Being chronically “stressed out” is one of the most common complaints I hear from other people.  Heck, it’s one of biggest difficulties I personally face!  Not only does it cloud daily living, chronic stress steals our energy and affects our physical bodies as well.  From aches and pains, to elevated heart rate, to being unable to focus, to being paralyzed by anxiety, it can wreck havoc in our lives.

Simply put, chronic stress is toxic to our well-being.

Though there is no quick fix for overcoming stress, especially if you’re parenting children with hard starts, there are some hacks that can be helpful along the way.  Aside from getting enough sleep and making proper self care a priority, I enjoy using natural herbs called adaptogens to give my body a little boost when needed.

If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find a lot of information about adaptogen herbs.  According to Aviva Romm, “Adaptogens are a special class of herbal medicines that have been used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for centuries to promote a sense of well-being. In those systems, these herbs are considered the “Kings” and “Queens” of herbal medicines for restoring health, vitality, immunity, stamina, and promoting longevity. The term adaptogen refers to the unique ability of these herbs to help you adapt to the stress in your life. They do this by ‘normalizing’ or ‘regulating’ the adrenal stress response.”

There are many different adaptogens available, with all of them offering slightly different benefits.  Today, I want to share three of my favorites:

1. Ashwagandha.  This soothing adaptogen is known for being calming and anti-inflammatory.  It’s been used for thousands of years in India, but is gaining popularity around the world.  Not only is it know to lower stress and anxiety, it’s believed to boost concentration and memory, improve sleep, lower blood sugar levels, have anti-cancer benefits, and reduce symptoms of depression.  It can boost immune function, help with arthritis treatment, and possibly be beneficial for fertility challenges.

Ashwagandha is widely available in capsule form, which is how I take it.  However, those who have autoimmune conditions, are pregnant, are sensitive to nightshade plants, or are taking pharmaceuticals should avoid it and consult with their physician.

2. Holy Basil. Also called Tulsi, this is another herb that has also been used for thousands of years in India.  It toots a bunch of health benefits, but it’s also known for boosting energy and relieving fatigue, as well as offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supports.  It can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce stress/anxiety and improve mood!

I grew and dried my own organic Holy Basil this past summer, so I now have a bulk stash on hand.  If you’re not into growing your own though, it can also be purchased in a variety of forms, including as an herb, a tea, a liquid supplement, or in capsule form.  I’ve been adding a small amount to my morning Matcha.  Though there are no known cautions, those who have known health conditions or are pregnant should consult a physician before use.

3. Reishi Mushroom.  Well known as an immunity booster, Reishi also supports blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regulation.  It’s been thought to help with resistance to infections, reducing inflammation, natural detoxifying processes, promoting deeper sleep, and even cancer prevention.  Likewise, Reishi helps calm the nervous system, which can help to alleviate overall stress responses.

I like to add a scoop of Reishi in an extract powder form to my morning Matcha for an even more powerful wellness tonic.  It could also be added to coffee or tea.  The powder doesn’t change the flavor significantly, but it adds some hefty wellness support.  I prefer the FreshCap medicinal mushroom variety that also includes Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Maitake.  Do some research to discover all of their incredible qualities.  Those who take blood thinners and blood pressure lowering medication should avoid and consult with a physician before use.

There are many other adaptogens, so if this post has piqued your interest, do some research!

One last word of caution.  If you have any health concerns or are pregnant, check with your physician before adding new supplements to your routine.  This post is shared for information purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions.  Readers should always consult with a physician before making dietary, supplement, and lifestyle changes, as they may interact with medication or treatment for medical diagnoses.