Adaptogens

Whilst on my wellness journey and studies I came across Adaptogens. I hadn’t heard of them before and when we really started to look into them, I was fascinated. We started with mushrooms and learning all about their health properties which then lead onto the medicinal mushrooms which are considered adaptogens. There are also herbal adaptogens as well.

Now adaptogens are a group of plants that work with the body. Instead of giving the body ‘false’ energy surges, the way coffee and sugar does, adaptogens improve the health of your adrenal system - the system that manages your body’s hormonal response to stress. (Van Wyk K.,2019)

Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress and some of the medicinal mushrooms are:

• Reishi is an edible type of medicinal fungus that is calming, rejuvenating and supports the immune system. Different studies have shown that these mushrooms are capable of offering protection against numerous diseases or illnesses such as inflammation, fatigue, respiratory and urinary tract infections, liver disease, food allergies, asthma, alleviate seasonal allergies,very calming for the gut, skin disorders, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep disorders and good to have before going to bed, anxiety and depression. I believe they are strongly tied to longevity which is something I’m passionate about. Because they work as an immune modulator, they can help restore hormonal balance and bring the body back to homeostasis. They act like a normalising substance regulating various cellular functions and systems (hormonal, immune, cardiovascular, central nervous and digestive). They are capable of doing so many things and when compared to medications you buy and get prescribed they’re non toxic and don’t have hardly any side effects at all. A quick improvement is noticed in energy levels, mental clarity and moods whilst also noticing a reduction in aches, pains, allergies, digestive issues and infections (Ayales A., 2020)

• Shitake mushrooms are only second to the button mushroom and is one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms in the world. They also have more nutritional values than the button mushrooms. They are an excellent source of copper and selenium and provide a great source of zinc and the B vitamins B2, B3, B6, folate. They also have good levels of manganese, vitamin D and fibre (www.wholefoods.com). The medicinal use of these mushrooms dates back to 100AD in China when it was used to treat and prevent upper respiratory diseases, boost circulation, increase energy, decrease fatigue and as a general chi enhancing elixir (Ayales A., 2020). It was also used to combat and prevent signs of ageing. They are good for nourishing the skin, supporting the liver, a respiratory tonic, lowering cholesterol and protect the immune systems. They can be added to stir fry’s, casseroles, soups and risottos. They are quite strong in flavour. Buying them dried and rehydrating them in water allows you to use them just like fresh ones.

• Lion’s Mane mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and plays a role in regulating cortisol levels which rise during stressful periods as well as having been shown to have potent effect on cognitive function and memory and increasing overall vitality and energy and a mild pain-relieving effect. Research shows that taking Lion’s Mane boosts reaction time, alertness and focus. (Go Magazine Health Report Article Issue 68-2023)

• Cordyceps mushrooms are a neuroprotective mushrooms which works to minimise damage to the brain caused by oxidation, which increases with age. It fights mental fatigue, improves learning capacity and memory and supports overall mental health and brain function. They also improve physical stamina and performance by boosting the transfer of energy, blood and oxygen to all cells in the body. This action also has benefits for heart and brain health with small-scale studies suggesting a potential role in recovery from brain injuries. They regulate mood disorders, stress and anxiety. (Go Magazine Health Report Article Issue 68-2023).

Medicinal mushrooms can be used daily or as needed.

Source: lecture notes from Nature Care College and as noted in this blog.