True Adaptogens is a practitioner-formulated, bioactive combination of herbs including red ginseng, ashwagandha, holy basil and rhodiola, to encourage balance and harmony in the body.
There are only about nine well-researched adaptogens, said Winston: Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng), American Ginseng (Panax quinqeufolius), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Shilajit (Asphaltum bitumen), ...
Panax Ginseng
Ginseng is one well-known adaptogen, and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is considered by many to be the most potent. In humans, Panax ginseng has been shown to successfully improve feelings of calmness and some aspects of working memory performance in healthy young adults.
Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb which indicates that it can not only support lifestyle and treat disease but also has the pharmacological action to reduce metabolic, physical, and psychological stressors on the body.
Modern studies have shown that adaptogens can non-specifically enhance the resistance of human body under a wide range of external stress conditions with a multi-targeted and multi-channel network-like manner, especially by affect the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.
Due to their properties, adaptogens are used for a wide range of reasons. Some of the best adaptogens are Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Cordyceps, Rhodiola and Turmeric.
If your primary concern is anxiety, getting a full night's sleep, or just overall relaxing, ashwagandha is the better choice. If physical stamina and higher energy levels are what you're looking for, choose rhodiola. Of course, you can always combine ashwagandha and rhodiola for the max amount of benefits.
It's important to talk with your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms or any others that you find concerning. Certain populations that should avoid adaptogen use include: Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
What happens if you take too many adaptogens? Taking too many adaptogens may raise your risk of side effects. If you're taking multiple supplements that contain multiple adaptogens or vitamins or if your levels of a particular vitamin or mineral are already high, this could potentially lead to harmful effects.
But growing research shows that adaptogens help the body regulate in many ways, including improving mood, balancing hormones, fighting fatigue and boosting the immune system.
Ashwagandha can increase immune response, so it's recommended that individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or other conditions) avoid taking ashwagandha [1].
Third would be Magnesium. This isn't an adaptogen but a mineral—something that's a bit more traditional, but I think it's worth mentioning as it's part of my new-age health arsenal, too.
Rhodiola is an adaptogen that can balance the secretion of cortisol during difficult situations. Rhodiola can support energy levels and optimize concentration in those with adrenal fatigue. Of the 20 different types of Rhodiola plants, only Rhodiola rosea exhibits health benefits and can be classed as an adaptogen.
And in case you're wondering what these power players actually are, commonly used adaptogens include turmeric, ginseng, ginger, maca, tulsi (holy basil), rhodiola, chaga, reishi, and ashwagandha ... just to name a few.
Lavender is considered to be an adaptogen – an herb or plant with the ability to resist stress.
At Rritual we blend ashwagandha and reishi together, as part of our Reishi Relax collection, as both are known to help relax an overactive mind as well as overly energised nerves. ‡ Helping you to kick back, unwind and ease you gently into a dreamy night's sleep.
What Are the Differences Between Maca and Ashwagandha? The main similarity between ashwagandha and maca is that they can boost energy and promote physical performance — albeit in different ways. Ashwagandha improves energy due to its adaptogenic effects, while maca does so thanks to its high antioxidant content.
From Camellia sinensis (tea-plant) comes the adaptogenic varieties of tea, including black, pu-erh, oolong, houjicha, and matcha green tea. These are true adaptogens, befitted by extensive research on their composition and regulatory actions in full body health.
Ashwagandha might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to nightshades. Skin rashes, itching, inflammation, chest pain, and breathing difficulties are all possible side effects.
If you take adaptogens daily, it's recommended to take one day off a week for the body to get the max benefit. Make sure to check with your doctor if you have questions about taking adaptogens since they haven't been evaluated by the FDA.
Many experts recommend rotating or cycling adaptogens so that their positive impact on the body can be continuous, rather than your system getting overly used to them. Rotating, or even taking breaks from adaptogens is a good idea, explains Tyler Beakley, herbalist and owner of Relyt, a woman-owned wellness company.
Rhodiola has been used safely in studies lasting 6 to 12 weeks. Possible side effects include dizziness and either dry mouth or excessive saliva production. Little is known about whether it's safe to use rhodiola during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
L-theanine and ashwagandha are quite complimentary in terms of their benefits, but the mechanisms of action are quite different. Ashwagandha works more on a hormonal level, especially with cortisol. L-theanine works more on the neurotransmitters.
Rhodiola may prevent immunosuppressants from working (such as those taken for multiple sclerosis). People with autoimmune disorders should not use rhodiola. Rhodiola should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for children.