Adaptogens for Beauty

By Dora Vandekamp

What if there was a beauty secret that held the power to increase your body’s capacity to handle mental, physical, and emotional stress to the extent that it could drastically slow the aging process, or maybe even reverse it? Imagine that this secret could make your skin glow, your stress level decrease, and your energy levels rise? What if it balanced your hormones, helped you sleep better, and put you in a better mood? Would you try it? HECK YES!

There’s good news. That beauty secret is out of the bag: adaptogenic herbs have the potential to advance your health, improve your complexion, and build resilience against illnesses, environmental toxins, and emotional stress.

Adaptogens have been around for centuries. Full of phytonutrients, these age-old herbs allow your body to restore balance to your metabolism, libido, mood, and energy levels, all of which are vital to the health of your skin and hair. Adaptogenic herbs should be taken daily, as they are tonifying and build the body’s resilience over time.

Think of your body as a bank, and with each adaptogen you take, you are being proactive in building a bigger bank account with greater wealth. As Tony Robbins says, “we underestimate what we can do in the short term, and overestimate what we can do in the long term.” If you can commit to building your body’s bank account, in a short amount of time, you will find that your adaptability, energy, youthfulness, radiance, and strength will skyrocket. Now that sounds like a sound investment!

Here are 5 adaptogenic herbs to add into your daily wellness routine:

ASTRAGALUS

Rich in phytochemicals, Astragalus is known as a powerful immune tonic. It is associated with combatting the free radicals that cause aging, making it a potent cell protector. In addition, it is promoted for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system, improving overall heart health and strengthening the lungs and spleen.

Prescription for: strengthening the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving heart health.

SCHIZANDRA

Schizandra is one of the most powerful beauty enhancing and cell protecting tonic herbs. It nourishes all five primary organs of the body, and improves energy levels, adrenal function, and immune health. It is known for increasing the body’s defense against radiation, degenerative diseases, and speeding up recovery from illness. It eases sleep, normalizes blood sugar, and protects the liver. Schizandra is touted for promoting sexual vitality, beauty, and endurance. It can combat depression and anxiety, and helps to boost longevity and vitality. It is also highly detoxifying, and protects and nourishes the skin, brain and liver.

Prescription for: powerful anti-aging, longevity, beautiful skin.

GYNOSTEMMA

Gynostemma is revered in Chinese medicine as a miracle longevity herb. This powerful adaptogen aides in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. Its weight regulating properties make it an ideal herb for weight loss and optimal metabolic function. Gynostemma supports and maintains the body’s digestive and immune health, and nourishes the lungs. It has incredible antioxidant content, helping to prevent oxidation damage from free radicals. Gynostemma is invigorating and serves as an optimal base when combined with other herbs in tonic teas and broths.

Prescription for: anti-aging, incredible vitality, and elevated mood.

PINE POLLEN

Pine Pollen has been used since the beginning of time as an adaptogen, as well as for its wide array of vitamins and minerals, including Calcium, Iron, and Selenium. It is a complete protein. In addition, it decreases impacts of aging, stimulates liver regeneration, and can halt cancer cell growth. Pine pollen has a powerful effect on the hormones, and acts as an androgen, meaning it is able to raise testosterone levels naturally. It is known for stimulating libido, and increasing the dopamine levels in the brain, which are responsible for feeling good. Pine Pollen also contains arginine, which can improve fertility, and increase growth hormone release.

Prescription for: powerful anti-aging, reproductive health, cellular regeneration.

REISHI

As one of the most revered mushrooms in Chinese Medicine, Reishi translates to “divine mushroom.”

Reishi mushroom is known to increase immune function, as well as to relax the muscles and central nervous system (making it ideal to pair with stimulants such as coffee). It is a lung and liver protector, and can be used for protection against radiation from cell phones and Wi-Fi. Scientific studies show that it has strong anti-viral, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial properties, as well as containing incredible beautifying properties with its high antioxidant and polysaccharide content and free radical scavenging properties. Reishi also helps lower elevated blood sugar levels and increase muscle strength. With its many powerful healing properties, it is most exciting to know of the powerful anti-cancer properties that the mushroom has exhibited in countless scientific studies and trials, creating a promising outlook for those who utilize it as a tonic herb.

Prescription for: powerful anti-aging, immune and energy support, regulating stress hormones and adrenals.

You can easily incorporate your favorite adaptogens into your daily routine by adding them to your morning smoothie or bulletproof coffee. When choosing adaptogens, it is important to do your research. Stick with companies who source their ingredients responsibly, and who have organically grown and consciously wildcrafted herbs.

Note: The information provided in this article is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution.