Adaptogenic herbs are a group of plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are called adaptogens because they help your body adapt to various stressors, whether they are physical, mental, emotional, or environmental.
How do Adaptogens Work?
Adaptogens work by modulating your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a network of glands that regulates your stress response. When you face a stressful situation, your HPA axis activates and releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare you for the fight-or-flight response by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and alertness.
However, if you are exposed to chronic or excessive stress, your HPA axis can become overstimulated and dysregulated. This can lead to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline in your system, which can cause various health problems such as inflammation, immune suppression, hormonal imbalance, mood disorders, and more.
Adaptogens can help you cope with stress more effectively and improve your mental wellness. They can also support other aspects of your health such as energy levels, immune function, cognitive performance, and more.
Adaptogenic Herbs for Mental Wellness.
Adaptogenic Herbs for Mental Wellness: How They Can Help You Cope with Stress and Boost Your Mood
Stress is a common problem in today's fast-paced and demanding world. It can affect your physical and mental health, causing symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. While some stress is inevitable and even beneficial, chronic or excessive stress can take a toll on your wellbeing and happiness.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to manage stress and improve your mood. One of them is using adaptogenic herbs. These are plants that have the ability to help your body adapt to different kinds of stress and restore balance. They can also enhance your energy, immunity, cognition, and mood.
Here we will explore some of the best adaptogenic herbs for mental wellness and how you can use them to cope with stress and boost your mood.
What do adaptogens have to do with herbal tea?
Herbal teas use many plants that are adaptogenic. For us, it is important that our blends carry at least one adaptogen. This guarantees each sip is doing something to tangibly impact the stress our minds and bodies experience. (1) (5)
Some of the most popular adaptogenic herbs for mental wellness are:
Holy Basil
Herbs like Holy Basil, also called tulsi, has a long history of adaptogenic effects. Research indicates it supports quality sleep, tress, and mood. Pairing holy basil with licorice root helps support the adrenal glands as we deal with the high cortisol levels that long-term stress produces. (6)
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which means it helps the body to better cope with stress. In many Asian countries, all parts of the plant are utilized, and the tender leaves are eaten as a gentle nourishing herb. The name ‘Ashwagandha’ literally means ‘smelling like a horse’ which most likely refers to its actual scent.
In addition to its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha is also believed to help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and boost energy levels. (1) (3)
Licorice Root
Licorice root is an adaptogenic herb that is known for its sweet and distinct flavor. It is commonly used in tea blends and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Licorice root tea is also believed to support digestive health and boost the immune system. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to other tea blends for added sweetness and health benefits.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries and are believed to have many health benefits. They contain more than 400 different nutrients including beta-glucans and triterpenoids which can lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Some of the potential benefits of reishi mushrooms include boosting the immune system, reducing the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, reducing fatigue and depression. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Options
When it comes to picking the right tea for the right moment, it is really up to your preferences. However, we recommend if you want a relaxing moment to unwind, stay clear of caffeinated teas. Our Bear Hug and Reishi Realms are perfect for an afternoon and evening.
If you like something lighter and uplifting, try our Time to Smile, Happy Hibiscus, or Perky Tea (this one has a little caffeine from white tea).
For a great bedtime tea, or a tea for a moment of stress and anxiety, try our Cozy Chamomile. It’s formulated with powerful herbs to help with mental stress.
Precaution
When drinking herbal tea for anxiety or stress, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Herbal tea can be a supportive addition to your treatment plan, but it's not a replacement for professional care.
Citations
- Panossian AG, Efferth T, Shikov AN, et al. Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Med Res Rev. 2021;41(1):630-703.
- Liao LY, He YF, Li L, Meng H, Dong YM, Yi F, Xiao PG. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chin Med. 2018;13:57.
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186.
- Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP. An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(12):901-908.
- Mondal S, Varma S, Bamola VD, et al. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(3):452-456.
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr. 2022 Sep 2;9:965130. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.965130. PMID: 36185698; PMCID: PMC9524226.
- Link - Herbal support for Adrenal Function.
- Link - Pazzi F, Adsuar JC, Domínguez-Muñoz FJ, García-Gordillo MA, Gusi N, Collado-Mateo D. Ganoderma lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Nov 30;8(4):520. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8040520. PMID: 33265969; PMCID: PMC7712001.