We are all looking for that magic little pill, but how can adaptogens help?
We are all looking for ways to feel better, cope better, sleep better, slow down and be less stressed. Finding balance can be a daily challenge. Hopefully we have all topped up our vitamin D stores from the sun over the summer months and are heading into winter with a robust immune system. However, if you feel you need extra mental or emotional support then Sorelle Health adaptogens for mental and emotional support may be just what you need to take you through the next few months.
Our bodies are capable of adapting with support from the herbs and plants Naturopaths call 'adaptogens'.
Like the Holly tree which, through phenotypic plasticity, can adapt to its environment (ie the leaves are prickly at deer-snacking-height, and smooth where the deer can't reach them) we use the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis which is a communication system between brain and adrenals using hormones as messages to regulate the stress reaction versus plant version making a genetic mutation.
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
Adaptogens are plants or herbs that help the body to adapt and cope with stress, whether this be physical, emotional, or biological. They do this by regulating the body’s stress response and helping to balance levels of cortisol and adrenalin.
Signs of chronic stress can be weight gain round the middle, brain fog, feeling overwhelmed, broken sleep, a busy mind that cannot switch off, or sheer exhaustion.
Remember winter time is when we should be eating warm foods to keep our digestive fire constant. Choose nourishing warm soups, broth, stews and casseroles, this is not the best time for cold salads and smoothies!
RHODIOLA
This is a root traditionally used to improve mental and physical performance by helping to balance the release of cortisol while elevating serotonin.
Also known as Goldenroot, it has a long history of use as a medicinal plant for boosting immunity. In Chinese medicine the root is said to replenish Qi (pronounced “Chee”) by activating blood circulation. In modern medicine Rhodiola is used for its immune, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In Ayurveda it is used as an adaptogen and heart and brain tonic, increasing blood flow to the brain and muscles. Sorelle Health Rhodiola is organic and has added vitamins B5 and B6 for nervous system support and is best taking in the morning.
- Increases resilience to stress
- Supports brain function
- Immune boosting
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is also known as Winter Cherry and Indian Ginseng.
This famous adaptogen has two vital benefits; core calmness and inner vitality. It allows us to adapt to daily life stressors, so we are not wasting energy. This deeply nourishing herb gently rebuilds strength and immunity and slows ageing.
Perfect for people with an anxious nature, who have difficulty sleeping. This Herb has incredible nourishing abilities that help the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha is the herb of choice when there is any chronic imbalance that results in depletion and convalescence. It’s stabilising and grounding effects help support people with palpitations, anxiety and insomnia.
- Increases stamina
- Improves sexual health
- Anti-inflammatory
BACOPA MONNIERI
Also known as Brahmi, the herb of grace. Helps to improve memory, learning ability and concentration. Named after Brahman, the universal consciousness, is a rejuvenative for the brain and nerve tissue, renown for influencing the quality of thought.
Clinical studies have shown that Bacopa can help increase cognition memory and concentration, while also greatly improving anxiety.
It is used in mental disorders and epilepsy, anxiety, dementia and also commonly used for insomnia. Sorelle Health Bacopa is organic and contains 120 capsules.
- Increases resilience from distress and combats nervous exhaustion
- Relaxing for stress related diarrhoea constipation and IBS
- Very useful in skin conditions with underlying nervous in balance
- Emotional stress and mental exhaustion
- Poor memory and concentration anxiety and depression
PURE GARLIC
A powerful adaptogenic herb and has excellent antimicrobial and detoxifying properties. Known for its health promoting effects with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and diabetes. Pure Garlic's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid lowering benefits are well known. The evidence on garlic is abundant and studies support its medicinal benefits as a worm medicine, an inhibitor of candida albicans, for lowering blood pressure and clearing the arteries.
- Antihypertensive
- Cardioprotective
- Immune support
- Antimicrobial and anti-viral
- Detoxifying
- Lipid lowering properties
MILK THISTLE
One of my favourite herbs! Well known for its detoxifying effects and ability to regenerate the liver and help with gall bladder issues, increasing bile production and reducing inflammatory bowel problems. Essential if you drink alcohol. Milk Thistle also helps to maintain hormone balance by clearing out excess hormones from the body.
- Detoxifying
- Liver regeneration
- antioxidant
- Improves skin health
- Digestive function
- Anti-cancer
Adaptogens are truly powerful natural remedies that assist the body in handling various types of stress by promoting hormonal balance and a healthy stress response. Options like Sorelle Health adaptogens for mental and emotional support Milk Thistle (now available in refill pouch), Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa Monnieri, known for their beneficial benefits, are conveniently available in capsule form on our website.
Sorelle Health founder Nicky Skea studied Naturopathic Nutrition at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London and went on to specialise in Autoimmune and digestive health, using Ayurvedic principals alongside western herbs and functional blood testing.