Balance November 2017 - 47
back to the f u t u r e
HERO
ADAPTOGENS
Natural relief from
stress
REA LLY? MAYBE
I'M JUST THE
ONE TO HELP
YOU OUT?
Nutritionist and health writer
Cassandra Barns looks at the
plants that can keep you calm
W
hether you are
training for a
marathon or have
a marathon week at
work ahead of you, your stress hormones are
likely to be racing. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol
may provide quick energy fixes, but when
your cortisol levels are already high, these will
only make them spike. Effective long-term
stress management requires a multi-pronged
approach, but there is something we can
'take' to help, without any negative effects...
I'M FEELING
SO INC RED IBLY
FRAZZLED AT
T H E MOMENT
RHODIOLA ROSEA
Grown in cold, harsh
climates, Rhodiola may
be especially helpful for
reducing fatigue. It can
have a more stimulating
effect than some of the
other adaptogens, so
could be a good choice if
you're feeling run down,
but less helpful if you're
seeking relaxation.
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
Hot property in wellness, adaptogens
are plants that help your body to 'adapt'
to daily stressors. Historically known as
rejuvenators, these herbs have been used
in traditional medicines for centuries to
balance the body. Criss-crossing the globe,
but with a common thread (they grow in
hard-to-reach places and harsh conditions)
it's thought that adapting to their climates is
what gives them their unusual properties.
'Adaptogens can calm you down and
boost your energy at the same time without
over-stimulating,' says Dr Frank Lipman, a
functional medicine doctor who combines
use of Western and 'alternative' medicines
in his practice. They may also reduce
anxiety, help with sleep, support libido and
strengthen the immune system.
Although all have a stabilising impact,
some adaptogens can be energising,
whereas others may be calming. So if you
want to try one (or more), it can be helpful
to know a bit about the differences.
All these adaptogens can be readily found
in supplement form. Choose a brand you
know and trust. It's worth bearing in mind,
that adaptogens may not have an immediate
effect, so persevere. Unless you feel worse
when taking it, stick with your chosen herb
for at least a month to see if it's helping. B
ASHWAGANDHA
One of the most widely
used herbs in Ayurvedic
medicine, this falls on the
'calming' end of the
spectrum. It's known for
its anti-anxiety effects
and can help you get a
good night's sleep, too,
but doesn't leave you
feeling drowsy. May
also have immunesupporting benefits.
HOLY BASIL
Another Ayurvedic
herb, holy basil reduces
feelings of stress and
aids sleep. It may be
helpful for mental
wellbeing, too. Sebastian
Pole, herbalist and
co-founder of Pukka
Herbs, says: 'Holy basil
is key for supporting
mood and helping to
eliminate the blues.'
SHATAVARI
PANAX OR 'RED' GINSENG
Used in traditional Chinese medicine,
this herb is most associated with
improving energy and performance so,
like rhodiola, could be a good choice if
fatigue is your main symptom. Panax has
been found to help with erectile
dysfunction and act as an aphrodisiac.
November 2017 BA LA N CE
The primary 'women's
herb' in Ayurvedic
medicine, its name can
be translated as 'she who
possesses 100
husbands'! Traditional
uses include supporting
female fertility and libido,
and helping to balance
hormones, whether it's
PMS symptoms, fertility
or menopause.
47
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance November 2017
Balance November 2017 - 1
Balance November 2017 - 2
Balance November 2017 - 3
Balance November 2017 - 4
Balance November 2017 - 5
Balance November 2017 - 6
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