Adaptogens are a category of herbs that adapt to our bodies requirements. So rather than having one direction of action, they can support us in the way we need. For example different herbs can be used to:

• Manage energy -so when we are stressed they help our body cope and provide more stamina to keep going but can also help us relax and sleep when we need to.
• Balance blood sugar– so if we have high blood sugar they will reduce it but if we have low blood sugars adaptogens will increase it!
• Support immune system– sometimes our immune system needs a boost to ward off infections but our immune system can also be overactive and start attacking our bodies in the case of auto-immune disease so certain adaptogens can be used safely for both needs.

Adaptogens are superstars for helping us cope with a stressful lifestyle. The term ‘adaptogen‘ was coined in Russia as they researched plants that would promote the health of their citizens under stress. They were used for athletes, soldiers, ballerinas, astronauts and farmers.

Russia primarily studied the herbs rhodiola, Siberian ginseng and schisandra. However, some adaptogens you might be familiar with are ashwagandha, panax ginseng and liquorice.

Whether it’s improving fertility or protection from cancer, there are so many benefits that these herbs can provide us with but knowing where to start can be a little daunting.

If you would like to know more about how you can use adaptogens, which adaptogens could be right for you and what benefits you can expect then I will be covering all of this next Monday at 17.00 with A Place to Heal.