Today, despite the availability of numerous technological gadgets that claim to make our lives easier, it is hard to relax. The tremendous pressure we face to cope with changing lifestyles has taken a toll on our health.

When you are stressed, your body produces stress hormones called cortisol and adrenalin. The presence of these hormones in small amounts usually doesn’t cause severe harm to your health. However, excessive secretion of cortisol and adrenalin can lead to serious conditions like anxiety, neurological and cardiovascular diseases, insomnia and high blood pressure.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could reduce your stress by using natural remedies? In this article, you will learn about three stress busting adaptogens that can lead you to a stress-free and healthy life. If you’re wondering what adaptogens are, continue reading.

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Adaptogens: What Are They?

The term adaptogen is used by herbalists to refer to an herb that is proven to help enhance the body’s resistance to anxiety, stress, fatigue and trauma. Adaptogenic herbs are natural stress busters that work to rebalance, rejuvenate and restore your body. They recharge your adrenal glands and make you capable of responding positively to stress. Three of the most popular adaptogenic herbs are ginseng, ashwagandha and rhodiola. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Natural Herbs To Combat Stress

Ashwaghanda

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a shrub found in India, North America, Africa and some parts of the Middle East. This shrub belongs to a tomato family and bears small berry-like red fruits. The root of the ashwagandha plant has been used since ancient times by Ayurvedic practitioners to cure a variety of health conditions, including stress.

  • Why It Works
    Ashwagandha is composed of compounds such as withanolides, alkaloids and steroidal lactones. All of these are known to provide relief from chronic stress. Unlike other medications that mask the condition, this miraculous herb works by attacking the root cause of your stress.
  • How It Works
    Chronic stress causes your adrenal glands to become depleted. Ashwagandha helps cope with stress because it maintains optimum adrenal levels. Further, it calms a stressed mind and balances the sympathetic nervous system. Ashwagandha is reported to reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol in chronically stressed individuals.
  • Clinical Study
    A study conducted by K Chandrasekhar et al. and published in the Indian Journal of Physiological Medicine proved that ashwagandha root extract helps to effectively and safely improve resistance to stress and anxiety, thereby improving overall quality of life.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been used for more than 4,000 years to help the body withstand stress and enhance mental and physical strength. There are two varieties of ginseng. Panax, or Asian ginseng, comes from China and Korea. American ginseng is traditionally used by Native Americans to cure a number of ailments.

  • Why It Works
    Ginseng root is rich in ginsenosides, which carry potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains panaxins, polysaccharides, biotin, choline and saponins.
  • How It Works
    The substances contained in ginseng roots directly affect the adrenal glands, which secrete the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin. Saponins slow down the formation of stress hormones, while choline works to delay fatigue brought on by physical activity. Polysaccharides boost your body’s immune system and biotin helps to improve the health of your nervous system.
  • Clinical Study
    A study conducted by Lee SH. et al. carried out to understand the Anti-Stress Effects Of Ginseng concluded that ginseng has anti-stress properties and plays a neuroprotective role in an immobilization-stressed brain.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola, also known as Arctic or Golden Root, is found in some of the coldest regions of the world, including Iceland, Scandinavia, the Arctic region and the Appalachian Mountains of North America. This herb belongs to a class of plants and fungi and is regarded as a great healer due to its remarkable ability to help individuals survive during times of anxiety and stress.

  • Why It Works
    Rhodiola contains potent antioxidants, phenolic acids, gallic acids, flavonoids and monoterpenes. This unique blend of powerful compounds optimizes your stress hormone levels and helps you to cope with stress.
  • How It Works
    Studies indicate that Rhodiola increases endorphin, serotonin and dopamine activity within the brain. Dopamine helps to increase your self-esteem and confidence. Having the optimum amounts of serotonin in your body aids in balancing your mood and keeps you calm and positive. Endorphins lift your spirits and make you feel good.
  • Clinical Study
    A double blind cross over study was conducted by Darbinyan V et al. to learn the effects of Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue. They observed the effect of Rhodiola on the mental performance of 56 healthy physicians during night duty and concluded that this herb can successfully reduce stress under certain stressful conditions.

Nature is incredible! It is constantly providing us with the resources necessary for remaining healthy and happy. Since today’s world is not slowing down, use these amazing natural herbs to heal yourself and cope with your hectic lifestyle.

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