Elixir Wellness: And We're Feeling Good - Adaptogens.

Adaptogens are plant based superfoods that contain a multitude of magical and medicinal properties, which can help deeply nourish the mind and body. There are so many wonderful adaptogenic herbs out there, it can often be quite confusing to find which one is best for your needs. We’ve decided to tell you a bit about our most popular adaptogens that we have in store. We like to think of adaptogens as a fantastic way of healing the entire body in one, naturally and holistically. A lot of Naturopaths prescribe their patients various adaptogenic supplements to help treat a variety of health conditions and combat stresses in everyday life.

So next time you need a boost of energy, a good night’s sleep or need to really calm down, think about the root cause of these problems. For example, STRESS alone is a major cause of:

• Insomnia

• Hormone imbalance

• Weight gain

• Headaches

• Low libido

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Digestion problems

Understanding why you may be having certain symptoms is key to treating the problem, 100% naturally and effectively!

ASHWAGANDHA is a wonderful calming adaptogen. It is really beneficial for somebody who suffers with anxiety and carries a lot of emotional stress. People who are affected by these often struggle with insomnia. The sedative and rejuvenating powers of this herb is a much healthier alternative to anti depressants and sleeping pills. Ashwagandha is also a nutritive tonic to the hormonal system, it strengthens the immune system and is even anti-inflammatory, which is excellent for joint heath and so much more. Ashwagandha is traditionally taken with warm milk and honey in India, for a beautifully soothing elixir. We recommend Organic Traditions Ashwagandha powder and any Rude health nut milk! We also love Pukka Ashwagandha for a convenient tablet form.

ASTRALAGUS is another immune supporting adaptogen, one of the main ones used in Chinese medicine. It helps to strengthen and protect the lungs and promotes white blood cell function. It is such a powerful superfood for preventing illnesses and infections such as coughs, colds and hay fever. Astralagus nourishes the nervous system and boosts vitality by supporting the adrenal glands, this helps us to deal with the pressures of everyday emotional and physical stress. We recommend Solgar Astralagus Root Extract Vegetable Capsules!

MACA is a Peruvian root vegetable, which provides a generous amount of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, C, E, calcium, zinc and iron. Maca is an energising aphrodisiac, known for combating tension, anxiety, balancing hormones and elevating mood. This brilliant power food is great for sports performance, as it helps improve endurance, stamina and promotes strong bone development. B vitamins and zinc help contribute to normal fertility and reproduction, therefor can ease symptoms of PMS and may help to regulate menstruation. This miracle feel good vegetable is also a natural libido enhancer for both men and women. Maca can be enjoyed in many foods for its indulgent malty, caramel biscuit taste. Add to brownies, bread, smoothies and hot chocolates! We love Bonpom Maca!

Would you believe that the little GOJI BERRY is an adaptogen? This is because it revitalises the body and supports the adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands help you deal with stress and provide your body with sustained energy, this also helps to maintain a healthy libidio. Goji berries are highly beauty beneficial, as they are extremely rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. They are a complete protein, with good levels of vitamin A, B1, B2 and C, which support immunity, digestion and skin renewal. They contain 15x the amount of iron found in spinach and contain more beta–carotene than carrots! Vitamin A protects skin against UV/ sun damage, promoting that healthy, youthful glow as well as strong bone growth. So there is no doubt that these juicy sweet chewy berries are really nourishing for your health, inside and out. They are the perfect power topping on your morning porridge! Enjoy 1-2 tablespoons every day!

Magical mushrooms? That’s right REISHI is one of many medicinal mushrooms, (we also love Cordyceps and Chaga). Reishi is a wonderful mind and body balancer, which acts directly on the nervous and immune systems. We love Reishi for it’s calming properties, a warm mug of this mushroom elixir helps relieve depression, anxiety and reduces muscle tension and pain. Reishi is a perfect relaxing tonic to help you sleep better at night and even give you grounding in the middle of the day. Reishi is also a powerful antioxidant which helps cleanse the body of toxins. It is also very anti-inflammatory, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining healthy metabolic functions. We do enjoy sipping on Four Sigmas Instant Reishi, and as a heavily hot chocolate, Xoco!

RHODIOLA rosea is a stimulating adaptogen, aphrodisiac, anti-depressant and energy booster. Rhodiola root is remarkable for someone who is run down from always being on the go, who may need treatment for reducing mental, physical and environmental stress. Adaptogens help us use fuel more efficiently, which has a positive effect on our physical performance and brain function. Rhodiola aids the passage of serotonin building blocks (our happy hormone) to the brain, improving mood stability. It is also known to help regulate menstruation in women, especially for those who have irregular periods and a great libido enhancer for both men and women. Rhodiola tastes quite bitter, however a teaspoon in a warming hot chocolate goes down deliciously! You could also mix into latte’s, porridge and energy snacks. We highly recommend Solgar Rhodiola Balance Complex if you would rather take a tablet.

SHATAVARI is a unique herb iwth nourishing properties for the female endocrine system, helping to balance hormone levels by supporting healthy oestrogen utilisation. Shatavari also encourages healthy milk production for lactating mothers, enhances libido and generally supports the whole reproductive system. Shatavari is a very cooling and grounding adaptogen, a very beneficial and harmonising herb especially for those with infertility issues and helpful for women who are going through menopause. It is still safe and gentle enough for men to take too! Pukka have their original Shatavari supplement, as well as Womankind, which is an Ayurvedic blend containing Shatavari, especially for harmonising hormones and nourishing the reproductive system.

ELIXIR’S THERAPIES FOR…

ENERGY & ENDURANCE

Maca | Goji Berry | Rhodiola

LIBIDO & HORMONES Maca | Goji Berry | Shatavari | Rhodiola

STRESS & SLEEP Rhodiola | Reishi

IMMUNITY

Astralagus | Ashwagandha

Keep your eyes peeled for our next Foodie Friday recipe, where we will be sharing with you the most delectable, and might we add chocolatey, little adaptogenic treats.

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