This time of year is one of the busiest for massage therapists. It literally feels like I’m running a marathon for a couple of weeks leading up to Mother's day, so I’ve been diligent about employing some powerful adaptogens in my daily routine to get me through this time to avoid burnout. And let’s be real, the day doesn’t start and end with your work when you’re a mom.
We hear a lot about how smart our phones are today, but they’ve got nothing on Nature, particularly the group of herbs called Adaptogens - these are really smart plants!
Adaptogens are a select group of herbs that support the body's natural ability to deal with stress because of their unique propensity to adapt their function according to the specific needs of the body. Yup, they are able to adjust their medicine to cater to you!
Ayurveda has been using adaptogens for thousands of years, and now today, much research has been done that shows these herbs truly are phenomenal at busting stress, providing a natural energy boost, and enhancing cognitive ability.
Adaptogens also boost immunity, help combat fatigue, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and basically help us thrive in times of need.
One way these adaptogenic herbs aid our bodies is by balancing the amount of cortisol your body produces. During times of stress, cortisol is released by the adrenal glands to help you deal with an emergency, but too much cortisol over a prolonged period of time, i.e. chronic stress, can lead to conditions like anxiety, depression, headaches, heart disease, digestive issues, weight gain, and insomnia to name a few.
In a nutshell, adaptogenic herbs help you maintain homeostasis and therefore allow you to react to and recover from both short and long-term physical or mental stress in a more balanced way.
This blend I’m sipping on here I call my Super Root Burnout Buster and it is made with some of my favorite adaptogenic roots like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Licorice, and Ginger. I also include Fennel seeds, although it is not considered an adaptogen as it has a very specific action, but it’s phenomenal for the digestive system, as are Licorice and Ginger, and it provides a lovely sweet taste.
Super Root Burnout Buster Tea
Ashwagandha Root 1/2 - 1 Tbsp (can be heating so lesser amount for high Pitta)
Rhodiola Root 1/4 tsp (very stimulating, use 1/8 tsp for high Vata)
Licorice Root 1/2 tsp
Fresh Ginger Root 1 inch cube (also heating, so less for high Pitta)
Fennel Seeds 1 tsp
1. Put all ingredients in a 32 oz mason jar of hot water.
2. Let steep with lid on for 30 minutes then strain and sip!
Option to add a little honey or maple syrup for more sweetness.
Because Rhodiola has a stimulating effect, I start drinking this in the morning after breakfast and will finish by early afternoon.
Steeping these whole herbs in hot water is a really impactful way to get their medicine. Hot water is considered an anupana in Ayurveda, which means it aids digestion and absorption of the substance providing complete nourishment to the body.
For more on adaptogenic herbs and some recipes, check out my previous article on Caffeine & Ayurvedic Alternatives.
Please note that it takes a whole regimen of diet and lifestyle practices to cultivate balance and well-being for your unique constitution, but adding adaptogenic herbs to your list of tools is a great way to support natural energy and stress relief.