Every person should make it a top priority to take care of their bodies no matter the age. As you get older, healthy living becomes a paramount responsibility that will determine your drive and ability to keep doing the activities you love. One quick and easy measure you can take to ensure continued health is through the use of adaptogens. Adaptogens are naturally occurring substances that have been found to provide multiple normalizing effects on the body, including stress management, immune system health, and energy level boosts.
Described below are four essential adaptogens that cover the gamut of health-boosting benefits guaranteed to help you live an active and stress-free lifestyle.
Ginseng
You’ve probably heard of this adaptogen before. Ginseng is the most widely-known adaptogen, and for good reason. Ginseng’s botanical name is “Panax”, meaning panacea, or a cure for all ailments. This adaptogen has its roots in Asian healing practices and has been found to increase mental performance and reduce levels of stress. In a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, 227 people got either ginseng or placebo for 12 weeks and got a flu vaccine after 4 weeks. The number of colds and flu were two-thirds lower in the group that took ginseng.
Holy basil
With a name like Holy Basil, one would expect some miracle-like qualities, right? Holy Basil is pretty amazing if you are prone to levels of high stress. In addition, studies from the University of Michigan found Holy Basil to significantly reduce the effects of asthma and help people with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels. It has been used for centuries for its modulating effects on the immune system, as well as its ability to support wellbeing. It also provides a calming effect as has the ability to support a focused state.
Rhodiola rosea
This adaptogen is found at the far reaches of the earth in the arctic tundra. Rhodiola rosea most common usage is to reduce stress levels, but this adaptogen has historical ties going back to the Vikings, who used it to increase their strength and stamina. According to a comprehensive review published in HerbalGram, the journal of the American Botanical Council, it is also been found to boost levels of the body’s own feel-good compounds, endorphins.
Maral root
One of the lesser known adaptogens, Maral root has been used for decades by the Russian military and eastern European athletes to boost their overall performance. Maral root promotes increased mental concentration, helps build lean muscle mass, and fights against the development of fatty tissue. Additionally, a report published in the journal Phytochemistry in 2009 determined that maral root may help improve immune function.
It can be difficult to remain on a regiment to try and stay healthy, especially at an older age. But with the help of adaptogens, you can help ease your body into reduced stress levels, a heightened immune system, and increased energy with little to no effort.
