What Are Adaptogens and Why Drink Them
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More and more people are turning to adaptogens as a natural way to help their bodies with stress and for overall wellness. Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants that aren’t new but have been gaining in popularity as more people have discovered their benefits. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine – and have long been touted as a way to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. With many new options available as non-alcohol alternatives that include adaptogens, people are now drinking adaptogens in place of other beverages as they seek natural ways to support their overall health and well-being while complementing their lifestyle.
Adaptogen Drinks: Nature's Stress Relievers
Adaptogens are herbs and plants that are believed to help the body respond to stressors, both physical and emotional, in a more balanced and efficient way. These non-pharmaceutical alternatives work by supporting the body's stress response system. When the body is under stress, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. If these hormones are constantly activated, it can have negative effects on the body. On the other hand, adaptogens help to regulate these stress hormones, which in turn supports the body's ability to handle stress more effectively.
Some of the most commonly used adaptogens are ashwagandha, Rhodiola, eleuthero (also known as Siberian ginseng), and holy basil. Each of these adaptogens has its unique properties and benefits, but they all share the common ability to help the body adapt to stress.
Ashwagandha is one of the most popular adaptogens that people hear about. It’s commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and increasingly is added to beverages and implemented into wellness practices. Ashwagandha is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and support immune function making it a powerhouse choice for creating a sense of calm.
Rhodiola is another popular adaptogen that is used to support mental and physical performance, reduce fatigue, and improve mood – making this a great choice for athletes and endurance seekers. Eleuthero is also believed to help improve endurance. It is another type of ginseng commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, primarily to reduce fatigue and support the immune system. Less popular but also commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine is holy basil. Holy basil is believed to help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support immune function.
Adaptogenic Drinks to Boost Your Health
While adaptogens are typically taken in the form of herbal supplements, teas, or tinctures, they are increasingly being added to beverages and particularly to bottled mocktail-type drinks. For example, adaptogen drinks by Moment (as seen on Shark Tank) contain l-theanine and ashwagandha to provide focus and stress relief. These drinks don’t contain alcohol and as such are considered healthier alternatives yet offer a calming or stress-relieving effect. Focus Adaptogen Drinks by Elements of Balance are formulated with clinically-effective levels of adaptogens such as Schisandra and lion’s mane mushroom. These drinks are generally considered safe, but it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any beverages containing adaptogens (or herbs for that matter), especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
Adaptogens are skyrocketing in nightlife popularity especially among the wellness-minded community as they are a way to replace drinking alcohol and its negative effects with a natural way to improve well-being. A popular brand that is giving non-alcoholic cocktails new life with adaptogens is Kin Euphorics, founded by Jen Batchelor and Bella Hadid, which makes a range of ready-to-drink options with adaptogens and nootropics such as their Kin Spritz with fresh citrus, hibiscus, caffeine, and Rhodiola rosea. Adaptogen drinks can help support the body's ability to handle stress and improve immune function – plus hydrate and feel refreshed.
Further research is needed to fully comprehend the advantages of adaptogens, however, initial studies have shown promising outcomes, and more are currently in progress. As people continue to search for natural ways to support their overall health and well-being while maintaining their social and festive lifestyles, adaptogens are expected to remain a popular choice as an alternative to cocktails.
Are you ready to try adding adaptogens to your routine? Here are some options to have on hand to find out which you want to make a part of your regular beverage rotation. Cheers!
