Adaptogenic herbs
Adaptogenic plants: Origin, operation and benefits
In traditional medicine, so-called “adaptogen” plants are known to increase our ability to adapt to stress. Very popular in the world of well-being, adaptogenic plants are an excellent natural alternative to combat stress and prevent its harmful effects on health. In this article, we tell you more about adaptogenic plants, their origin, how they work and their multiple benefits.
What is an adaptogenic herb?
For several millennia, adaptogenic plants have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for their tonifying and energizing properties. In India, these plants are also used in Ayurvedic medicine, also known as the "science of life".
Although these plants have been known to some civilizations since the dawn of time, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that their discovery was made official. At that time, the Russian government was carrying out studies to find plant substances that would naturally strengthen human capacities. It was therefore in 1947 that Nicolaï Lazarev, a Russian toxicologist, put his finger on the beneficial action of adaptogenic plants on the human body.
In the 1960s, Israel Itsokovich Brekhma, a former student of Nicolaï Lazarev and Russian pharmacologist, offered us a clear and precise definition of the adaptogenic plant , governed by 3 criteria:
- The adaptogenic plant must not be toxic or influence the normal functions of the organism
- it must increase the body's resistance to physical, biological or chemical attacks
- finally, it must have a normalizing influence at the physiological level in order to better react to stress.
Thanks to this first formalization published in the international journal "Annual Review of Pharmacology", hundreds of studies on adaptogenic plants have emerged around the world.
How do adaptogenic plants work on the body?
Composed of vitamins, trace elements and amino acids, adaptogenic plants are known for their tonic, energizing and anti-inflammatory properties. stress. Among other things, they help the body to adapt and protect itself against the various stress factors that can affect us on a daily basis.
To fully understand, you need to know that when the body is under stress, adaptogens act to neutralize the source of the stress, but also to < b>help the body regain calm and balance.
Furthermore, when the body is stressed, it releases cortisol, the stress hormone. The problem is that the production of this stress hormone can manifest itself in inflammation of the skin, breakdown of collagen and elastin. As a result, wrinkles appear faster and the skin loses firmness.
In other words, adaptogens help toneutralize stress in the skin, which helps prevent premature aging of the skin. But as you know, stress doesn't just affect your skin, it can affect your whole life.By fighting against stress, adaptogenic plants provide many daily benefits:
- they regulate the stress hormone
- they improve mood
- they boost the immune system
- and they reduce fatigue
Today, gentle and natural alternatives are increasingly sought after to combat stress. Moreover, naturopathic and Ginseng: in Korean medicine, ginseng is a plant species that serves as a remedy for many ailments. Ideal for people who are stressed, anxious, depressed or recovering, ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that: Ashwagandha: in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used to regenerate and rejuvenate. Even its roots can be used to gain its benefits. In this case, this adaptogenic plant is perfect for people suffering from sleep disorders and it can even become an excellent alternative to sleeping pills. Beyond its beneficial effect on sleep, ashwagandha: Moringa: in Ayurvedic medicine, the whole moringa plant can be used; its roots, bark and leaves. From a nutritional point of view, moringa leaves are particularly interesting for people with osteoporosis, growing children, lactose intolerant people, vegetarians and vegans. In a few words, moringa is an adaptogenic plant that is full of minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium), vitamins (A, C, E), good proteins (amino acids) and antioxidants. The nutritional value of moringa is simply exceptional for a plant. Indeed, it contains almost all the nutrients we need to be healthy (except vitamin B12) and its vegetable protein intake is equivalent to that of an animal protein. In addition, recent studies have revealed that moringa leaves could even prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.Suffice to say that this plant has not finished surprising us! Tulsi or holy basil: tvery famous in India and in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil or tulsi is an adaptogenic plant which:
Reishi: isalso called Ganoderma lucidum, the e reishi is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in China and Japan. Symbol of eternal life in Asian countries, this mushroom: Reishi is not the only medicinal mushroom to be considered an adaptogen. If you'd like to learn more about medicinal mushrooms, we've dedicated an entire article to it right here ! How to consume adaptogenic herbs? You will have understood that adaptogenic plants are a natural solution to eliminate stress and benefit from iron health. At The Moonchild Wandering, you can for example find them in the form of capsules, food supplements or prepared beverages. You can also consume them in their natural state through an infusion as in our infusions like Neptune or Mercury Retrograde or in the form of Although these are natural products and safe for your health, we advise you to seek advice from your doctor before integrating new foods into your daily life. Each body reacts differently and some organisms are too fragile to support these natural alternatives. This is particularly the case for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children or even people suffering from autoimmune diseases.What are the benefits of adaptogenic herbs?
The bottom line is that adaptogenic herbs