With the arrival of the holiday season, many people struggle with stress. There are dinners to make, plays to attend, family to visit, and presents to buy. While the holidays should be a time for relaxation with our families, we often get bogged down with our big to-do lists.
Most of us in the natural wellness world have heard about adaptogens. In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, adaptogenic herbs have been used to heal a myriad of illnesses. Adaptogens are herbs that are generally safe for everyone and help us to adapt to stress and balance our hormones. Whether you are facing physical or mental stress this season, the following adaptogens could be beneficial in thriving during the holidays.
Ashwagandha
This root is found in India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 3000+ years. When cortisol levels rise, many people experience feelings of stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha can be used to combat the effects of chronic stress by reducing cortisol in the body and balancing the adrenal glands. Ashwagandha can provide endurance and boosts your immune system. Overall, it is an excellent herb for high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and digestive issues. It can also improve mental clarity and memory. If you are feeling anxious or rundown mentally, Ashwagandha could be the adaptogen for you!
Rhodiola
Do you have a million errands to run and multiple dinners to attend? Are you also trying to fit in a workout in between all of your responsibilities? Rhodiola will help give you energy and stamina so you can accomplish everything on your to-do list. While rest and relaxation is vital in managing stress, sometimes you need an extra boost to fulfill your responsibilities. Rhodiola is a great herb to help you power through a workout and aid in the recovery process. By raising and lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) as your body requires and by supporting cellular energy metabolism, Rhodiola can be energizing. If you are still trying to maintain your fitness goals over the holidays and you are lacking in physical drive, Rhodiola could be right for you.
Holy Basil
This adaptogenic herb is a powerful antioxidant and outstanding for mental stress. Whether you are feeling stressed from the holidays or you struggle with mental wellness during the year, Holy Basil could help you feel brighter. Holy Basil works to reduce mental stress and calm the mind by decreasing stress hormones in the body. It also protects both the organs and tissues against chemical stress from toxins. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, try Holy Basil to uplift your mood and bring balance to your state of mind.
It is important to take care of your health and make sure you are managing your stress appropriately. During the holidays, make sure you get lots of rest, eat well, and exercise. Chronic stress can be quite harmful for your overall health and it’s important to make sure that you are doing what you can to keep your physical and mental health in balance.
At Living Alchemy, many of our formulas use these adaptogenic herbs and all of the ingredients used are certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan. Plus we naturally ferment these herbs in a month-long process to activate the nutrients to a higher level of complexity to perform in perfect harmony for you.