We can all agree that sometimes our natural rhythm falls out of step. We live in a world where it is easy to take on too much, flaring up stress, and leading to burn out. This is where we can utilize our plant allies to sync back up to life’s rhythm: that healthy swing from stress to rest. Lucky for us, nature offers an entire category of roots, leaves, berries, and fungi specifically for this purpose, and we call them adaptogens.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs that bolster the body’s ability to respond to occasional stress. While adaptogenic herbs have been found in formulations dating back thousands of years, the term itself is relatively new. In fact, “adaptogen” was coined in the 1940s by a scientist named Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in the Soviet Union. The intention was to find plants from all around the world that would help the body increase its resistance to stress. Adaptogens by definition are nonspecific, meaning they help the whole body be better equipped to handle stress under challenging circumstances. While these restorative plants are useful for occasional stress, adaptogens were initially researched to promote stamina for military, sports, and space programs.
How to Take Herbal Adaptogens
Herbal adaptogens are some of the best for daily use as they are excellent at supporting healthy body functions over time. We’re talking about the long game here: herbs that work in a subtle yet powerful way to enhance your overall life experience. You might not ‘feel’ their effects instantly but when taken daily, adaptogen herbs can, over time, boost stamina and endurance, enhance one’s ability to adapt to periodic stress, restore mental alertness and support healthy immune system function.*
Whether you are seeking a bit more predictability in your daily energy cycles or a more easeful swing from stress to rest, incorporating adaptogenic herbs into your daily self-care routine can gently guide you towards your health and wellness goals.* Here are some of our favorite adaptogens:
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi’s rich, roasted cacao-like flavor transports you to a timeless forest where these ‘fruits’ indicate the passage of time. Their hard exterior may be a clue to reishi’s strengthening properties, as attempting to cut a reishi mushroom with a knife may pose a more damaging threat to the knife! Today, a good deal of research on reishi confirms its therapeutic potential due to the high concentrations of polysaccharide compounds called beta-glucans, which may be the reason that reishi is traditionally used to support immune function. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to balance the mind, consciousness, and emotions, this grounded herb gently reminds us to center, breathe, and dig our toes deep into soft soil. For supporting healthy immune system function, try our Reishi Mushroom with Rooibos & Orange Peel tea.*
Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Native to the East Siberia Taiga, and the northeastern provinces of China, eleuthero, erroneously known as Siberian ginseng, is a hearty shrub that enjoys the understory of pine forests. It entered the herbal supplement landscape when Soviet scientist Israel I. Brekham scoured the Taiga for an alternative to the powerful herb of longevity, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Eleuthero was a more affordable and less stimulating option than Asian ginseng, and quickly took center stage as a choice adaptogen. Eleuthero’s immune boosting effect works over time when enjoyed daily. Used by athletes to push the fatigue threshold, you can imagine why this root plays such a vital role in supporting our innate adaptability. New to the shelves is our Hemp + Herb Metal Focus tea featuring eleuthero root.*
Schisandra berry (Schisandra spp.): In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), schisandra is known as wǔ wèi zi, or the “five flavor fruit,” as it contains all five tastes — bitter, pungent, salty, sour, and sweet. Because of its unique complexity in flavor, schisandra has been used for over 2,000 years to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, and as a powerful adaptogen to support liver, immune, nervous, and endocrine system function. Considered to have both mildly stimulating as well as calming effects on the central nervous system, this herb can support enhanced reflexes and work performance, while still attributing to a general feeling of ease.*
Goji berry (Lycium chinensis): Goji berries have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a nutritive tonic for the liver, kidneys, and blood. Rich in carotenoids and flavonoids, goji berries can support cardiovascular health, as well as healthy circulation throughout the body. We love cooking with goji berries, as they are one of our best adaptogen foods! Especially delicious and versatile when soaked, goji berries make a great addition to hot cereals, smoothies, and snack-attacks.*
Rhodiola root (Rhodiola rosea): Originating in the high-altitude mountainous areas across the northern hemisphere, rhodiola has a long and widespread history of use. Chinese emperors, Siberian traders, and Scandinavian vikings all sought out this precious root for its fabled claims to immortality, and its ability to support sustained mental and physical endurance. Found in Urban Moonshine’s Energy Tonic, rhodiola is an excellent daily companion to maintain a healthy, harmonic stress to rest swing.*
Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus): Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the “yellow leader,” astragalus root is one of our leading tonic herbs. High in immune-supportive polysaccharides, astragalus is great for supporting optimal immune function. The key herb in Urban Moonshine’s Immune Tonic, astragalus shines with other adaptogens and immune supportive herbs like reishi and maitake mushrooms, and codonopsis root.*
Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): A rewarding herb to grow in temperate climates, ashwagandha root is considered one of our more relaxing adaptogens, which makes it a top choice for supporting healthy sleep function. A clue to this beneficial function is in its Latin name, somnifera translating to “restful sleep.” It is traditionally believed that when taken over long periods of time, ashwagandha will give you the stamina and strength of a stallion. Ashwagandha is traditionally combined with molasses and milk to make an iron-rich preparation. The primary herb in Urban Moonshine’s Simmer Down Tonic, ashwagandha combines with milky oat tops, skullcap, and tulsi to create a synergistic nervous system support formula that is truly special.*
