What are adaptogens and how they help in dealing with anxiety and stress?


Good Lyfe Project Blog What are Adaptogens
Adaptogens Help Body combat chemical, physical and biological stress

COVID-19 pandemic has made us all extra vigilant about our wellness. ‘Holistic Wellness’ is the latest buzzword, emphasising ‘A healthy mind results in a healthy body,’ like never before.e. Adaptogens - a term we frequently hear these days, help with natural ways of dealing with anxiety and stress and promoting mental wellness. These versatile herbs can be incorporated into our daily meals or consumed as supplements to deal with everyday stress and anxiety.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens or adaptogenic herbs are non-toxic plants that can help the body combat chemical, physical and biological stress. Ayurveda prescribes the use of ancient herbs to deal with various kinds of stress and promote overall health. The powerful adaptogenic herbs recommended by Ayurveda are Ashwagandha, Tulsi or holy basil, Brahmi and Moringa.

Let’s get to know more about the popular adaptogens and simple ways to incorporate them into your daily life.

#1 Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is a super herb that can promote immunity and boost energy. It can also promote mental health by helping reduce stress and inducing sound sleep. A convenient option is to buy ready-to-use Ashwagandha root extract available in powder form. Add ashwagandha powder to your milkshake or smoothie for an energy-boosting drink. 

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Good Lyfe Ashwagandha Superoot Powder
  • 1 tsp organic ghee
  • 250 ml milk
  • 1 tsp organic honey

Directions

  • Heat ghee in a pan and roast Ashwagandha powder in it. 
  • Let the roasted powder cool completely. 
  • Add the roasted Ashwagandha powder and honey to cold milk and mix well. 
  • Drink cold. 

 Pro-Tip
Add roasted Ashwagandha powder to warm milk for a soothing bedtime drink. 


#2 Tulsi

Tulsi or Holy Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. Ayurveda highly recommends Tulsi for purifying blood, boosting immunity, curing respiratory ailments and reducing blood sugar. Tulsi’s tranquilising compounds can help soothe the mind. Add tulsi to your daily chai to make it a health-boosting beverage.

Ingredients

  • 100ml milk
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp Good Lyfe Project Tulsi SuperLeaf Powder
  • ½ tsp dry ginger powder
  • 1 tsp tea leaves of your choice
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp organic honey 
  • 1-2 cloves (optional)

Directions

  • Boil water on medium flame.
  • Add milk, tea leaves.
  • Add all the powders and cloves to the mix and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  • Strain the mixture in a mug.
  • Add honey and drink warm. 
Pro-Tip
Use non-dairy milk for a vegan tulsi chai. 


#3 Brahmi 

Brahmi or Indian Pennywort is known for its ability to rejuvenate the mind and improve memory. It is an impressive immunity-booster, anti-oxidant and stress-reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. Regular use of Brahmi can regulate the level of the hormone cortisol and thereby reduce stress and anxiety. Enjoy the myriad benefits of Brahmi with a rejuvenating mid-morning Brahmi buttermilk. 

Ingredients

  • 300ml buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp Brahmi (chopped fine)
  • ¼ roasted cumin powder
  • Pinch of rock salt

Directions

  • Add buttermilk and chopped Brahmi to the blender.
  • Blend for 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in a glass and add roasted cumin powder and rock salt.
  • Enjoy your drink!
Pro-Tip
Use Brahmi powder if fresh Brahmi is not available. 


#4 Moringa

Moringa or Drumsticks Tree Powder is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Its impressive nutrient content can prove helpful for a good heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. Add this superfood to your morning water to energise your body and flush out harmful toxins. 

Ingredients

  • 200 ml water (warm)
  • 1-2 tsp moringa powder
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Organic honey to taste (optional)

Directions

 

  • Add moringa powder and lemon juice to warm water. 
  • Mix well.
  • Add honey if required.
  • Drink warm.
  •  

    Pro-Tip
    Add ½ tsp of Good Lyfe Tulsi SuperLeaf Powder or ¼ tsp Good Lyfe Lakadong Superoot Turmeric Powder to boost the health benefits.  


    Tips to deal with Anxiety and Stress
    Incorporating adaptogens into your daily life can help you reduce stress and sleep better. Few additional lifestyle changes can further assist you in leading a healthier life. 

    • Daily Exercise - Regular moderate exercise can not only improve your physical appearance but also help in improving your mental health. 

    • Eat Healthily - Healthy and mindful eating is the key to a healthy body and good mental health. 

    • Practice meditation - Simple breathing exercises and Meditation can lower anxiety and stress levels. 

    • Reduce caffeine intake - Caffeine in tea, coffee or energy drinks tends to increase anxiety if taken in excess.

    • Spend time with loved ones - Spending time with friends, family, pets, and loved ones releases oxytocin and can help relieve stress. 

    Natural herbs boost overall wellness and are beneficial for treating many stress and anxiety-related disorders. With so many myriad benefits, it is recommended that you include them in your daily diet and harness their benefits for holistic health.

     

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