Chances are that you’ve seen mushroom coffee all over social media or you’re friends have been beaming about the benefits of reishi powder in energy balls. These things are part of a new trend that adds adaptogens to your foods and drinks. Adaptogens are natural substances including Chaga, reishi, ashwagandha, ginseng, maca, astragalus, tulsi/holy basil, turmeric, Goji berry, licorice root, lucuma, and cordyceps, and they help your body respond to mental and physical stress. So, what else should you know about adaptogens?
What Are Adaptogens?
The additives aren’t actually new—they’ve been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic practices and these plants support the immune, nervous, and glandular systems which helps with fatigue, increases mental performance, and alleviates depression and anxiety.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
Adaptogens actually work by strengthening your adrenal glands which regulates your body’s response to stress. Each adaptogen has different benefits associated with it and they can stimulate, calm, warm, cool, moisten, or dry your system.
How to Use Adaptogens
If you’re new to adapotgens, we suggest consulting with a naturopathic physician so they can recommend which products will work best for your needs and the correct dosages to take. From there, you can take them in capsule form or in powders by mixing them with smoothies, brewing them in teas, stirring them in soups, or adding them to energy balls.
