Adaptogens Definition: What does this word mean when even Google doesn't recognize it? Comment - picture can be of google underlining it
The last few years have seen an exponential growth of new terms in the natural medicine industry, which either need to be revised or more accurate. One notable example is the word "adaptogen," which has become increasingly common in combination with other herbs and plants.
But what does Adaptogen mean? And why is it so widely used as a secondary description for many different plants and herbs? Do all of these plants qualify as adaptogens? And if not, why do they have that secondary title?
These are just some of the questions we have when coming across this word for the first time. In this post, we'll look deeper into what adaptogens are and explore their potential benefits.
What does Adaptogen mean?
An adaptogen is a plant that supports the body's ability to withstand and bounce back from mental, physical, and emotional stress. This includes both psychological stress and physical stressors.
Adaptogens help the body cope and respond to stressful situations by regulating and balancing hormone levels, supporting the immune system, and regulating blood sugar and blood pressure. They help the mind and body deal with the wear and tear of everyday life and help us remain calm, focused, and energized.
Adaptogens are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-stress properties. They can be used to promote longevity and support a healthy immune system, heart, and circulatory system.
Adaptogens are also helpful for people trying to lose weight, decrease anxiety and stress, improve sleep, and increase mental clarity and focus. They can also help improve mood and relieve symptoms of PMS, hot flashes, and menopause.
Adaptogens benefits
- Anti-inflammatory: Many adaptogenic herbs are highly anti-inflammatory, which can reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as other kinds of discomfort related to inflammation.
- Anti-stress: Stress is a risk factor for many health issues, including chronic disease and mental health problems. Many adaptogens have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and lower the risk of these problems.
- Promoting longevity: Several studies have found that regular use of adaptogenic herbs can increase lifespan.
- Immune support: Several adaptogens have been shown to support the immune system, reducing the risk of colds, cases of flu, and other infections.
- Heart health: There is some evidence that adaptogens can support heart health and reduce heart disease risk.
- Circulation: Some research suggests that adaptogens may positively affect circulation and blood pressure.
- Weight loss: Several adaptogenic herbs are traditionally used to promote weight loss and increase metabolism.
Adaptogens properties and functions
- Hormonal regulation: Some adaptogens can help regulate hormones, particularly cortisol and insulin, which can be helpful for those with hormonal imbalances, such as those with PCOS, endometriosis, or hypothyroidism.
- Nootropic effects: Some adaptogens can increase cognitive function, improve mental clarity, promote focus, enhance memory, and support brain health.
- Hormone regulation: Some adaptogens can help the body respond better to hormone-based birth control or hormone replacement therapy.
- Immune system support: Many adaptogens support the immune system, which can help prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Certain adaptogens have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support health and longevity.
How can adaptogens benefit our health?
An expanding corpus of study is looking at the possible advantages of adaptogens. Although more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and establish recommended dosing protocols, some studies have found the following potential benefits from adaptogenic herbs.
- Anti-inflammatory: Many studies have found that certain adaptogenic herbs are anti-inflammatory, reducing joint stiffness, swelling, and other types of discomfort related to inflammation.
- Anti-stress: Stress is a risk factor for many health issues, including chronic disease and mental health problems. Many adaptogens have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and lower the risk of these problems.
- Promoting longevity: Several studies have found that regular use of adaptogenic herbs can increase lifespan.
- Immune support: Several adaptogens have been shown to support the immune system, reducing the risk of colds, cases of flu, and other infections.
- Heart health: There is some evidence that adaptogenic herbs can support heart health and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Blood sugar regulation: Some adaptogenic herbs can help regulate blood sugar, which can be helpful for those with diabetes.
- Weight loss: Several adaptogenic herbs are traditionally used to promote weight loss and increase metabolism.
Summary
An expanding corpus of study is looking at the possible advantages of adaptogens. Although more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and establish recommended dosing protocols, some studies have found the following potential benefits from adaptogenic herbs.