Adaptogens and Medicinal Mushrooms

Let's talk about shrooms! 
Not the fun kind, the medicinal kind ;) Pictured here are some reishi mushrooms, which are a part of a group of herbs and fungi that are called adaptogens. Adaptogens have become a more popular thing in the past few years, so let's talk about them! An adaptogen "helps the body adapt to stress, supports normal metabolic function and help restore equilibrium in the body. They increase the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional and environmental stressors and help boost our defense response to acute and chronic stress." Anyone here stressed, by chance?
Adaptogens do not target a specific symptom or system in the body. Instead, they have an overall effect on the body, meeting the physiological needs of the body to help it adapt to whatever particular stressors you are dealing with. If you are in a more wired state, the adaptogens help to calm you down. If your body is sluggish and struggling to respond, the adaptogens help you to have the energy you need. As the name suggests, adaptogens are helping you adapt!
Some sources of adaptogens include American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Asian Ginseng, Cordyceps medicinal mushroom, Eluethero, Rhodioloa, Schisandra, Shilajitreishi, maca, Holy Basil, Shatavari, Maca, and Reishi mushrooms. 
Curious how to ingest them? Tinctures, teas, supplements, powders, there are a variety of options!

Want to learn more? This article goes into more depth on adaptogens: https://rainbo.com/blogs/blog/what-is-an-adaptogen

In health and wellness,
​Aimee