If you've been browsing the aisles of your local health food store or scrolling through your social media feed, you may have noticed the buzz around adaptogens. I myself just discovered them, but I legit have over five on them in my online cart right now. But what are they, and why are they suddenly so popular in the wellness community?
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are usually for people who don't like traditional western medicine, like drugs that your doctor prescribe. I really don't know why I'm just getting around to this being the health nut that I am, I suppose being the daughter of a pharmacist I never gave traditional drugs much thought. Adaptogens are considered as substances that help the body adapt to stress by supporting the body's natural ability to regulate and balance itself. Hence the term, adaptogen.
What sets adaptogens apart from other herbs is their ability to work on a cellular level to support the body's response to stressors. Unlike other herbs that may have a specific effect on the body, adaptogens can help the body respond to a range of stressors, whether they're physical, emotional, or environmental.
So why are we seeing adaptogens everywhere now? One reason is the increasing interest in natural and holistic approaches to wellness. As more people turn to natural remedies to support their health and well-being, adaptogens are becoming more popular as a safe and effective way to manage stress.
Additionally, with the rise of "hustle culture" and the pressure to be constantly productive, people are seeking ways to manage stress and support their energy levels. We will speak on Hustle Culture more later, because I think it's killing us, especially millennials. Adaptogens are often touted for their ability to support mental clarity, focus, and energy levels, making them an attractive option for those looking to enhance their performance and productivity.
While adaptogens are not a magic cure-all, they can be a valuable addition to a holistic wellness routine. Whether you're looking to manage stress, support your energy levels, or improve your overall well-being, adaptogens can be considered an option. But please make sure you are seeing your doctor for regular checkups and bloodwork so you can know what is happening in your body, I'm serious stop avoiding the doctor.
I will speak more on Adaptogens once I know a little more, right now I'm just playing around and seeing what works for me. There is this really cool apothecary in New York called Amina Mundi and she has a website as well. Another popular company is Apothekary you will always see this one pop in your google search when you look this up.
A really popular Adaptogen that many of us know is Ginseng, it is probably the most well know of them all, it is said to help with calmness and memory. Do you take adaptogens and what kinds do you take? Please feel free to sound off below.
xoxo Lauren