Best adaptogens for immunity: LIST HERE
Adaptogens are an incredibly diverse group of plants with unique properties and effects on the human body. While this blog has discussed individual adaptogens in depth before, our previous posts focused on their specific benefits in combating stress and anxiety.
This article will instead explore the hidden powers of adaptogens that make them so effective as immune boosters. Let's look at the best adaptogens for immunity, how they work, and which ones you should keep close to home this flu season…
What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a natural substance that can help reduce the effects of stress. They have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years for their restorative and rejuvenating properties. This broad term covers many substances, such as herbs and plants, that can help the body restore balance when faced with stress.
They can be incredibly effective at boosting the immune system and protecting against disease. While each adaptogen works uniquely, they all have some common properties. Some of these include being non-toxic, balancing hormone levels, increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, reducing inflammation, and increasing the immune system's effectiveness.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is believed to have many health benefits. It has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and can help improve athletic performance and aid with sleep disorders.
Cordyceps contains several essential nutrients, including beta-phenethylamine (PEA), adenosine, and cordycepin. All these have been shown to affect the human body and help boost immunity positively.
Cordyceps has also been shown to increase testosterone levels and sexual desire in men while increasing women's fertility by increasing estrogen levels. This herbal supplement can be used as a daily tonic to improve quality of life and help protect the body against free radical damage and other health issues.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that has many uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and has been used as an adaptogen for thousands of years. This herb is believed to have many powerful benefits, including increasing the immune system, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep, boosting energy levels, and being relevant to sexual health and fertility.
Ashwagandha is an incredibly versatile herb with an impressive range of benefits and can be used as an adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant, and as a sleep aid. This adaptogen has been shown to increase the number of white blood cells critical to the immune system. It is also believed to have the ability to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone that is responsible for stress.
Licorice
Since ancient times, licorice has been utilized as a herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. More recently, it has been discovered that it has strong immune-boosting properties and can help protect against pathogens and viruses. This herb contains an active compound called glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to increase cortisol levels in the body, which is the hormone responsible for stress.
Glycyrrhizin is also believed to be accountable for licorice's anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe coughs, sore throats, and other minor infections. Licorice is a versatile herb that boosts immunity, reduces stress, and protects against illness. It can be used as a daily tonic or taken during cold or flu season to help prevent getting sick.
Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the best-known adaptogens and has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is believed to have many beneficial effects, including increasing mental and physical energy, reducing the impact of stress, improving the immune system, and even being relevant to sexual health.
Ginseng has long been known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety and has been studied extensively. It has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and increase serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and joy.
Ginseng has also been shown to improve the immune system and protect against illness. It is also believed to enhance fertility by increasing estrogen levels in women. This adaptogen is a powerful herb that can boost immunity and protect against disease while reducing stress and improving energy levels.
Withania Somnifera (Indian Ginseng)
Withania somnifera, better known as Indian ginseng, is an adaptogen related to the more well-known Asian variety. This herb is believed to have many benefits, including increasing energy, reducing stress and anxiety, improving the immune system, and protecting against infections.
It is also thought to be relevant to fertility and sexual health. Indian ginseng is a powerful herb that can boost immunity and protect against illness while reducing stress and improving energy levels. It is also believed to have some benefits for fertility and sexual health.
Matcha tea
Matcha is the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant commonly used in Japanese tea. It has been studied for its health benefits and has been shown to have immune-boosting solid properties. It contains a high amount of L-theanine, which has a calming effect and can aid with sleep.
It has also been shown to increase serotonin, dopamine, and ATP levels, all critical neurotransmitters that can help boost immunity. This adaptogen can help boost immunity and protect against common illnesses and infections. It can be taken as a daily tonic or during cold and flu season to help prevent getting sick.
Blueberry & Vitamin C powder
Blueberries are a well-known superfood that has an impressive range of health benefits. While they have long been known for their positive effect on mental health, they have recently been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
Blueberries are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to increase the number of white blood cells critical to the immune system. They have also been shown to reduce the amount of cortisol in the body, which is responsible for stress.
Blueberries can be added to a wide range of foods and drinks, including smoothies, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, and even cookies. Vitamin C can be added to water and beverages to increase its absorption in the body.
Conclusion
This article has explored the hidden powers of adaptogens that make them so effective as immune boosters. We have discussed individual adaptogens and the properties that make them effective immune boosters. Adaptogens can be used as a daily tonic or during cold and flu season to help boost the immune system and protect against illness.