Superfood + Adaptogens
What is a Super Food?
A superfood is a food that is mighty rich in antioxidants and healthy compounds that keep a body and and mind vital, thriving, and robust.
What is an Adaptogen?
Adaptogens are herbs that have been shown to help the body process stress. It helps bring the body into alignment. They help it so you don’t “spike” as high when things are stressful. This helps bring your body back to rest and digest aka your parasympathetic mode.
ASHWAGANDHA
This herb is traditionally known as giving one “the strength of a horse.” When we think of a horse we think stoic but also powerful. Ashwagandha is amazing for soothing the nerves. Ashwagandha is a cognitive supporting plant. It helps with memory, learning, and mood stabilization. Adrenals have been known to love Ashwagandha.
PERUVIAN MACA
This highly adaptogenic cruciferous vegetable is known for it’s ability to help increase stamina- both mentally and physically. ESPECIALLY physically though, as studies have shown that maca gives us that “go go go” with not being overly stimulating. It’s wonderful for libido and is a great source of protein and amino acids.
HE SHOU WU
This is a root that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote vitality, longevity, stamina, and energy. It is wonderful for circulation and could be fantastic for those who do a lot of sitting or standing. He Shou Wu is a great total body tonic as it provides a gentle rev up when taken.
REISHI MUSHROOM
This mushroom is known for helping to balance blood sugar when your blood sugar is too high. Balancing blood sugar is mega important for the adrenals. Reishi mushroom is full of polysaccharides, triterpenoids, peptidoglycans and other antioxidants and vitamins. This mushroom supports a healthy immune response and helps fight fatigue which is perfect for combating stress.
CRIOLLO CACAO
It’s so nice being “on” cacao. For many people it produces feelings of happiness and groundedness. Why? Because it’s been shown to activate the bliss molecule in the brain called Anandamide. The theobromine in cacao is also wonderful for the brain as it can boost dopamine and that is a true ~feel good~ neurotransmitter. Not to mention cacao has 40X the antioxidants that blueberries have! And tons of magnesium and iron.
GOTU KOLA
This herb is known as the “student herb” because it can help increase mental alertness, help increase your capacity to learn something new and also helps with memory retention. This herb has also been shown to help with neuron communication longevity and also has been shown to help the body with circulation. Make no mistake- it’s a powerhouse.
RHODIOLA
Rhodiola is often known as a super energizing adaptogen- without the caffeine! Wonderful for those trying to drink less caffeine and strengthen their adrenals. Rhodiola helps people to NOT face mental burnout. It is a power plant for helping you battle fatigue. It’s life-giving and we absolutely love having this flowering herb in our tool chest.
LION’S MANE
Oh what a STRONG mushroom for the brain! Lion’s mane is a true brain tonic as it has two neuroactive compounds that have been shown to support brain cell growth. We’re looking athericenonesanderinacines. Lion’s Mane can help to lift some brain fog, support neuron growth and helps with cognitive functions such as decision making, memory, and focus.
AMLA
This fruit is PACKED with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is amazing for mood stabilization and supporting the brain. Amla is also wonderful for increasing circulation therefore it is super nourishing for blood. In Ayurveda, they see amla as something that can help detoxify the blood.
GINGER
This is so wonderful for supporting in bringing down inflammation. This is crucial for supporting adrenal and brain health. It is also quite warming for the blood- according to Ayurveda.
LEMON
Lemons are alkalizing and great for the heart. Lemons are full of antioxidants and provide a ~zippy~ sensory experience. Lemons are another food that is very high in Vitamin C which is good for the mood and brain.