How Adaptogenic Herbs Help in Reducing Stress

An adaptogen is a substance used in medicine that helps the body adapt to stress and so is known as a “Stress Buster”. It also protects the body from various stressors. All the healing plants fit under the umbrella of Adaptogens.

A plant is said to act as an adaptogen only when it suffices conditions of being nontoxic, nonspecific, and thought to affect the physiology of the individual, indirectly helping the person to cope up with stress.

Western medicine uses 2 main adaptogenic herbs Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, to curb stress.

Chyawanprash, an ayurvedic product with 35 herbs have a few of adaptogens in its pocket! The 3 main herbs of Chyawanprash which fall under adaptogens, are:

This medicinal herb is known as the “Indian ginseng” and is being used for 3000 years to relieve stress. The adrenal glands release a stress hormone named cortisol. Ashwagandha, with its revitalizing properties, helps reduce these cortisol levels that alleviate the stress level of the human brain.

The herb possesses a number of stress relieving properties. Pharmacological property of Holy Basil helps with several types of stress, whereas its antidepressant and anti-anxiety property strengthens stress response.

This adaptogenic herb has its botanical name as “Bacopa”. It decreases the cortisol hormones, responsible for causing stress, and increases serotonin hormones, that help calm the brain.

This adaptogen, widely known for its anti- stress characteristics, effectively manages the hormonal changes in the body caused due to stress. This herb increases the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for enhancing the mood. It shows greater regulation of stress as compared to other adaptogens.

This herb is known to be an adaptogen for a long time. It is a natural substance that improves body’s resistance to stress in unique ways. Rhodiola helps in treating insomnia, significantly reducing stress. It boosts your mental health.

Like other adaptogens, this also increases the resistance power of the body towards stress. The fruit of this herb is used as a medicine in Chinese Tradition, where the berry acts as an adaptogen that helps combat stress.

Adaptogens can be consumed in the form of powder or pills. But having them in the liquid form is recommended by many, as liquid adaptogens pre-digest the herb and extract some vital elements that prove to be useful for the body.

And the list continues:

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
• Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Cordyceps
• Maca

The adoptogenic herbs individually or in a superfood like Chyawanprash can mitigate stress and regulate mental health. With no side effects, these can be added to your daily diet.

Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for entertainment and reference purposes only, and is not meant to serve as actual medical information. For advice about any of the illnesses listed, please visit a qualified physician.