Adaptogens

It's November, the week before Thanksgiving, and you're feeling the stress from looming holiday parties, finding gifts for everyone on your list, family, travel, deadlines, and making it all fit in your budget. 

You're heard about adaptogens (Reishi, Ashwaganda, Rhodiola), but you're not sure if they're right for you. 

If you want to increase your resistance to stress, decrease weight gain and hold off exhaustion, Adaptogens are right for you. 

Let's be real, that's all of us. Stress has become part of our daily lives. Yes, the holiday season has its own set of stressors, but there's also allergy season, bikini season, and tax season. 

We do everything we can to achieve balance - yoga, mindfulness, meditation and having an attitude of gratitude. Why not mix some adaptogens into the mix, and let your body heal from the inside out? Here are a few to think about:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Boosts working memory, reaction time, calmness, and immune system

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Reduces stress and anxiety

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Combats fatigue

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) Boosts stamina

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) Boosts energy, physical and mental performance, calmness, and sense of well-being, and can also improve sleep

Eluethero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus)Improves focus and staves off mental fatigue

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum)Reduces stress and boosts endurance

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)Reduces stress

Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea)Staves off physical and mental fatigue

Schisandra berry/Magnolia berry (Schisandra chinensis)Boosts endurance, mental performance, and working capacity

Tulsi/Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)Reduces physical and mental stress, stress-related anxiety, and depression

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)Boosts brain function and reduces depression