Adapt

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri, also called brahmi, is a staple plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Bacopa as been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for centuries for a variety of purposes, including improving memory, reducing anxiety, and treating epilepsy. Preliminary evidence suggests that bacopa may have antioxidant properties. The herb contains saponin compounds such as bacosides and bacopasides, which may enhance the communication of brain chemicals involved in cognition, learning, and memory, and inhibit inflammation in the brain. Animal and human studies show that Bacopa monnieri may help improve memory, attention, and the ability to process visual information. Several studies indicate that bacopa may help preserve memory and enhance cognitive function.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane has been recognized as a powerful superfood that can enhance brain function and help with a number of other ailments, possibly even reducing incidence of cancer. Lion’s Mane helps stimulate nerve growth factor production (NGF) which is a neuropeptide that helps maintain neurons, the cells responsible for helping your brain process and transmit information. Studies have shown that not only is Lion's Mane effective for improving cognitive function for those with mild cognitive impairment; it also helps preserve photographic and short-term memory. The NGF- enhancing action of Lion’s Mane has also been shown to support the autonomic nervous system, the primary system involved in the body’s flight or fight response. Lion’s Mane can reduce feelings of irritability and anxiety, suggesting it may also relieve mild symptoms of depression. By increasing NGF, the neuropeptide needed to prevent nerve cell damage, Lion’s Mane can also help alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc). It’s even been shown to regenerate damaged cells. Studies have also shown that supplementing with Lion’s Mane can help improve insulin sensitivity and may help manage type 2 diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances. The natural antibacterial properties of Lion’s Mane act as a protectant in the gut, working against digestive conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help with IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, and colitis. In addition, Lion’s Mane can reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Reishi

Reishi makes an excellent herb choice for calming the mind, easing anxiety, promoting sleep, grounding and centering us, in addition to fostering greater resilience to stress over time. The fruiting bodies of this mushroom contain polysaccharides, specifically a type called beta-glucans, which have been studied to support immune health and overall wellness, as well as normal, healthy cell growth and turnover. Modern uses of Reishi include cardiovascular support, a healthy stress response, healthy energy/stamina, overall wellness and immune health. It is antimicrobial against viruses, bacteria, and other fungi such as candida. It is anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system as well as promoting heart, liver, and kidney health. Reishi also appears to work on the Hippocampus-Pituitary Adrenal axis (HPA) by improving the function of the adrenal glands themselves. When the nervous system percieves stress, that signal is transmitted to the command center of the brain (the hypothalamus), which in turn relays the message to the adrenal glands stimulating the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline). Targets for modulating the stress response, therefore, include the nervous system as well as the HPA.

Cordyceps

While included in the mushroom family, Cordyceps is not a mushroom, however, it is a specific type of fungus form called Ascomycetes. Also considered a superfood, Cordyceps can help boost immune response, fight free radicals and aging, reduce inflammation and even boosts energy. Cordyceps promotes hormone balance, energy, sexual function, reduces anxiety and enhances athletic performance. Studies show that cordyceps can effectively delay muscle fatigue, and promote and extend erectile capacity and endurance. In traditional medicine Cordyceps has been used to improve infertility in both men and women. Purported to help with blood flow and improve oxygen dispersion, libido and stamina where elevated in both sexes. Men show improvement in both sex drive and motility, and women see enhanced mood and improved hormone balance. Many fertility issues in women can be caused by hormonal issues, and taking an adaptogen like Cordyceps can help the body to correct these issues resulting in improved fertility. In men, poor sexual responses and low libido can be caused by stress and decreased blood flow. Supplementing with Cordyceps can directly impact those issues resulting in greater performance and fertility.

Ashwaganda

Ashwaganda is a calming adaptogen that helps the body manage daily stress by reducing cortisol. In animal and human studies, Ashwagandha root was found to stimulate the thyroid, making it useful for hypothyroidism. Ashwaganda enhances endocrine function, especially helping to re-regulate the thyroid, testes, and adrenal glands. Because of its nervine and adaptogenic functions, Ashwagandha is very effective for anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, stress-induced insomnia, and neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion). It helps with chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis (autoimmune inflammation of voluntary muscles).

Astragalus

Astragalus is an antioxidant to aid in regulating the immune system. It strengthens the lungs and helps prevent colds, influenza, bronchitis, mononucleosis, pneumonia and infection by coxsackie B virus (the major cause of mycocarditis). Astragalus helps prevent immunosuppression caused by chemotherapy and has tumor-inhibiting activity. Regular use of this root has been shown to prevent kidney and liver damage caused by medications and viruses.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a potent antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, specifically in improving calmness and mood, boosting the immune system, and increasing energy levels.

Maca

Maca is a plant root that increases energy and improves mood due to being nutrient rich in vitamins C and A as well as B2, B6 and Niacin. Maca is also high in minerals, including iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, copper, magnesium and potassium. Maca has shown help lift depression and deliver a boost of natural energy, while also fighting cell stress, aging, and cancer. Maca also improves memory and learning.