A little history
Although they have been used for thousands of years around the world, particularly in traditional medicines , the first research into the benefits of adaptogenic plants was only carried out in the 1940s by a team of Russian researchers. Indeed, in a context of world war , the government of the Soviet Union decided to launch this research in order to find natural tonics which would increase the potential of its elites . It was the Russian doctor Nicolaï Lazarev who created the concept of adaptogen in 1947 . Until the 1980s, more than 1,000 studies on 3 adaptogenic plants were published. And thanks to intensified research, adaptogens are today used by oriental medicines as part of gentle therapies .
What is an adaptogenic plant?
Russian researcher Nicolaï Lazarev defines the concept of adaptogen as “a pharmacological substance capable of inducing in an organism a state of non-specific increased resistance, making it possible to counterbalance stress signals and adapt to exceptional effort. » Adaptogens are plants, berries and mushrooms that help the body regain its balance and adapt to the different types of stress it may face on a daily basis. To this definition are added three criteria allowing a plant to be qualified as an adaptogen:
- It increases the overall resistance of the body in a non-specific manner , that is to say it generally and sustainably improves the body's resistance to all types of stress.
- It has a normalizing action , i.e. a regulating and balancing effect on the body and its action is stable throughout the day, unlike stimulants like caffeine.
- It shows an absence of toxicity on the body and therefore does not cause side effects or dependence.
The benefits of adaptogenic plants
Nowadays, adaptogenic plants are used more and more thanks to new consumption patterns and the renewed popularity of traditional medicines. They play a regulatory role on human metabolism , thus increasing the body's capacity to adapt to certain environmental factors such as fatigue or stress. Adaptogenic plants can be particularly effective in combating all forms of stress , both acute and chronic, and, therefore, rebalancing the body. In addition to these anti-stress properties, the richness in vitamins, trace elements and amino acids provides these plants with tonic and energizing properties . They are a very good way to tone your body and gain energy in the event of fatigue. Adaptogens can be used both to limit the complications of an illness and strengthen the general condition of the affected person, as well as to prevent the effects linked to stress or fatigue, for example. Thus, they help to promote general health , without treating specific illnesses. All adaptogens have a unique profile and properties that belong to them. Some are considered more stimulants, others more sedatives, while others are considered antioxidants. Here we present nine adaptogenic plants known for their health benefits.
9 adaptogenic plants recognized for their benefits
Ginseng, to boost your sporting performance
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) has been used for millennia in Chinese medicine as a healing herb. Its roots are used for their richness in ginsenosides and micronutrients. It is renowned for its stimulating effects and its general tonic action on physical and mental performance . Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties , it also reduces muscle pain and promotes better recovery . If you want to boost your sporting performance, you can find this plant in your personalized treatment .
Maca, to improve sexual performance
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), called Peruvian ginseng, is a plant native to the Peruvian Andes used for thousands of years for its tuber rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and nutrients. Thanks to its stimulating and energizing properties , it revitalizes the body by giving it energy and thus improving its physical resistance . It helps fight fatigue and has positive effects on mood and fertility . Maca is also known for its aphrodisiac effects .
The Griffonia, for restful sleep
The griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) is a shrub that grows naturally in the forest regions of tropical Africa. Their benefits come from the seeds, which are very concentrated in 5-HTTP. This amino acid converts into serotonin, the precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin. Griffonia is especially recognized for its benefits at the start of the night, that is to say for limiting insomnia and allowing you to fall asleep peacefully . This is why we selected it and added it to our Sleep Gummies . This plant can also be found in your personalized treatment if you need to find healthier and more restful sleep.
Rhodiola, to bring tone and vitality to the body
Rhodiola ( Rhodiola rosea ) is a plant native to Siberia which grows at more than 4000 meters above sea level. It is known as golden root in reference to its many therapeutic virtues. It is a plant used for its roots which give it toning, energizing and relaxing properties. This is why it is ideal in times of stress and mental fatigue to promote relaxation , improve mood and stimulate cognitive functions . You can find it in your personalized treatment if you want to be more energetic by boosting your vitality.
Holy Basil, to be more peaceful on a daily basis
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is considered the queen of plants in Ayurvedic medicine and is also known as Tulsi, meaning the incomparable. Its health effects come from its leaves, rich in essential oils and triterpenes. It is a calming herb that is said to reduce anxiety and stress and regulate mood . It would also optimize the immune system thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. You can find it in our Stress Gummies as well as in your personalized treatment if you want to reduce your daily stress.
Eleutherococcus, to develop memory
Eleutherococcus ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), known as Russian ginseng, is a shrub whose roots were traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their richness in eleutherosides, molecules that increase longevity. Nowadays, they are used for their revitalizing and tonic properties , particularly in cases of physical fatigue. They would increase physical and intellectual performance . If you have concentration and memory problems, you can find this plant in your personalized treatment .
anti-stress pack
Echinacea, for reinforced natural defenses
Echinacea (Echinacea) was a plant widely used by Native Americans. They used each part of the plant for various ailments, including respiratory tract infections and snake bites. It is its roots which give it all its properties. It is used to stimulate the immune system and protect the body's natural defenses . It is also known to be a natural antibiotic and help with respiratory infections . You can find it in your personalized treatment if you want to boost your immunity.
Reishi, for a strengthened immune system
Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) is a mushroom rich in active substances such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans and triterpenes. It is known in traditional Chinese medicine as Lingzhi and is one of the oldest mushrooms used therapeutically considered the “herb of spiritual power”. It would rebalance and detoxify the body by supporting the immune and hormonal systems , while calming the mind and fighting stress.
Ashwagandha, to reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant whose roots are used for their benefits and their richness in active substances (alkaloids, antioxidants and amino acids). Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, it is a plant said to promote youth and longevity. It would strengthen the body and help it recover both mentally and physically. Indeed, it is famous for its ability to reduce anxiety and stress and relieve sleep disorders.
We have profiled nine adaptogenic plants with well-known benefits, but there are others. You will be able to find anti-stress adaptogenic plants such as Melissa and Cordyceps in the routine co-created with you and YouMakeFashion.
