If you’re tuned in to the world of holistic health, you may be familiar with adaptogens. Adaptogens are regarded as a force of nature, due to their touted ability to help the body cope with stress and resist the adverse effects that it can have on our physical health.
What is an Adaptogen?
The exact definition of an adaptogen has changed a few times over the years.
According to the primary definition of adaptogens, which was first proposed during WWII, these plant-originated substances must:
- Be non-specific and must assist the human body in resisting physical, chemical or biological stress.
- Maintain homeostasis in humans by offsetting or resisting physical disorders caused by external stress.
- Not harm the normal functions of the human body [1].
The bottom line is that adaptogens are plants, herbs and mushrooms that have been used in holistic medicine with claims of benefiting human health. Schisandra, Rhodiola, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, tulsi, and medicinal mushrooms (including reishi, chaga, maitake, lion’s mane, and cordyceps) are considered to be some of the most significant adaptogens -- all of which can be made into tea.
What are the Benefits of Adaptogens?
Holistic practitioners claim that adaptogens offer a wide set of health benefits. Most, if not all, adaptogens are said to have:
- Positive effects on stress and stress-related conditions
- Properties that enhance cognitive performance
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Neuroprotective elements
- Anti-fatigue properties
- Antidepressive effects
- Stimulating effects on the central nervous system [3]
This is just a small list of the benefits that adaptogens allegedly have. Specific adaptogens have been proclaimed to offer other distinct benefits (see list below). Amazingly, none of these plants and mushrooms have any potential of addiction [2]. This is more than what could be said about many treatment options offered in traditional medicine.
Though there is little evidence of adverse effects, it’s important to discuss taking adaptogens in any form with your doctor, especially while taking medications. Some drug interactions have been reported to occur.
Teas to Try
Want a delicious and enjoyable way to work adaptogens into your diet? Drink adaptogenic tea!
Mushroom Tea:
Herbal Tea:
- Ashwagandha
- Also known as Withania, ashwagandha has been found to help ease anxiety as well as reduce both physical and mental fatigue [2].
- Rhodiola rosea (Also known as “arctic root” or “rose root”)
- This herb reportedly helps with depression, neurosis, and all forms of fatigue - including stress-induced chronic fatigue [2].
- Siberian Ginseng
- Studies indicate it may “provide protection against oxidative stress, among other benefits, contributing to health and the prevention and treatment of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation” [5].
- Asian Ginseng
- Asian ginseng may help with depression and anxiety. Studies show that it may be helpful in the “prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic asthma” [6].
- Schisandra chinensis
- Schisandra may be useful in promoting liver health and stabilizing blood sugars. The herb reportedly helps those suffering from exhaustion and low mental performance. It has also been reported to be helpful with “certain neurological disorders, mental disorders like schizophrenia, and in improving lung function” [4].
Tamim Teas: Medicinal Mushroom-Based Adaptogenic Tea
Tamim Teas is dedicated to producing the best medicinal mushroom tea on the market. Each of our tea blends include at least one type of mushroom that is believed to have adaptogenic properties. These medicinal mushrooms are even thought to offer a range of potential health benefits in addition to negating the effects of stress - such as increased energy, mental clarity, and more.
Count on our adaptogenic tea to be your ally in the battle against stress!
