Adaptogens 101: What You Need To Know

How Are Adaptogens Supposed To Help The Body?

The human body was built to release various hormones depending on the circumstance. Cortisol - also known as the aging hormone - is released as a response to stress. However, elevated cortisol levels over long periods and chronic stress can affect every physiological system within the body, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. When cortisol levels increase within the body, an individual will experience a ‘fight or flight’ response which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands. When this event occurs, a decrease in digestive secretions and an increase in blood pressure takes place, the body and the brain are responding to the stressor, cortisol levels return to normal, and the body becomes balanced once again.

The key role adaptogens play is the minimizing of these effects and allow the body to respond to stress in a healthier way, without cortisol levels reaching a monumental level. The majority of adaptogens have universally proven to minimize fatigue and improve focus and endurance when feeling tired, boost immunity, protect against disease, increase energy and physical endurance, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, balance moods, sustain mental focus and cognitive abilities, and restore balance to metabolic processes.

Let’s discover what classifies as an adaptogen and its connection to herbal medicine.