For centuries, botanicals and adaptogens have played a significant role in traditional medicine to help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. These natural substances are believed to offer various health benefits, from reducing anxiety and improving sleep to boosting energy and enhancing cognitive function.
 
In recent years, adaptogenic herbs have gained popularity in the health and wellness industry, with many people turning to them as a natural solution for stress-related concerns. With so many adaptogens out there, it can be challenging to know which ones are truly effective. So in this article, we'll explore the world of adaptogens and delve into which ones are worth incorporating into your wellness routine.
 
Hold on! Before we go on about the best botanicals for stress, we have to ask ourselves what is the difference between botanicals & adaptogens and how do they work? It's important to know the science behind it all so we can make more informed decisions about which ones to incorporate into our daily routines.

 

What is the difference between botanicals and adaptogens?

 While there is some overlap between the two, there are some key differences between botanicals and adaptogens!

 
Botanicals refer to a wide range of plants that are used for various medicinal purposes, such as reducing inflammation, promoting relaxation, or improving digestion.
 
Adaptogens, on the other hand, are a specific subset of botanicals that are believed to help the body adapt to stress. They are herbs that have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to help regulate the body's stress response and reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.
 
In short, we can say that all adaptogens are botanicals, but not all botanicals are adaptogens!

 

 

How do adaptogens hack stress?

Our bodies have a remarkable way of responding to stress. When we experience a stressor- whether physical or mental- our body responds through a process known as general adaptation syndrome (GAS).
GAS is a three-stage process that describes the physiological changes the body goes through when under stress. The stages are:

1. Alam
2. Resistance
3. Exhaustion

 
What adaptogens do is help us stay in the resistance phase longer. By stimulating the body, adaptogens can hold off the exhaustion that often accompanies stressful situations. This means that instead of crashing and burning during a particularly challenging moment or task, you're able to find a sense of balance and carry on.
 
And that’s where the word ‘adaptogen’ came from, as these herbs help us adapt to the stressful situation, feel and perform better!
 
Alongside that, when we are faced with a stressful situation, the adrenal gland releases cortisol, a stress hormone that provides the energy needed to tackle an emergency. However, if cortisol is released too frequently or in high amounts, it can lead to cortisol dysfunction, which can trigger inflammation and pain throughout the body.
 
This is another pathway where adaptogens come in - they can help manage stress in the short term while also reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with persistent stress. By regulating cortisol levels and improving the body's resilience to stress, adaptogens can offer a natural way to combat stress and promote overall health and wellbeing
 
Now that we have a better understanding of how these herbs work, let's take a closer look at some of the different adaptogenic herbs you can include in your daily routine to help manage stress naturally.

 

1. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help combat stress and fatigue. It is a flowering herb that usually grows in cold, high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia. Other names for it include arctic root, golden root, king’s crown, and rose root.
 
Rhodiola rosea is believed to work by helping the body adapt to stress by regulating cortisol levels and improving energy metabolism with numerous studies supporting these claims.
 
A 2016 study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that Rhodiola rosea supplementation helped to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and burnout in medical students.
 
Another study published in the journal Planta Medica found that Rhodiola rosea extract improved cognitive function in subjects with chronic stress. It didn’t stop there, more scientific research has shown that Rhodiola rosea may improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and mental processing speed. Additionally, it has been traditionally used to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, making it a popular choice among athletes and individuals looking to optimize their physical performance.
 
Furthermore, studies suggest that Rhodiola rosea may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help reduce inflammation throughout the body. And if that wasn't enough, Rhodiola rosea may even help boost the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illness.
 
At Nanton Nutraceuticals, we were intrigued by the amazing health benefits of Rhodiola rosea. We believed that by cultivating the plant ourselves, we could control factors such as seed selection, growth and extraction. After ten years of research and development, Rhoziva™ was born. Our Canadian-grown Rhodiola rosea contains seven naturally occurring compounds in the root while other brands contain only one or two.
 
There are currently 5 Rhoziva products formulated with Rhodiola rosea that have undergone extensive quality control testing along with other supportive herbs, vitamins and micronutrients.
 
We have a product for every need! If you're feeling a little forgetful, Rhoziva Brain might be just what you need to improve your cognitive function. Or maybe you're feeling sluggish and need a burst of energy - Rhoziva Edge has got your back! If you're feeling blue, Rhoziva may even help reduce symptoms of depression. Struggling with digestive issues resulting from stress- go for Rhoziva Digest. Looking to boost your immune system, Rhoziva Immune can help you with that too! So, when we say we got you covered- we really do!

 

2. Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall well-being. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. This means that it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.
 
One of its well-known benefits is its ability to help reduce stress and anxiety. It contains compounds called withanolides which have been found to have a calming effect on the body by reducing cortisol levels. By reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and support a healthy nervous system. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost the immune system.
 
A small 2015 study in 125 people with joint pain has found that the herb may have the potential as a pain reliever in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

3. Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng, also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a plant native to Northeast Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Despite its name, it is not related to true ginseng and belongs to a different genus. So beware of being confusing it with ginseng, American or Chinese/Korean ginseng as they’re used for different purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, Siberian ginseng was used to treat a variety of ailments, including fatigue, coughs, colds, and infections.
 
In modern times, Siberian ginseng has gained popularity as an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with stress. Studies have shown that Siberian ginseng can help alleviate stress and anxiety, improve mental and physical performance, and boost the immune system.
 
One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Siberian ginseng extract reduced anxiety and improved mood in healthy adults. Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Siberian ginseng improved mental performance and reduced fatigue in participants undergoing a stress test.

 

4. Holy Basil

Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall health and well-being.
 
Scientific research has shown that holy basil has a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving immune function, and- most importantly- reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
 
One study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that holy basil extract significantly reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety in participants compared to a placebo group in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Additionally, another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that holy basil extract had an anti-stress effect in rats, improving overall stress resilience and reducing levels of stress hormones. These promising findings suggest that holy basil could be a valuable addition to your stress-reducing toolkit.

 

5. Bacopa 

Bacopa, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is an adaptogen commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognitive function and reduce anxiety. It is native to India and has been used for centuries as a brain tonic and memory enhancer. 

Bacopa has gained popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for stress management due to its ability to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety levels. Scientific research has shown that Bacopa can significantly improve cognitive performance, including memory retention and recall, attention, and information processing speed. In addition, a 2017 study in the journal of Phytomedicine have demonstrated that Bacopa can reduce anxiety and stress levels by increasing the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Both Bacopa and Rhodiola rosea in addition to other natural ingredients are in the formula of  Rhoziva Brain which aims to provide a comprehensive approach to stress management and cognitive enhancement, with the goal of improving focus, reducing stress levels, and supporting overall brain health.

 

6. Lavender

Lavender is a botanical that belongs to the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Its fragrant flowers and leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, such as aromatherapy and herbal remedies, to help promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
 
Studies have shown that lavender has a calming effect on the body and mind. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil significantly reduced levels of anxiety and improved sleep quality in participants with anxiety disorder.
 
Another study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that aromatherapy with lavender oil reduced symptoms of agitation and improved mood in elderly patients with dementia.
 
If you are looking for a good quality Lavender oil, try NOW Lavender Oil. This brand is known for its high-quality, pure essential oils and is a popular choice for aromatherapy and relaxation.

 

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for centuries for its calming and relaxing properties. There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), both of which are used for their medicinal properties.
 
Chamomile contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, that are believed to be responsible for their calming and stress-reducing effects on the body and mind.
 
Not only does chamomile have a calming effect on the body and mind, but it has also been found to have several other health benefits. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, more studies show that chamomile has been found to have a positive effect on digestion, making it a helpful remedy for digestive issues such as bloating and gas.
 
At Nanton Nutraceuticals, we recognized the potential benefits of chamomile due to its calming effects and digestive benefits, making it an ideal ingredient for our Rhoziva Digest supplement formula. By incorporating chamomile into our supplement, we aim to provide a natural and effective solution for improving digestive health while reducing stress and anxiety.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating botanicals into your daily routine can be a fun and enjoyable way to support your mental health and overall well-being. With so many options to choose from, there's never been a better time to start exploring the world of botanicals. Whether you prefer supplements, teas, culinary uses, or other methods, there's a botanical out there for everyone. So why not try incorporating one of these botanicals into your daily routine and see how it can positively impact your mental health? Who knows, you might just find a new favourite herbal remedy to help you feel your best!