With more people than ever reporting extra stress and worry, it’s no wonder that adaptogens are rapidly gaining in popularity. Although this elite class of stress-balancing herbs has been in the spotlight as of late, they’ve actually been in use for centuries in both Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) Medicine. But it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that Russian scientist Dr. Nikolai Lazarev coined the term “adaptogen” to refer to substances that have the ability to help our bodies adapt to various forms of stress.
There are three criteria that define adaptogens. First, they are non-toxic and can be safely taken for extended periods of time when used in appropriate amounts. Second, adaptogens also help uphold immune balance to help defend your body against the effects of stress. And third, adaptogens have a moderating influence, meaning that through the highs and lows of stress, adaptogens help the body stay in equilibrium.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
The HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), is responsible for controlling our normal stress response, reacting to perceived danger and then dialing things down when the threat departs. But when our body encounters continuous stressors, we go through three physiological stages: the alarm phase, the phase of resistance, and the burnout phase.
To illustrate how a healthy stress response works, let’s say we’re experiencing a physical stressor, like running a marathon. When we start the marathon, the alarm phase is triggered and our adrenal glands release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones facilitate muscle performance and boost our ability to stay focused during the phase of resistance. As we get to the end of the marathon and our resources feel depleted, we’ve entered the burnout phase.
If the marathon doesn’t end (so to speak), the HPA axis is continuously active and releases stress hormones on an ongoing basis. Over time, the overproduction of adrenal hormones can desensitize the HPA axis, with downstream effects on the rest of the body. Often called “adrenal fatigue”, stress burnout can manifest as low energy, restlessness, sleep disruption, brain fog, and metabolic issues.
Herbal adaptogens have demonstrated the ability to help optimize our bodies’ natural stress response by fostering healthy adrenal function and balanced stress hormones. This results in a better capacity to handle everyday stress, and to maintain a steady mind and body in the face of physical, mental, and emotional stress. When the going gets tough, adaptogens help us keep going.
Superhero Herbs
Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful and popular herbs used in Ayurveda. It has been used for over 3,000 years for stress, energy, concentration, and much more. A quintessential adaptogen, numerous research studies have shown ashwagandha’s ability to promote balance in the HPA axis, help maintain healthy cortisol levels, and support physical and mental stamina.
Rhodiola is one of the most versatile and well-known adaptogenic herbs when it comes to facing the stress of modern life. Hailing from the cold, northern regions of Europe and Asia and people in Russia and Scandinavia, this hardy herb is a natural teacher of robust resilience under both short-term and long-term stress.
Holy Basil, commonly known as Tulsi, has been used in India for thousands of years as a sacred herb to nourish mental balance and poise. Many studies recommend this “Queen of Herbs” to support feelings of relaxation and calm in the face of stress and help keep you in command.
As a counterbalance to adaptogens that foster resilience, soothing herbs like Lemon Balm help you stay positive under pressure. A popular soother of frayed nerves, the bioactive compounds in lemon balm are a popular adaptogen for promoting a calm return from stress and encouraging restorative sleep.
Pure Synergy’s Stress Remedy™ includes all of these herbal superheroes plus other empowering adaptogens like eleuthero and schizandra and unique nerve-soothing herbs like gynostemma, magnolia, and cistanche. On top of that, this one-of-a-kind formula is made with certified organic ingredients for absolute purity, quality and safety, and our potent botanical extracts are never made with toxic chemical solvents. Stress Remedy™ harnesses the power of nature so you can face stress with balance, focus, and calm.
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