Adaptogenic herbs are a special class of healing plants that help the body adapt to stress by normalizing physiological functions. They have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, and poor digestion. An adaptogenic elixir is a powerful tonic made with these herbs that can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Adaptogenic elixrs are thought to work by modulating the stress response, which is the body’s natural way of responding to physical, emotional, or environmental stressors. This helps to keep the body in a state of homeostasis, or balance.
Related: The Best 13 Adaptogenic Herbs for Hormone Balance
There are many different adaptogenic elixrs, each with its own unique set of benefits. Some of the most popular adaptogens include ashwagandha, holy basil, and cordyceps. Adaptogenic elixrs are generally safe for most people to take. However, if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider before taking them.
Here are some of the top health benefits of adaptogenic herbs:
- They help the body adapt to stress
- They improve mental function
- They enhance physical performance
- They boost immunity
- They improve digestion
- They protect against free radical damage
- They promote healthy sleep patterns
- They help to balance hormones
- They have anti-inflammatory effects
- They may help to prevent or treat cancer
There are many different adaptogenic exlirs, each with its own unique set of benefits. However, some of the most popular and well-researched adaptogens include ashwagandha, holy basil, and cordyceps.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to help the body cope with stress. It is thought to work by modulating the stress response, which helps to keep the body in a state of homeostasis. Ashwagandha is traditionally taken as a powder or capsule, but it can also be found in liquid extracts and tinctures.
Holy basil is another popular adaptogenic herb that has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Like ashwagandha, holy basil is thought to help the body adapt to stress by modulating the stress response. Holy basil is typically taken as a tea, but it can also be found in capsule and tincture form.
Related: 6 Adaptogenic Shrooms for Anxiety and Stress
Cordyceps is a type of mushroom that has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to improve energy and stamina. Cordyceps is thought to work by increasing levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main source of energy for cells. Cordyceps can be taken as a powder, capsule, or extract.
Maca is a root vegetable that is native to the Andes Mountains in Peru. Maca has been traditionally used to enhance energy, stamina, and fertility. It is thought to work by regulating levels of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Maca can be taken as a powder, capsule, or extract.
Rhodiola rosea is an herb that grows in cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Rhodiola has been traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress, improve mental function, and enhance physical performance. Rhodiola is typically taken as a powder or capsule, but it can also be found in tinctures and extracts.
11 Adaptogenic Elixirs To Relax, Recharge, And Restore Your Body
1. Anti-Anxiety Shake
We thought adding veggies to smoothies was a great trick… It turns out that there are several more ways to improve smoothies, including incorporating adaptogens. The sweetness of the banana and mango mutes the ashwagandha’s bitterness (which may help with anxiety), while the liquid passion flower adds an extra dose of (supposed) calmness. Greek yogurt provides additional protein and ground flaxseed extra healthy fats. Keep sane, and enjoy your drink.
2. Magical Moon Tea Time Latte
This recipe is for all the tea-lovers out there. If you want to enjoy a cup of tea and relax at the same time, this may be the drink for you. This latte includes several adaptogenic herbs, including reishi mushroom, ashwagandha, and licorice root. The reishi mushroom is said to help with anxiety and fatigue, while the ashwagandha may improve cognitive function. The licorice root adds a sweet flavor to the latte and may help to soothe the digestive system.
3. Walnut Milk Adaptogen Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens, but don’t necessarily want to drink them. The recipe includes several adaptogenic herbs, including ashwagandha, cordyceps, and maca. These herbs are mixed with walnut milk, which provides a creamy and nutty flavor. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
4. Chocolate Maca Elixir
This elixir is perfect for chocolate lovers who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens. The recipe includes cacao powder, which is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits. The maca powder provides energy-boosting properties, while the ashwagandha may help to reduce stress. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
5. Rhodiola Rosea Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their physical performance. The recipe includes rhodiola rosea, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress. Rhodiola is also thought to improve mental function and physical performance. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
6. Holy Basil Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their digestion. The recipe includes holy basil, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to improve digestion. Holy basil is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
7. Lemon Balm Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their skin health. The recipe includes lemon balm, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to improve skin health. Lemon balm is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
8. Reishi Mushroom Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their immune system. The recipe includes reishi mushroom, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to improve immune function. Reishi mushroom is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
9. Ashwagandha Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their cognitive function. The recipe includes ashwagandha, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to improve cognitive function. Ashwagandha is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
10. Astragalus Elixir
This elixir is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens and improve their circulation. The recipe includes astragalus, which is an herb that has been traditionally used to improve circulation. Astragalus is also thought to reduce stress and anxiety. This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
11. The Ultimate Elixir
The ultimate exlir is so “ultimate” that it includes six different kinds of medicinal mushrooms. It’s possible that the high-quality fats in chia seeds, flaxseeds, and coconut oil, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, all contribute to its “ultimate” status. Or maybe it’s because it has everything else and yet still tastes delicious. Whatever its secret is, we’re into it.
These recipes are just a starting point. Get creative and experiment with different adaptogenic herbs, spices, and fruits to find your perfect elixir. Cheers to your health!