Adaptogens don't give you an immediate boost. The changes are therefore not immediately noticeable. The longer one takes an adaptogen the better it will work. Exceptions are rhodiola rosea and maca, where one will feel the effect quickly, but will work even better after longer intake.
Operation adaptogens
Adaptogens include a wide variety of different natural plants or herbs. Adaptogens can respond to the needs of what the body needs at that moment and increases general physical resistance to external stimuli of various kinds. Adaptogens increase human adaptability.
Adaptogens balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which plays an important role in the stress response. Adaptogens can therefore improve mood, metabolism, energy, immune system and hormone balance.
Changing weather conditions, suddenly changing situations and violent, shocking events can all cause stress. Some people already experience stress when a small abnormality occurs during their daily routine.
For which adaptogens can be used
- Better stamina, stress resistant
- Better resistance to infections, more energy
- Better adaptability, more vitality
- Blood pressure lowering, healthier immune system
- Better blood sugar, decreased inflammation and pain
- Better mood
- Fewer infections (inflammations)
Which adaptogen is right for you
Although adaptogens have comparative properties, they all have their own unique strengths.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is called the king of ayurvedic herbs and has a broad effect: improves the condition both physically and mentally, improves glucose metabolism and increases testosterone levels, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps has a strengthening and invigorating effect on body and mind.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is particularly rich in antioxidants and can therefore be used for various aging symptoms and can contribute to better concentration and memory. Ginkgo biloba, also called Japanese (Chinese) temple tree, has been used in China and Japan for more than a thousand years because of its beneficial effects.
Maca
Maca is a tuberous plant that grows high in the Andes and is full of essential nutrients. The maca is a cruciferous and is the only edible plant that can survive under extreme weather conditions and at an altitude between 3000 and 4000 meters. The roots of the plant are therefore very nutritious. Maca can be used for peri- and postmenopausal complaints, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), libido and potency disorders, fertility problems, disturbed hormonal balance, osteoporosis and prostate enlargement.
Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens is a good source of L-dopa (levodopa), a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine and its supplementation can increase dopamine levels in the body, important for locomotion, mood, sexuality, sleep, thinking, behavior and motivation. Mucuna pruriens can improve the feeling of well-being by increasing dopamine levels. This feeling arises in the brain when it needs to feel pleasant or when the brain wants to reward the body as it were. It is also a mediator in the production of norepinephrine (or norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel awake) and a stimulating factor in the production of the growth hormone.
Panax ginseng
The ability of Korean ginseng (panax ginseng) to increase natural resistance is very high, not only against pathogens, but also against many physical , chemical, psychological and emotional stress factors.
Reishi
Reishi is a powerful regulator of the immune system, a promising cure for cancer and a stress reliever. This mushroom is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea has adaptogenic properties (increases the body's resistance to various types of stress in a general, non-specific way). Rosavine and salidroside are substances believed to be responsible for the soothing and uplifting effects of rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola rosea has the ability to increase energy metabolism at the cellular level. It provides higher levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate in the mitochondria, the so-called energy factories of the cells. As a result, it ensures a greater supply of energy molecules to the various body cells, which is indispensable for the performance of daily tasks.
Schisandra
Schisandra is an adaptogen that is traditionally used to support against stress, for more energy, better concentration and has a positive effect on liver function.