Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress Relief.

This week, we’re talking about Adaptogenic Herbs for stress relief! These powerful lil’ guys can help your body adapt to an overly busy schedule, too many late nights, too much stress, and not enough self-care without the burnout. We all experience fatigue once in awhile, especially when we push ourselves past our limits in the name of work or fun or both! But for some people, burnout can become a chronic problem.

It can lead to problems with focus, concentration, and memory. It can lead to constantly feeling exhausted even after a good night’s sleep. Add in anxiety, overwhelm, and weight gain, and you have a recipe for a lot of trouble.

Often, the culprit is our exhausted Adrenal Glands.

The adrenal glands produce a multitude of hormones your body needs to function, so when the balance is out of whack, you can definitely feel it. It’s also not uncommon; about 80% of the population at one time or another has struggled with adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency.

One way to heal adrenal fatigue and support healthy adrenal function is by taking adaptogen or adaptogenic herbs for stress relief. These include herbs and roots like ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, licorice root and ginseng.

So if you’re struggling with stress, chronic exhaustion, anxiety or stubborn belly fat, here’s a little more info about these helpful herbs and how you can add them into your daily supplement routine.

Before we dive deeper: I just want to add that if you’re on medication or have concerns about specific supplements, you should always check in with your doctor first. For me, adaptogenic herbs have been life-savers dealing with stress and chronic fatigue, but everybody (and every body) is different, so research what feels right for you.

The Stallion—ASHWAGANDHA 

So, my absolute favorite adaptogen herb for stress relief that is specifically for your adrenals and thyroid is called ashwagandha. It’s also the one I would personally start with if you want to try an adaptogenic supplement.

In India, ashwagandha is known as the “strength of the stallion” since it is used to strengthen the immune system after illness. It is known for its extraordinary stress-relieving properties and its ability to enhance stamina. It’s also useful for anyone who has thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, or Graves. These diseases are signs of adrenal issues.

Ashwagandha works by lowering your cortisol levels, balancing thyroid hormones, and helping to maintain healthy adrenal function. It’s also known to combat the effects of stress, boost your mood, and reduce anxiety and depression. It can boost your immunity, balance blood sugar, slow aging, increase your energy and endurance. And last but not least, it can lower cholesterol, prevent and treat cancer as well as benefit brain health. It’s a long-ass list of awesome!!

To start using ashwagandha, I would take 500mg 1-2x daily. Begin the supplement on a weekend first to give your body some free time to adjust and see how it makes you feel. I also recommend removing grains and sugar from your diet, as well as adding in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to help bring those adrenals back into balance.

Other Adaptogenic Herbs to the Rescue

There are other adaptogenic herbs for stress relief that are most beneficial for your adrenal glands are holy basil and licorice root. So if ashwagandha isn’t for you, there are other options. Another adaptogenic herb that is gaining a lot of attention is Rhodiola. It’s best known to support anti-aging, fat burning, increased energy, focus, and improved mood.

Do you take any supplements to aid with stress relief? If so, what are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

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LOVE + a stress-free summer!

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