• How do adaptogens affect our body?
• Factors that influence the body's imbalance
• What types of adaptogens are there?
• Who is recommended to use adaptogens?
• Are there any contraindications to the use of adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plants whose characteristic feature is toning the human body, which in practice means reducing the negative effects of stress on our mental and physical state. Adaptogens have been used in natural and folk medicine for centuries, but their effectiveness has only recently been confirmed by scientific research. According to the latest findings, adaptogens are non-toxic plants that have a positive effect on our body and nervous system. Their most valuable property is considered to be their ability to help reduce the effects of stress factors on the body and to aid adaptation to functioning under adverse environmental conditions.

How do adaptogens affect our body?

Adaptogens primarily regulate bodily functions and restore normal physiological mechanisms by strengthening natural resistance to illness, stress, fatigue, or depressive tendencies. These substances also have an effect on improving brain function, particularly memory, concentration, recall, and learning ability. Simply put, taking adaptogens makes us calmer, more relaxed, and makes it easier for us to make decisions. Adaptogens also have an antioxidant and protective effect on liver cells. During the process of neutralizing the negative effects of external factors, the following are normalized:

• hormonal economy,
• Metabolism,
• enzymatic reactions,
• cellular respiration,

Factors that influence the body's imbalance

Our bodies are constantly exposed to stress. Stressors include:

• sophisticated lifestyle,
• air pollution,
• highly processed foods,
• Lack of physical exercise,
• frequent, recurring infections
• Sleep disorders.

These factors contribute significantly to disruptions to our natural internal balance, known as homeostasis. Although our body constantly strives to maintain this equilibrium and thus adapts to changes in the environment around us, its natural abilities in this matter are limited. Adaptogens can help by increasing the body's adaptability and enhancing stress resistance.

What types of adaptogens are there?

For a particular plant to be considered a natural adaptogen, it must meet certain conditions, including not having a toxic effect on the environment and the human body, or having a normalizing effect on our body and mind. There are quite a few adaptogens that stimulate the body to return to its natural balance. Depending on our individual problems, we can choose an adaptogen that meets our specific needs—is it trouble falling asleep or perhaps we need support with a stressful lifestyle? Here is a list of the most valuable and well-researched adaptogens:

• on the function of the immune system and the reduction of anxiety or anxiety disorders, regular use helps to reduce the cortisol level responsible for the feeling of stress,
• Ginseng - thoroughly tested, helps in restoring the proper physical shape and also increases the resistance of body and mind to stress,
• Astragalus - very popular in Chinese medicine, protects cells from stress and free radicals,
• Eleutherococcus prickly is also called Siberian ginseng, an extract from this plant helps to increase the body's tolerance to adverse environmental factors, has a positive effect on learning and memory processes and also relieves depression and anxiety.
• Schizandra chinensis is a plant often used in anti-aging and anti-atherosclerosis preparations due to its high antioxidant content. It is particularly recommended for mental and physical exhaustion, anemia, and depressive disorders.
• Mountain rhodiola - also called golden root, is an extremely powerful adaptogen that helps to improve overall function and condition,
• Maca - otherwise Peruvian pepper, helps in the fight against stress factors, also regulates the hormonal balance,
• Asian basil - otherwise, Tulsi is valued for its anti-aging properties and ability to reduce feelings of stress and fatigue,
• Gotu kola , or Asian pennywort, improves the function of nervous system cells, enhances memory and thought processes, and relieves depression. It has a stimulating effect on people struggling with Alzheimer's disease. It is used for gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular disorders, as well as for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, ulcers, or slow-healing wounds.
• Smooth licorice and Chinese licorice – both plants contain glycyrrhizin, a substance that helps increase resistance to stress. Licorice root supports the proper functioning of the liver, increases its regenerative capacity, and also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
• Brahmi, or Bacopa Monnieri, is a plant that helps improve brain function, concentration, and memory. It is recommended for people suffering from Alzheimer's, ADHD, Parkinson's, and neurodegenerative diseases. Brahmi has powerful detoxifying effects.

Who is recommended to use adaptogens?

Adaptogens are especially beneficial in times of increased stress. They are also useful for prophylactic purposes to naturally strengthen the body, slow down the aging process, and limit the damaging effects of free radicals and pathogenic processes. Preparations with adaptogenic properties are available in the form of drops, tablets and capsules, teas, and infusions.

Are there any contraindications to the use of adaptogens?

Adaptogens are fairly well tolerated by the body, but, as with any preparation, reactions may occur that indicate hypersensitivity to certain plants, for example, reactions of the gastrointestinal tract. Contraindications to the use of adaptogens:

• there is pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• and Eleutherococcus for high blood pressure,
• The use of adaptogens by children should be consulted with a pediatrician.
• Consult a doctor in case of use of antidepressants, anesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, drugs that affect the cerebral circulation and the nervous system.

Adaptogens have a positive effect on the proper functioning of the human nervous system. They have a calming and antidepressant effect, increase stress resistance, reduce fatigue, and protect neurons from damage, while being safe products of natural origin.