Adapting to our Stressful World with Herbs

Think of herbs as supercharged foods which can have profound effects on specific parts of the body. Nature has designed uncountable remedies that work synergistically with our bodies. Most of the chemicals that these plants produce are created through stress- developed by the plant to fight diseases, sunburn, and survive droughts… The chemicals that plants produce from stress can help us adapt to our stress and perform at our best.

Stress is our number one strength and weakness. When we eat food, millions of cells die in the process of breaking it down into usable bits, and millions more are created from the results. When we work out we are getting weaker today, but we’ll be stronger tomorrow. Combatting stress is done through resilience. First, getting stressed then restoring health by nourishing our bodies. Do you push stressfully through long cold winters, exhaust yourself, or tax your bodies natural energy levels regularly?

Adaptogens are some of the most well-known and time-tested remedies. They help you adapt to stress by tuning up the hormonal system (emotions & energy). Most adaptogens are Immuno-modulators (they tighten up the immune system). These remedies come from strong hardy roots and stems that our ancestors ground for tea and soup, and chewed on instead of brushing their teeth, and made into remedies for war, peace, and daily good health.

All adaptogenic herbs will nourish and protect the adrenals, balance hormones, fight inflammation, and be helpful to the liver & kidneys (detoxification). They will all provide energy or vitality, fight fatigue, increase endurance in their own way. All of these herbs are nutrient-rich, anti-oxidant packed, and curative in multiple ways. They are all associated with defending against a variety of ailments and speeding recovery time.

Finding remedies that are right for you and your situation is not easy (heck pronouncing them is not easy). Consulting with an experienced herbalist is recommended. Inspirenewal coaches are trained and experienced with all the herbs you will see listed below.

Here is a quick reference to well-known adaptagenic herbs that bring balance to many bodily systems, and build resilience.

Amla, Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Codonopsis, Mushrooms (reishi, cordyceps, maiitake, shaiitake, lions mane, turkey tail, agaricus blazei), Ginsengs(American/Korean), Gotu Kola, Eleuthero, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Jiaogulan, Schizandra, Shatavari

Also: Licorice, Yerba Maté, Tulsi, Cleavers, Milky Oats, Guarana

Blood sugar/Insulin/Pancreas – Eleuthero, Gotu Kola, Schizandra, Ashwagandha

Anti-Inflammatory – Rhodiola, Mushroom (chaga), Licorice, Amla

Lungs– Ginseng, Mushrooms (Cordyceps, Reishi)

Arthritis– Amla, Ashwaganda, Asian Ginseng, Cordyceps, Eleuthero, Tulsi, Licorice, Schizandra

Lowering Cortisol (stress hormone) – Ginseng, Tulsi, Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Licorice, Rhodiola, Cordyceps

Immune Function- Mushrooms (reishi, cordyceps, maiitake, shaiitake, turkey tail, agaricus blazei), Ginseng, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Licorice, Holy Basil