Adaptogenic Herbs
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Stress Relieving Adaptogenic Herbs
“Adaptogen” is a term introduced by Russian scientists in the 1950’s when they were researching what herbs would help their Olympic athletes and their cosmonauts adapt to stress under extreme conditions while producing health benefits like increasing their endurance and enhancing their immune systems. Here’s the definition of “adaptogen” that has evolved since those early days:
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that increase resistance to stress, whether the cause is physical, chemical or biological. They have a non-specific normalizing effect on the body’s physical systems by strengthening the immune system, the nervous system and the glandular system. Adaptogens also enhance the body’s ability to recover after exercise, to reduce fatigue and increase cognitive function. They may be taken on a continuous basis without causing any harm.
You can enjoy these health benefits in seven delicious Teeccino blends featuring the following adaptogenic herbs:
Tulsi leaves - Ocimum sanctum
Tulsi, The Queen of Herbs, as it is called in India, is also known as Holy Basil because the plant has been revered as the embodiment of the Hindu Goddess, Tulsi, for over 5,000 years. Every Hindu household has a Tulsi plant near their front door or in the center of their courtyard to ward off illness. Women especially hold Tulsi to be sacred and the plant is called “the holiest of all plants”.
Ayurvedic medicine and animal studies have shown that Tulsi protects our health by helping our bodies adapt to stress, relieving fatigue without any stimulants, increasing endurance, lowering cortisol, improving cognitive performance under stress, and fighting free radicals. Unsurprisingly, human studies suggest that Tulsi is also a mood enhancer!
Teeccino uses two varieties of organically grown Tulsi from India in Tremella Tulsi Cardamom Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea. Krishna Tulsi has purple leaves while Rama Tulsi has green leaves and its name also means ‘bright tulsi”. These varieties are named for Krishna and Rama, who are avatars of Vishnu, the consort of the goddess Tulsi in the Hindu religion, and known for their powers of protection.
Rhodiola root - Rhodiola rosea
Growing in the northern most climate of Siberia where cold temperatures subject plants to stress, Rhodiola is considered one of the top two adaptogenic herbs researched by Russian scientists. The harsh climate ensures that plants able to survive there produce an abundance of antioxidants and phytochemicals to protect them from disease.
Rhodiola is valued for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety while balancing the mood. Increased antioxidant capacity has been found post exercise in extreme sports which helps to promote more rapid recovery. It is also thought to enhance cognitive processing and strengthen immunity.
Rhodiola’s binomial species name “rosea” comes from its lovely odor of roses and its rose-like flavor when brewed. Wild harvested rhodiola has a more distinctive rose odor than cultivated Rhodiola which reflects a higher amount of rosavins, one of the active phytochemicals in Rhodiola.
Teeccino uses Rhodiola rosea roots, wild harvested in Siberia, in Lion’s Mane Rhodiola Rose Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea.
Ashwagandha root - Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha root, one of the most highly revered herbs in India’s Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for four thousand years as a ‘rasayana’, which are tonic herbs considered excellent for rejuvenation and longevity. It is referred to as “Indian ginseng” because like its counterpart in China, Panax ginseng, both roots have strong reputations that uphold their adaptogenic effects to reduce stress and boost immunity.
The name, Ashwagandha means ‘the strength and smell of a horse’ and its species name ‘somnifera’ was given because of its use to promote restful sleep. Its many tonic uses have earned its reputation as the “King of Herbs” in Ayurvedic medicine.
Teeccino uses organic ashwagandha root, grown in India, in Chaga Ashwagandha Butterscotch Cream Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea.
Schisandra Berries - Schisandra chinensis
This bright, red berry from China is considered extremely valuable because it contains all 5 flavors: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and pungent. By having the full array of flavors, schisandra berries are believed to affect all the systems in the body. It is an important tonic herb used in Chinese medicine for its revitalizing and harmonizing properties.
The berries contain lignans, plant polyphenols that are antioxidants, which have been shown to protect the liver. The berries are also thought to be protective of the nervous system and strengthening to the immune system. Schisandra berries contribute to increased vitality and stamina.
Schisandra grows wild in northern coniferous forests at high latitudes in China. It is a vine that grows up the sides of trees and shrubs. It can also be cultivated in open meadows.
Teeccino uses organic schisandra berries of the highest quality which keeps their bright purple color when dried in our Cordyceps Schisandra Cinnamon Berry Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea.
Astragalus Root - Astragalus propinquus
Widely used in Chinese medicine, astragalus root has traditionally been regarded as a lung tonic that helps with respiratory illnesses. Its unique antioxidant, astragalocides, and its polysaccharides protect the respiratory tract. Some compounds found in astragalus are thought to support the immune system by increasing certain immune cells that fight off disease, which is why the Chinese often add astragalus to soups to strengthen vitality.
Astragalus may also help your body respond to fatigue and lower inflammation. Animal studies show that it also improves cognitive performance such as memory and learning and reduces anxiety under stressful conditions.
In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is used as a tonic for the spleen and is given to patients suffering from fatigue who need to increase their appetite to strengthen their bodies.
Teeccino uses organic astragalus roots as they are traditionally grown in China in our Turkey Tail Astragalus Toasted Maple Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea.
Eleuthero Root - Eleutherococcus senticosus
Native to Asia, eleuthero, formerly known as "Siberian ginseng", was the first herb Russian scientists were studying when Soviet scientist, N.V. Lazarev, developed the term “adaptogen” in 1947. A woody shrub that grows wild across Siberia, eleuthero is in the same botanical family as Panax ginseng, which is why the two were associated as both herbs promote strength and vitality. Eleuthero has been historically valued as an important tonic herb by the Chinese, Koreans, Japanese and Russians.
Eleuthero root has traditionally been used to support immune function where it has been shown to increase the levels of antibodies that fight microbes. As an adaptogen, when consumed regularly, it lowers the body’s response to stress and helps fight fatigue and inflammation while balancing the mood.
Eleuthero helps support the liver’s detoxification processes giving it the ability to help protect the liver from damage by exposure to toxins.
Studies with athletes show that eleuthero may increase endurance and help with muscular recovery after a workout. Eleuthero was valued for use with Russian Olympic athletes and cosmonauts because it helped their bodies reduce stress under extreme physical duress and protect their overall health.
Teeccino uses wild harvested, organic eleuthero root from Siberia in Reishi Eleuthero French Roast Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Coffee and Tea.
Maca Root - Lepidium meyenii
For thousands of years, Peruvians have been growing and eating this tuber that grows high up in the Andes above 12,000 feet, where people have to endure stressful living conditions in freezing cold weather. Now, extensive scientific studies show that maca helps the body cope with stress while increasing endurance, stamina and energy production.
Maca has been shown in animal studies to lower cortisol levels and decrease stress-related fatty acids in the bloodstream. Additionally, studies show maca can help balance your mood probably due to how much more energized it makes you feel!
In studies on mice, maca has a beneficial effect on memory, which seems to be due to its ability to keep the brain’s neurotransmitters from being recycled. It also has antioxidants, which may also be why the mice improved in their memory retention and cognitive function. They learned and processed information faster, something we all could use.
There are a lot of studies looking at maca and sex hormones with varying results. Maca doesn’t contain phytoestrogens or male hormones like some plants do, but it has been shown to increase the production of testosterone in men and balance hormone levels in women. Maca is thought to be helpful for relieving the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and to help prevent bones loss.
It is theorized that its effect on the sex drive, hormones and fertility comes from how well maca nourishes our glandular system. Inca warriors figured this out. They are reputed to have consumed large quantities of maca before going into battle to amp up their strength and vigor!
Maca is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family which means it’s related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It’s rich in minerals including calcium, potassium, iron, iodine, copper, manganese and zinc and its protein consists of 19 amino acids. Maca also contains polysaccharides, polyphenols (antioxidants) macamides and glucosinolates, all of which are considered to be the active ingredients in maca. Due to its tough fiber, maca is consumed cooked to make its nutrients bioavailable. When brewed, the nutrients are extracted by hot water into the liquid.
Teeccino uses organically grown maca root from the high mountains of Peru in our Maca Chocolate Herbal Coffee and Tea.
