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.
During World War II, adaptogens were studied extensively in the Soviet Union as a way of finding a “superhero” herb to enhance soldiers’, sailors’ and pilots’ stamina, endurance and performance. The term adaptogen was coined by Russian scientist Dr. Nikolai Lazarev to refer to substances that have the ability to promote our resistance to stress.
There are three features 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 balancing effect, meaning that through the highs and lows of stress, adaptogens help keep things in equilibrium.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
Ongoing stress disrupts the body on many levels. One of the main systems affected is the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), which is responsible for controlling our normal stress response. 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 body starts pumping out 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.
During unabating stress, the HPA axis is continuously active and releases hormones on an ongoing basis. Over time, the overproduction of adrenal hormones can desensitize the HPA axis, leading to imbalances throughout the body. Often called “adrenal fatigue”, stress burnout typically manifests in low energy, restlessness, sleep disruption, brain fog, and metabolic issues.
Adaptogens help modulate and optimize our body’s natural stress response by fostering healthy adrenal function and keeping stress hormones in balance. This results in an enhanced 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 its ability to sustain balance in the HPA axis, maintain healthy cortisol levels, and support physical and mental stamina.
Rhodiola is becoming 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, rhodiola 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 a healthy mood by promoting feelings of relaxation and calm in the face of stress to keep you in command.
Pure Synergy’s Stress Remedy™ includes each of these three herbal superheroes plus other renowned adaptogens including eleuthero and schizandra. It also contains unique nerve-soothing herbs like gynostemma, magnolia, and cistanche that help uphold a balanced nervous system. On top of that, this stress-busting formula is made with certified organic 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 stay in optimal balance, focus, and calm.
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