng contributes to mental and physical balance, supports the immune system, helps maintain normal blood pressure, and is good for concentration and memory.
Maca
The Maca root comes from the Andes mountains in Peru and is usually used in powder form. Maca provides positive energy and helps increase vitality.
Author: Sanne van der Rijt
