What are adaptogens, and how do they help you?

Photo by Lisa Hobbs on Unsplash

Adaptogens are herbs that help a body recover from mental and physical stress, both short term and long term.

Research studies have shown that adaptogens enhance mental performance, combat fatigue, depression and anxiety, and help a person thrive instead of just barely getting by.

A study of studies in Pharmaceuticals, a scholarly journal, says [1]:

Studies on animals and isolated neuronal cells have revealed that adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nootropic and CNS [central nervous system] stimulating activity. In addition, a number of clinical trials demonstrate that adaptogens exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly in tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention. Indeed, recent pharmacological studies of a number of adaptogens have provided a rationale for these effects also at the molecular level.

How adaptogens work

When a person faces stress to their mind or body, they go through something called general adaptation syndrome (GAS). It is a response in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, Healthline says [2].

Adaptogens hold off the exhaustion phase longer and keep you in resistance, where you can perform during a stressful task or event and carry on without being deeply affected and unable to cope.

Healthline says:

When we can adapt to stress, we perform better and feel better despite what’s stressing us out. And with that, we can also improve our health and well-being. When you’re stressed, your adrenal gland releases the stress hormone cortisol, which then energizes you to tackle an emergency. But too much too often is usually bad for our bodies.

“Cortisol is often the culprit for weight gain, especially around the belly area,” says Tara Nayak, a naturopathic physician in Philadelphia who recommends adaptogens to her clients. “When you reduce stress with adaptogens, you reduce stress hormones and hence their effect on weight gain.”

Adaptogens also can help with other things that are bothering you, including digestive upset, insomnia, and even pain. These problems can all be symptoms of stress and can lead to chronic illness.

Adaptogens can help keep the hormones, immune function, mental processes, and the internal clock or circadian rhythm working well.

Adaptogens in Far East medicine

The herbs have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. You may have heard of ginseng as a magical root that heals and gives the person who takes a sense it a sense of well-being. Ginseng is an adaptogen.

A doctor discusses adaptogens, specifically Ashwagandha, which is in VALI Renew PMS Support.

What many ancient herbalists may not have been aware of was that the herbs they used interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal complex. These two systems help regulate how the body responds to stress, TIME says [3].

Adaptogens may tweak hormone production and physiological responses to stress to ensure that your body—from your mind to your immune system to your energy levels—functions as it should ...

Which herbs are adaptogens

There is a long list of herbs that qualify as adaptogens, including:

American ginseng, which aids memory, reaction time, calmness and boosts the immune system
Ashwagandha, called the Indian ginseng, which reduces anxiety and stress. VALI includes it in our VALI Renew PMS Support [4].
Astragalus, which fights fatigue.
Cordyceps, improves stamina
Goji berry, aids physical and mental performance, boosts energy, gives calmness and a sense of well-being.
Eleuthero root, combats mental fatigue.
Jiaogulan, wards off stress and increases endurance.
Licorice root, reduces stress, also in VALI Renew PMS Support [5].
Rhodolia rosa, combats fatigue.
Schizandra berry, increases endurance and mental performance, also in VALI Renew PMS Support.
Tulsi or holy basil, reduces stress, anxiety, depression
Turmeric, boosts cognitive function and fights depression.

The stress of the monthly period

The adaptogens and other substances in VALI Renew PMS Support help you normalize your hormones, relieve painful premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and support women's period health, says the VALI blog [6].

It contains Vitamins C & B6, Magnesium, L-Theanine, Schizandra Berry, Passion Flower Powder, Chamomile, Ashwagandha Root, Licorice Root, and Chaste Tree Berry.

Changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle can cause PMS problems. Renew is specifically made for women’s physiology, to support period cycles, promote well-being, boost mood, and relieve pain through a safe and effective herbal natural remedy.

That blog, by the way, gives tips on how to deal with the pain and discomfort of your menstrual cycle.

Conclusion

If you are considering taking VALI Renew, consult with a doctor and tell them about which medications you are on. Sometimes herbs conflict with modern medications, so it's important to check before you start taking VALI Renew or other herbal supplements. Also, pregnant women are advised against taking adaptogens.

That said, the ingredients in VALI Renew have no artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives, zero calories are free of banned and questionable substances. It is made in the USA in an ecologically friendly FDA registered facility under GMP guidelines. Every batch is third party tested to ensure quality.

Renew supplements your body with vitamins, minerals, herbs, plants, and nutrients that act to help your body restore proper estrogen and hormone balance in order to relieve you from discomfort, pain, cramping, and other PMS symptoms that get in the way of your life.