Intro to Adaptogens

Hemlock Reishi (Ganoderma Tsugae)

There are over 1.5 Million types of mushrooms currently discovered on Earth and New England; is home to quite a few of those discoveries. Mushrooms come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and variations. However, not all mushrooms are edible; some are too tough to eat, others will make you sick to your stomach and a very small percentage of them will kill you.

I first became fascinated by mushrooms when I began my plant based journey and needed a meat substitute that wasn't Genetically Modified or was entirely made up of Soy or Gluten. I made mushroom "meat" with Portobello Mushrooms and was captivated by how incredibly earthy and flavorful they were; from there I began more research, watch a bunch of youtube videos and I discovered all different types of edible mushrooms.

What is an Adaptogen?

An adaptogen helps restore the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. There are 3 types, Tonifying, relaxing and stimulating adaptogens.

Adaptogens have been used for centuries throughout China and India but became more mainstream culture after World War II. The word "adaptogen" comes from a Russian word coined by Dr. Nikolai Vasilyevich Lazarev, the Soviet toxicologist and pharmacist who pioneered the studies on adaptogens.

As mentioned before, adaptogens have been previously used for centuries in China and India; they were considered the royalty of herbs for helping you respond to stress, restore health, vitality, immunity, stamina, and sense of well being. They help you respond to the stresses of life while supporting and reprogramming your immune system. All mushrooms, including the ones you buy in the grocery store are also considered adaptogens!

With this in mind, the goal of using adaptogens is similar to herbal stimulants- not to push yourself beyond your limits or use them as a substitute for an unhealthy lifestyle, but to support and strengthen your nervous system. Always consult with a healthcare practitioner first if you are on any medications before incorporating them and any adaptogens into your lifestyle.

Tonifying Adaptogens

Tonifying Adaptogens aid in restoring balance to the nervous system. A few common ones are Holy Basil (Tulsi), Ashwagandha and Licorice Root.

Holy Basil is a member of the mint family and can improve energy, relieve fatigue, elevate mood; provide relief. from anxiety and mild depression; as well as increase motivation to live a healthy lifestyle. Also aids in reducing chronic inflammation, lowers high blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic perennial shrub in the nightshade family that is native to India; it contains antiooxidants and supports immune function.

Licorice Root is a common sweetener that is an herbaceous legume native to the middle east, southern Europe and India. It is one of the most important herbs used in both western. and traditional Chinese medicine formulation. It harmonizes the flavors in herbal formulas but also acts synergistically to enhance the medicinal actions of other herbs in formulas. It also supports the endocrine system, soothes and supports the adrenal glands and helps the body adapt to stress.

Relaxing Adaptogens

Relaxing adaptogens help restore healthy immune function by allowing our nervous system to relax. Two relaxing adaptogens are Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms. All mushrooms, including grocery store bought ones; when heated provide the most medicinal benefit.

Cordyceps grow like a parasite out of the brains of insects and spiders. The fungus takes over the bodies and brains of its victims forcing their zombified bodies to permanently relocate to the trees and low-lying jungle plants where the conditions are ideal for the fungus to thrive. They can be found here in the forest of New England and has a long history of use in China and Tibet. They are used to improve energy and endurance, and to support healthy immune function.

Picture Credits @foragers_supply

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that grows all around the world. It is often found on dead eastern hemlock trees throughout New England.

They are pretty easy to find because of their vibrant, unique colors and they have an earthy, bitter taste. The type frequently discovered in our region is called Ganoderma Tsugae and unlike its relative Ganoderma Lucidium which grows upward with a stem shape, this one is more flat and fan-like. Reishi supports healthy immune function and can relieve stress while assisting us in finding a more centered and grounded presence. Reishi, this year has been my most frequent find; so far I've found them 4 times, in 3 different state parks and preserves between Connecticut and Massachusetts in very large quantities.

Stimulating Adaptogens

Stimulating adaptogens can stimulate individuals who are experiencing fatigue due to stress. Please note that if someone is overly fatigued due to chronic stress that a gentler approach should be taken to help restore the nervous system; tonifying nervines and adaptogens would be more appropriate to use in these cases. However if you are already easily stimulated, be cautious when using these adaptogens. Two amazing Stimulating adaptogens I would recommend are Schizandra Berries and Siberian Ginseng.

Schizandra is the berry of the Chinese magnolia vine and is known as the five-flavor berry since it contains all 5 flavors; they taste sweet-sour-hot-salty and bitter. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was used to treat fatigue, weakness, insomnia, mental health and vitality as well as diseases of the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Schizandra is currently used to improve fatigue, mood, boosts endurance, mental performance, working capacity and appetite; it is also an important hepatoprotective, meaning it is able to prevent damage to the liver.

Siberian Ginseng is also known as Eleuthero, and it is also one of the most well-known adaptogens since it was included in the early Soviet studies. Eleuthero increases mental alertness and performance; increases stamina and energy; reduces fatigue; enhances immunity and improves insomnia and it also another hepatoprotetctive. However if you already have insomnia, you should avoid the use of this because it can cause insomnia.

So, with all that I have shared with you today, I hope you're willing to give atleast one of them a try and see how it effects your body and lifestyle. I am currently growing Holy Basil in my garden this year and it welcomes me with the most beautiful smell. Reishi I have had on multiple occasions in various forms and I love it; especially in Hot Chocolate. So far I have had very rewarding experiences with adaptogens and I hope after reading this blog you too will be encouraged to try them to encourage various functions.

Please also remember to use caution or consult with your Healthcare Provider First before trying them if you are on any medications.