How I Use Adaptogens

I don't know about you, but the term "adaptogen" is fairly new to me. I've always been familiar with types of adaptogens such as turmeric, maca powder, ginseng and even licorice, but identifying these as a type of plant that could help me combat stress is a more novel concept.

WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?

Adaptogens are herbs, root vegetables, berries, etc. that help your body and mind "adapt" and cope with life's stressors. Some adaptogens include: ashwagandha (my favorite!), ginseng, maca, tulsi, turmeric and so many more.

HOW DO ADAPTOGENS WORK?

When we're presented with a stressful situation, both internal and external, we experience something called GAS, or General Adaptive Syndrome. GAS has three parts:

1) Alarm 2) Resistance 3) Exhaustion. When we consume adaptogens, they can help us prolong the resistance phase and delay or even prevent the exhaustion phase. This helps us power through a stressful or anxiety-inducing day without feeling fatigued. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I've been experimenting with a few types of adaptogens and I've found that they can be extremely effective.

HOW I CONSUME ADAPTOGENS

ASHWAGANDHA: boosts brain function, lowers blood sugar and cortisol levels and reduces anxiety and depression.

• Supplements: I take two of these organic ashwagandha supplements per day and I've seen noticeable results for managing anxiety.

• Coffee: I swear by the Four Sigmatic ashwagandha coffee. It gives me energy without the jitters and I love the taste. I'm not a fan of their instant coffee--I strictly use the ground beans. I drink this daily over ice with almond milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Beverages: I'm obsessed with the Dewdrop Pretty Balanced sparkling beverage. Not only does it have ashwagandha in it, but it also has a unique blend of white peach juice, moringa and lemon verbena. It's incredibly refreshing and not too sweet!

MACA: improves energy, stamina and libido.

• Smoothies: I add 1 tsp of this maca powder into my morning smoothies (ex: banana, ice, almond milk, almond butter, hemp seeds, ground flax, maca powder). It's REALLY important not to consume too much of this at a time. I once accidentally ate 3 tablespoons and it made me insanely sick for a whole day. Whoops!

REISHI MUSHROOM: boosts the immune system, has anti-cancer properties and reduces anxiety and depression.

• Hot Chocolate: Reishi tastes great in a nice, comforting mug of hot coco. I love this reishi and cacao powder by Navitas. I make it by mixing almond milk with 1 tbsp of this powder and a little homemade date syrup in my Nespresso milk frother.

• Smoothies: Navitas reishi cacao powder, almond milk, hemp seeds, banana one date and spinach (I promise you wont taste the spinach one bit!).

• Beverages: Dewdrop makes the most delicious sparkling beverage with yuzu lemon and reishi called Pretty Balanced. It almost tastes like an expensive cocktail (without the alcohol) with fresh-squeezed yuzu.

There are tons of adaptogens out there and chances are, you can find one to help with the ailment you're battling. As I continue using more of them, I will be adding to this list!