Coined by Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in 1947, the term “adaptogen” encompasses a limited variety of safe and non-toxic plants that have long been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as natural healers. They’re known to rejuvenate and balance the nervous system, increase resilience to stress, and support the reaching of balance, or homeostasis, in the body. These criteria must all be met in order for plants to be qualified as adaptogenic herbs. Otherwise, they’re just herbs.
Physical and psychological stress results from a variety of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep patterns, injury, environmental toxins, as well as negative emotional stimulants. Adaptogens play a role in reversing the adverse the effects of physical and mental stressors and ultimately bring the body back into a more balanced state. The way in which adaptogenic herbs succeed in doing this is not understood fully, but researchers say that they go about their ways by normalizing stress hormone production and all that comes with it including balancing blood sugar metabolism and the body’s energy levels.
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.Astragalus helps protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds. You can find Astragalus in Tribe Immune System Balancing Herbal Tea.
Reishi mushrooms are the most well known medicinal mushrooms. They can help in the treatment of fatigue, respiratory complaints, cancer, heart disease and liver ailments. They are also regarded as general immunity boosters. Regular consumption of Reishi can enhance our body’s immune system and improve blood circulation, thus improving better health conditions. Generally, Reishi is recommended as an adaptogen, immune modulator, and a general tonic. Reishi is also used to help treat anxiety, high blood pressure, hepatitis, bronchitis, insomnia, and asthma. You can find Reishi in Tribe 100% Organic Reishi Muchrooms Powder.
Ashwagandha literally means “smell of the horse,” but don’t run away just yet – the herb’s effects are far more favourable than its name suggests. Ashwagandha is better dubbed the “ginseng” of Ayurvedic medicine for its incredible benefits. It is said to provide the body with the strength and stamina of a horse and reduces stress and anxiety more effectively than other adaptogens. Ashwagandha has shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 44 percent as well as to reduce symptoms of depression and improve sleep patterns. It has also been shown to be effective against depression. People in the Himalayas have used Ashwagandha to enhance their resistence to oxygen deprivation. Studies have shown that taking this adaptogen can increase oxygen consumption to improve physical endurance.You can find Ashwagandha in Tribe Immune System Balancing Herbal Tea.
Schisandra – Schisandra is also called wuweizi by the Chinese. Schisandra protects the liver from toxins and is used for respiratory problems. It can also improve memory. Schisandra possesses significant protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Thus it helps to maintain healthy cells throughout the body. It is considered one of the most highly protective of all medicinal plants, and the berry is included in many traditional herbal formulas for improving energy and mental health. As an adaptogen, Schisandra is a potent general tonic, decreasing fatigue, enhancing physical performance, and promoting endurance. The berry counters stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones in the blood. You can find Schisandra in Tribe Lung Detox Herbal Tea.
Rhodiola Rosea also known as Arctic root, grows in cold climates in high altitudes. It has long been used in both Scandinavian and Chinese medicine. It was used by the Vikings to boost physical and mental stamina. The herb has been linked to enhanced physical performance. In this study, it was revealed that rhodiola rosea reduces general fatigue under certain stressful conditions. You can find Rhodiola Rosea in Tribe Immune System Balancing Herbal Tea.