How Adaptogens Help Us to Adapt

Are you looking for a natural way to boost your overall well-being, manage stress, adapt to the unexpected and build ojas (resilience) in the new year? Look no further than adaptogens! This classification of healing herbs has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years, with ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita detailing the benefits. Hence, Ayurvedic practitioners have long recognized the power of adaptogens to help the body adapt to stress and maintain optimal health and well-being. Here, we will explore what adaptogens are, their numerous benefits and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine for a healthier and more balanced well-being.

Adaptogens are medicinal plants that have gained popularity for their ability to help the body and mind cope with stress, adapt to change and combat fatigue. These plant allies assist the body in adapting to various stressors, whether physical, emotional or environmental. Adaptogenic herbs specialize in helping to regulate the body's stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Additionally, adaptogens have proven to balance neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and mental clarity. 

• Reducing stress & anxiety

• Increasing energy & stamina

• Improving mental clarity & focus

• Supporting immune function

• Balancing hormone levels

In Ayurveda, adaptogens are closely related to rasayanas, rejuvenating herbs and/or formulas promoting longevity and vitality. By supporting the body's ability to respond to stress and maintain homeostasis, adaptogens play a crucial role in enhancing ojas, the Ayurvedic term for the force that imparts vigor and resilience to the body, mind and spirit. Ojas is the subtle essence of kapha dosha, intrinsically linked to the earth and water elements in Ayurveda. Like water’s healing and nourishing qualities, ojas embodies vitality and sustenance. When ojas is balanced and healthy, it fosters fortitude, endurance, and empathy. Physically, this manifests as a clear voice, a robust immune system, and an overall sense of bliss and contentment. Adaptogens are beneficial for harmonizing the three doshas- vata, pitta and kapha. Specifically, for vata dosha, they pacify the nervous system and enhance resilience to stress. Pitta dosha is supported by adaptogens' cooling and calming properties, which counterbalance the fiery pitta energy. As for kapha dosha, adaptogens uplift and energize the sluggish and heavy qualities of kapha.

A rejuvenating herb that supports the female reproductive system, shatavari balances hormone levels, promotes emotional well-being and imparts moisture to bodily tissues. It is also known to improve digestion, boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its cooling, emollient and nourishing actions, shatavari is indicated for vata and pitta doshas.

Enjoy shatavari in our Vata Body Oil, Tridoshic Cleanser & Mask, Hydrate Blend Tea, Cool & Calm Blend Tea, Golden Milk,  Women’s Blend Tea, powdered Shatavari & Herbal Yoni Steam.

Also known as Indian pennyroyal and nicknamed the “Herb of Longevity,” gotu kola is a brain tonic that helps improve cognitive function, memory and concentration. It is a potent, adaptogenic plant that supports healthy circulation, reduces inflammation, promotes relaxation and provides stress relief. Gotu kola is tridoshic, or balancing to all three doshas– vata, pitta and kapha– and has a particular affinity for harmonizing pitta dosha due to its cooling effects.

Experience gotu kola in our Pitta Body Oil, Bliss Blend Tea & Nose Oil.

Brahmi is a renowned herb known for enhancing mental clarity, focus and memory. It also supports the nervous system, reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calm and tranquility. It energizes throughout the day and provides a sense of calm when it is time for sleep. Brahmi is considered tridoshic in nature.

Discover brahmi in our Nose Oil,  Cool & Calm Blend Tea,  Tridoshic Body Oil & Hair Oil. 

Also known as holy basil, tulsi is a revered herb in Ayurveda known for its adaptogenic and immune-boosting properties. It helps reduce stress, supports respiratory health and improves digestion. Tulsi also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is recognized in Ayurveda as a sacred and powerful plant containing sattvic or harmonious energy. Tulsi can balance all three doshas and is particularly beneficial for kapha dosha thanks to its ability to impart lightness, warmth and clarity.

Try tulsi in our Kapha Cleanser & Mask, Bliss Blend Tea & Nose Oil.

As you can see, incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine can help you adapt to stress, improve your overall health and promote balance and well-being. Whether you choose ashwagandha, shatavari, gotu kola, brahmi or tulsi, these powerful herbs can help you navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience and grace. We encourage you to commit to cultivating greater ojas this month and beyond with the assistance and intuitive wisdom of adaptogenic, Ayurvedic herbs found within your favorite PAAVANI products!