By Carla Oates
Adaptogens have certainly been a bit of a buzzword in the health and wellness world in recent years. But unlike many woo-woo ‘trends’, adaptogens have been around for eons and truly stand up to the hype.
Famed for their ability to bring balance to the body and assist in its response to stress—adaptogens are often found in supplements targeted to our overall health, immunity and wellbeing. However, as research on the benefits of adaptogens continues to mount, these hardworking herbs are now being integrated into topical skincare products and inner beauty supplements, too. This makes sense given that stress—no matter its source—can contribute to both inflammatory skin issues as well as skin ageing.
While there are a large number of plants that are considered adaptogenic, with each having a different effect on the body, it’s important to do your research in order to determine the best adaptogen for you. Here’s everything you need to know...
What Are Adaptogens?
Put simply, adaptogens are classed as herbal pharmaceuticals or non-toxic plants that support the body’s nervous system and response to stress—whether it be physical, psychological or biological. Most adaptogens also have their roots firmly planted in Eastern medicine—with both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic healing modalities utilising adaptogenic herbs for thousands of years, prescribing them to treat a variety of physiological and psychological ailments.
While their ability to help the body maintain homeostasis is what makes them so useful for helping us to deal with life's stressors, (supporting our adrenal glands, regulating blood pressure and balancing our stress hormones)—their other benefits include helping to combat fatigue, support energy metabolism, boost cognitive function, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve sleep.
Should You Take An Adaptogen Supplement?
As with any supplement, it’s important to do your own research as not all supplements are created equal. With adaptogens available in many forms—including teas, tinctures, powders and tonics—it’s vital to establish the level of adaptogens contained in your chosen formula and also consider the other ingredients used. Are they beneficial? Are the ingredients sustainable? What are the potential side effects?
As mentioned above, adaptogens also have varying effects on the body, so it’s important to choose the right adaptogen for you before adding it to your beauty or wellness routine. To help you determine which adaptogen is best for the result you’re seeking, here’s a list of some of the most commonly used:
- Ashwagandha. Also known as Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha is undoubtedly the most well-known adaptogen and is revered for its stress-busting abilities, helping to decrease cortisol levels. It’s also said to reduce anxiety, balance blood sugar levels, support energy levels and reduce inflammation.
- Holy Basil. Or Tulsi, is another stress-fighting adaptogen that may be a useful tool in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as physical stress.
- Schisandra. A berry widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Schisandra exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, anti-cancer benefits and supports cognitive and mental performance.
- Rhodiola. Well-studied, Rhodiola is said to assist with your ability to handle stressful situations and stave off both mental and physical fatigue.
- Licorice root. Not only used widely to support the body’s natural response to stress, licorice root is also regularly praised for its anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits.
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Ginseng. This multi-tasking adaptogen is found in many supplements and helps with our stress response as well as boosting energy levels, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels and promoting relaxation.
Do Adaptogens Work?
Although comparatively, Western medicine is fairly slow to catch up, with more clinical trials and studies being conducted into their potential benefits—it’s safe to say that adaptogens are here to stay. They are used widely in integrative medicine and anecdotally, those who utilise adaptogens regularly also swear by them as a valuable anti-stress tool in their wellness kit.
The Beauty Chef Difference
The way adaptogens work holistically to support overall health, beauty and wellbeing perfectly reflects our own philosophy—which is why we have incorporated a few of these powerful herbs—including Ashwaganda, Holy Basil and Licorice—into our bio-fermented ADAPTOGEN Inner Beauty Boost. Designed for stressed skin, this delicious kola-nut flavoured elixir not only supports your body’s response to stress—whether internal or external—but with activated vitamins B6 and B12, it reduces fatigue, refreshes tired-looking skin, calms a ruddy complexion and nourishes your gut, too. As always, The Beauty Chef’s exclusive Flora Culture™ bio-fermentation process helps to supercharge each ingredient, increasing their potency and bioavailability—for even greater benefits.
