Adaptogens and a history full of mental well-being and comprehensive health

Adaptogens are a group of plants and natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote internal balance, improving the body's ability to respond to external factors. These natural options have gained popularity in recent years for their properties to improve general well-being, but their use has ancient roots.

History of adaptogens

The concept of adaptogens has its origins in the medicinal traditions of various cultures. In ancient China and India, within the Ayurvedic system , plants such as ginseng and ashwagandha were used to increase physical and mental resistance, balance the body and strengthen the immune system.

However, it was in the 20th century that the term “adaptogen” began to be used in a formal way. The concept was developed by Russian scientists, most notably by pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev in the 1940s. Lazarev defined adaptogens as substances that help the body resist the effects of stress without disrupting its normal functions. Later, physician Israel Brekhman and his research team continued to study adaptogens and how they improve physical and mental performance and the body’s ability to cope with stressful situations.

Learn how mental well-being is related to the immune system in the following article

How do adaptogens work?

Adaptogens act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the system that regulates the body's responses to stress . These substances do not stimulate or depress the system, but rather balance it, improving the body's ability to adapt to stressful situations. In this way, they help restore balance after having faced stressors, both physical and mental.

For example, when a person is facing a stressful situation, adaptogens can help reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and prevent the negative effects that prolonged stress can have on the body, such as fatigue, inflammation, and reduced cognitive function.

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Benefits of adaptogens

Adaptogens have a variety of benefits for the body, including:

• Reduce stress and anxiety : By regulating stress hormones, they help the mind and body stay calm and balanced, even in difficult situations.
• Improve mental performance : Adaptogens promote mental clarity and concentration, helping to maintain productivity and focus during times of stress.
• Increase energy and endurance : These natural compounds increase physical and mental endurance, allowing for better performance in daily activities and in high-demand situations.
• Strengthen the immune system : They help improve the body's defenses, which can prevent diseases or speed up recovery in case of infection.

Common Types of Adaptogens

Over time, several plants have been identified as adaptogens due to their unique properties. Some of the most well-known include:

• Ginseng : Known to increase energy and improve physical and mental stamina.
• Ashwagandha : Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Rhodiola : Helps fight fatigue and increases resistance to physical and mental stress.
• Reishi : A mushroom with properties that strengthen the immune system and improve longevity.
• Schisandra : Famous for increasing energy and physical endurance, as well as improving concentration and memory.

Why include adaptogens in your routine?

Adaptogens are a powerful natural tool for improving the body's response to stress and other external factors. Thanks to their ability to balance the body and restore its energy, these compounds have been valued by different cultures for centuries. With the rise of integrative medicine and holistic approaches to health, adaptogens have re-emerged as an effective option for those seeking a more balanced and healthy life.

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