For people familiar with a healthy lifestyle, the term “adaptogens” is probably well known. Those who have only recently embarked on this path may be surprised when they are offered, for example, adaptogen tea in an oriental or vegetarian restaurant. Meanwhile, taking adaptogens will help you lose weight.


What it is?

Adaptogens are mostly special herbs, and sometimes mushrooms or roots, which have the ability to fight stress, anxiety, insomnia, and obesity, boost immunity, and many other beneficial properties. They have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and naturopathy for centuries, and now it seems to be the turn of Western medicine too.

Asian ginseng, holy basil (also known as tulsi or tulsi), Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng), ashwagandha, astragalus root, sea buckthorn, licorice root, Rhodiola Rosea, cordyceps (mushroom), reishi (the so-called "mushroom of immortality") are just some of the best-known adaptogens.


How it works?

The term "adaptogen" itself refers to the ability of these herbs and fungi to adapt to the body's needs. A large 2010 study found that adaptogens "have therapeutic effects, can combat stress-related diseases and disorders, and improve the condition of patients with chronic diseases and pathological conditions." These herbs support the adrenal glands, affect the level of cortisol (the stress hormone), relieve stress, and calm anxiety, while promoting energy and performance, and eliminating toxic by-products from the body.


Due to their ability to combat stress and even out cortisol levels, the use of adaptogens in one form or another has other positive effects on the body:

• Improve the functioning of the immune system.

• Reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases (such as allergies, lupus, and diabetes) and cancer.

• Improve memory and concentration.

• Improve digestion (especially in case of irritable bowel syndrome).

• Improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

• Improve the quality of sleep.

• Slow down the aging of the body.

• Improve potency and fertility.

• Improve metabolism.

• Promotes weight loss.


In what form should adaptogens be taken?

Adaptogens can be taken in the form of dietary supplements, and you can choose combinations of adaptogens to your liking or stop at a "pure" product. Or you can take them in the form of herbal teas. Since the term "adaptogens" hides many types of plants, the properties of each of them and the recommended dosage must be taken into account.

Let's dwell on the most accessible and popular adaptogens:


Ginseng



Ginseng root tea is an excellent healthy substitute for caffeine stimulants and energy drinks. The plant also has an analgesic effect, removes bile, and improves gas exchange in the lungs. Thanks to the medicinal effect of ginseng, blood pressure normalizes, the function of the endocrine system increases, and blood sugar levels decrease. Ginseng has a calming effect on neurosis and stress. Ginseng tea also promotes quality sleep. Ginseng has no negative side effects and is non-addictive.


<<< Ginseng tea

To make your own ginseng tea, you'll need about 2-4g of high-quality ginseng root (aged 6 years), which you can buy from specialty stores. A piece of ginseng root with 1 sachet of one of your favorite teas should be poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes or left to infuse in a thermos for 20 minutes. It is better to drink the drink in the morning or during the day.



Eleutherococcus



Eleutherococcus is present in Japan, Russia, China, and Korea. This plant contains almost all the substances found in ginseng, which is why it is also called "Siberian ginseng". In addition to the properties common to all adaptogens, Eleutherococcus is able to regulate blood sugar and improve vision and hearing, and also has very strong anti-cancer properties. Eleutherococcus has the ability to increase the permeability of cell membranes to glucose. The oxidation of fatty acids is also markedly increased. The leaves and roots of the plant, which are harvested in early spring, have medicinal power against Eleutherococcus.

Eleutherococcus is available in many dosage forms, but you can also prepare it yourself. Eleutherococcus tea is prepared in the same way as ginseng tea. At home, you can also prepare a tincture of Eleutherococcus.


<<< Eleutherococcus tincture

The Eleutherococcus tincture can be prepared at home from self-collected and prepared raw materials. It is recommended to use this tincture at least twice a day, 1 teaspoon, preferably half an hour before meals.


Rhodiola Rosea (golden root)



Rhodiola Rosea is called the golden root because its positive effect on the body is exceptionally strong. In ancient times, Chinese emperors sent special expeditions to Altai for the golden root. A distinctive feature of Rhodiola from other adaptogens is that it has a strong effect on striated muscle tissue, as well as on the heart muscle. Even after a single dose of Rhodiola, muscle strength and endurance increase. Rhodiola Rosea causes a distinct activation of cellular bioenergetics. The size of mitochondria increases, and their ability to use carbohydrates, fatty acids, and lactic acid increases. Increases glycogen content in muscles and liver. Simultaneously with the strengthening of the process of muscle contraction, the relaxation of the muscle also becomes stronger. As a result, muscle performance recovers faster. The active components of the plant accelerate the natural cell metabolism and improve the synthesis of collagen. Therefore, courses of Rhodiola Rosea often accompany a well-organized process of weight loss. The herbal tonic not only helps a person cope with physical activity and limited nutrition but also helps restore tissue elasticity, allowing you to lose weight without any problems with sagging skin.


Aralia Manchuria



Aralia Manchurian, along with Rhodiola Rosea, is one of the most effective adaptogens for weight loss. It has a general tonic and tonic effect, activates protein synthesis, reduces blood sugar, and significantly increases the permeability of cell membranes to glucose. The intensity of glucose oxidation inside the cell also increases. Aralia differs from other adaptogenic herbs in that it has the strongest hypoglycemic effect. It is even used to treat diabetes. In addition, aralia root has a diuretic effect, which also contributes to weight loss.