The term “adaptogen” was first used in 1940 to describe certain plant-based extracts that can non-specifically enhance the human body. Adaptogens are plant substances, such as herbs, roots, and mushrooms containing compounds like alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and coumarins that can help the body adapt to stress, restore balance after stressful situations, enhance the body's own abilities to heal and function, while causing no additional harm or imbalances.

 

Adaptogens are considered Qi tonics in TCM, enhancing, strengthening and protective effects in the body to overcome hurdles. Adaptogens are our plant ally's. 

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There are three stages to stress response: 

 

1. Alarm

2. Resistance

3. Exhaustion 

 

Adaptogens help you stay in the resistance phase longer, via a stimulating effect that holds off the exhaustion. Instead of crashing during a stressful moment, task, or event, you find a balance and carry on. Adapting to stress helps you perform and feel better despite the situation. And that helps improve your health and well-being.

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In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defined adaptogens as “A new kind of metabolic regulator that has been proved to help in environmental adaptation and to prevent external harms.”

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