For those that subscribe to the philosophy of "let food be thy medicine"; healing plants a.k.a. Adaptogens, help balance, restore and protect the body by increasing the body's resistance to stress and normalising the individual's physiological functions.
Read on to find out more about this elite-class of nootropics that can help your body cope with stress - bringing your body back into a balanced, healthy, optimized state.
These non-toxic herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Japan, in Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) and Ayurvedic healing practices, but are now becoming popular "mainstream" superfood.
Read More on the symptoms of stress.
Reishi
Called the "mushroom of immortality", the reishi mushroom is a fan-shape fungal growth with a toasted orange, and brown color. When in the wild, it grows in humid areas on dead or dying hardwood trees. These days though, reishi mushrooms are cultivated, giving us easier access to its medicinal qualities. Gwyneth Paltrow - American actress, singer, and founder of goop - claimed reishi mushrooms were her new brain medicine!
High in beta-glucans, antioxidants, and anti-aging compounds. Traditional Chinese Medicine has also prescribed Reishi for those with insomnia.
Benefits: Qualms anxiety, liver detoxification, protection of brain from seizures, cognitive stimulation, lower blood pressure, reduces inflammation and neutralises free radicals.
Superfy your smoothie bowls with this nutritious immortal reishi mushroom powder!
Rhodiola
Known as arctic root or golden root, Rhodiola grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients and have been traditionally used by the Scandinavians and Russians to treat fatigue and anxiety.
Benefits: Shown to alleviate symptoms of stress, fatigue and depression, improving insomnia, mental health, emotional stability and shown to improve mental performance in stressful periods.
Superfy your sleep with this melatonin supplement.
Licorice Root
Thinking of candy? You aren't wrong! Native to both Europe and Asia, its usage has been documented as far back as Ancient Greece. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, this root is both anti-inflammatory and antibiotic, as well as anti-viral.
It also has an estrogen-like effect on women, thus helping with menstrual and fertility issues, as well as reducing the duration of hot flashes experienced during menopause.
Benefits: Effective against heartburn, a natural remedy for nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, ulcers, helps regulate cortisol, beneficial for both a leaky gut and a sore throat, and an immune booster.
Time to superfy your teatime!
Ashwagandha
One of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, it is also known as Indian ginseng. Its high concentration of withanolides, has been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth.
It has also been shown to increase testosterone levels and improve sperm quality and fertility in men.
Benefits: Lower blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol, boost brain function, help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Support your healthy brain function with this.
Panax Ginseng
Native to Korea, China and Russia, Panax or Red Ginseng is potent because it contains numerous ginsenosides - natural plant compounds which act like steroids. It has been said to help people feel better when undergoing cancer treatment.
A note for our caffeine addicts, this adaptogen increases the effects of caffeine ;) Here's your drop for energy and vitality!
Benefits: Improves mental function, increases libido, alleviates depression, help prevent colds, reduces severity of heart disease symptoms.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
No, you don't get this from your regular pesto. Native to Southeast Asia, Tulsi or Holy Basil is also known as the Queen of Herbs. This multi-tasking herb is antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and a natural pain killer!
It is also high in vitamin A and C, zinc, iron and chlorophyll.
Benefits: Boosts wound healing, lower blood sugar levels, lower LDL cholesterol levels, ease inflammation and joint pain, provide protection from stomach ulcers, antidepressant and antianxiety properties reduce anxiety and increase endurance.
Adaptogens and coffee? We're excited to wake up to this in the mornings!
Interested in finding out more about superfoods, adaptogens and anything that can superfy your life? Let David Wolfe's Superfoods be your guide!
What are #thelittlesteps you take to manage stress - whether through activities or with your diet? Share with us at [email protected].