What The Hell Is An Adaptogen?
I am a Junior Category Manager at Adore Beauty, where I look after Skincare and Wellness brands. I have been working in buying and retail for 5 years in various types of products, but beauty is my favourite. In recent years I have become very passionate about the ingredients in my beauty products, and have been slowing detoxing all my skincare, haircare, and make up.
There are two kinds of people in the world; those who have heard the word adaptogen and don’t know what it is, and those who heard it for the first time when they read the title of this article.
This new kid on the block in the supplement world is actually one of the world's oldest traditional medicines, and there is a lot these super foods can be doing for you inside and out. After all, true beauty is an inside job if you ask me.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens have a fancy name, but really they are just a special class of herbs, berries and mushrooms. These herbs have been used worldwide for thousands of years because of their profound healing abilities. The theory behind adaptogens is that they target multiple functions in the body to boost your ability to tackle emotional, physical and mental stress. In other words, they adapt to what you need at any given time.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
These herbs and mushrooms support your endocrine system (hypothalamus & pituitary and adrenal glands). This system is really important, but is often overwhelmed, because it manages your body’s hormonal response to stress, anxiety and fatigue. The idea is that adaptogens support these hormones and work to restore balance.
You can think of an adaptogen and what it does for you, in essentially the same way that an awesome night’s sleep and a blissful holiday boosts your wellbeing and gives you that ‘Yes! I can do that’ attitude. Less of the nasty stress hormones or being overrun with adrenaline, and more balance, focus, and calm. And all the side effects you see in your skin when you are stressed and anxious (unexpected breakouts, dry sensitised skin!) can also be lessened too.
Which Product Is Right For Me?
All adaptogens have a general theme of supporting your adrenal glands, but My Tribe Type has some great blends that are tailored to suit different needs. And if you're a sweet tooth, this brand doesn’t fill out their blends with flavourings or sweeteners, so you might like to have some honey or berries on hand!
Help, I’m stressed!
Probably the most well known of the Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha has been used for centuries to help reduce stress, fight inflammation, and boost immunity. this supplement evokes calm and balance and also contains antioxidants that protect the skin and body from free radical damage and signs of ageing.
It’s 3pm, I need some energy
When you hit that afternoon slump you don’t need to reach for coffee or a chocolate bar (or both!) You can add this powder to your smoothie or juice for a caffeine free boost. Asian Ginseng and Schisandra increases physical energy and endurance, while Holy Basil promotes clarity and calm.
I want something for my skin...
Zen is fine, but what is this doing for my skin? Most collagen supplements come from an animal or marine source, but this version is a holistic plant based alternative. It uses functional foods like shiitake mushrooms, aloe vera and blueberries as key building blocks for collagen support. And adaptogen herbs changa and shiitake lower inflammation, which is a major cause of ageing.
