What are adaptogens good for?
/ Blog
Most of us have no concept of herbal remedies; we’d much prefer to go by our doctor’s advice. Which is a smart thing to do at the best of times and, more importantly, the worst of times.
Doctors usually don't recommend herbal remedies, let alone prescribe them; well, a lot of doctors anyway. That’s fair enough too; herbal remedies – including adaptogens – aren’t well researched, monitored and tested to the same detailed levels that prescription drugs are.
For that reason, the herbal market is open to abuse by scam wonder drugs exploiting desperate people. So do be careful what you place your faith in.
Now let’s focus on adaptogens and see how they stack up.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals used to reduce the effects of stress.
How do they do this? Well, adaptogens counteract changes to our neurological, endocrine and immune systems; harmful changes brought on by stress.
Do adaptogens actually work?
From all accounts so far, yes. Adaptogens have been found to promote general well-being. They help people with neurological disorders associated with ageing. They may even enhance mental clarity.
Where can we find adaptogens?
A variety of adaptogen herbs have been given a thorough once over and found to be safe, non-toxic herbal stress relievers. These are:
Siberian ginseng – The ginseng you use when you don’t want ginseng. Curiously, this isn’t real ginseng but can assist with relieving fatigue, stress, and depression nonetheless.
Schisandra – Noted more for aiding in liver health, schisandra also works as useful adaptogens.
Artic root – Otherwise known as rose root, artic root hails from the cold climes of Europe and is useful for headaches and flu, as well as stress.
Are adaptogens worth trying for stress and fatigue?
They are herbs and benefits will tend to be slow burners as a result. That said, any natural approach you can take to improving your well-being can be better for you than prescription drugs in the long run.
Studies carried out so far do suggest that adaptogens can help to reduce the effects of fatigue. But they seem to be getting most popular for their effects on stress thus far.
If you’re thinking of using adaptogens, do remember that they aren’t monitored in the same way prescription drugs are and prescribed medication may well be better for your condition.
