You've likely encountered the term 'adaptogen' and gathered that they're good for you. But what exactly are adaptogens, and how can they be beneficial during the different stages of menopause?
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. They are prized for their unique ability to help the body adapt to and manage stress, whether it's caused by external factors like work and family pressures or internal changes like hormonal fluctuations.
How can adaptogens help with perimenopause and menopause?
As natural substances, adaptogens offer a holistic approach to improving our overall well-being, making them particularly valuable as we transition through the different stages of menopause. Classified as biological response modifiers (BRMs) that restore the body's innate immune functions, various studies show them to be elite herbal medicines that can play an important role in improving many symptoms, from increasing energy and enhancing mental performance to easing anxiety and stress and balancing hormones.
Simply put, they enable your body to restore balance and can help you thrive rather than just muddle through the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.
- Hormone Balance: Adaptogens can help regulate hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," leaving us feeling more emotionally blanaced.
- Stress Reduction: Adaptogens support the body's stress response systems, reducing anxiety, irritability, and mood fluctuations.
- Energy and Fatigue: Many adaptogens increase energy levels and stamina, reduce fatigue, and improve well-being and vitality.
- Cognitive Function: Certain adaptogens are also nootropics, known to improve cognitive function, memory, mental clarity, and sharpness.
- Physical Symptoms: Adaptogens can help offer relief from the discomfort of physical symptoms with their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with supporting healthy hormone balance and reducing stress levels.
7 Adaptogenic herbs to help with perimenopause and menopause
Different adaptogens have different benefits, so customising your approach to supplementing is best depending on your symptoms and needs.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as ‘'Withania Somnifera', is a renowned adaptogen with centuries of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Its stress-relieving properties make it a powerful tool for addressing the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Most well known for its ability to reduce stress and help balance hormones, especially cortisol, a growing body of evidence shows Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties, excellent immune-boosting effects, and can significantly ease anxiety, enhance libido and boost flagging energy levels.
2. Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng, a key ingredient in our Energy blend, is a revered adaptogen that hails from the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant. Particularly valuable during perimenopause and menopause, this traditional Chinese medicine is a fast-acting energy tonic well-known for its ability to enhance overall vitality while boosting energy levels and stamina. Additionally, Siberian Ginseng contributes to hormonal balance, helping to ease symptoms such as stress, mood swings, and anxiety. Valuable support for overall well-being and resilience.
Find it in: Energy
3. Licorice Root
Licorice Root, a powerful adaptogen featured in our Foundation blend, is derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Acting as a body tonic, Licorice Root has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for its stress-adaptation and anti-inflammatory properties, easing fatigue and contributing to overall well-being. As a source of phytoestrogens, this herbal remedy also mimics the action of estrogen in the body, exerting a mild hormonal effect in its own right, reducing the effect of the body's hormonal swings, and helping to ease symptoms including hot flushes.
Find it in: Foundation
4. Schisandra Fruit
Schisandra Fruit is renowned for its myriad of health benefits that can assist women transitioning through the stages of menopause. A traditional mental and physical tonic derived from the Schisandra chinensis plant, this adaptogenic fruit has a long-standing history in traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing overall well-being. Known for its ability to strengthen the body's resilience to stress, it’s also widely recognised for improving cognitive performance, mental clarity, sharpening the senses, and boosting physical endurance.
Find it in: Focus
5. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is a nootropic as well as an adaptogen, meaning it serves as an exceptional brain tonic, enhancing cognitive function, boosting mental resilience, and reducing anxiety and stress. Additionally, Bacopa monnieri has been proven to have a positive effect on mood and to help reduce elevated levels of cortisol in the body, helping us feel more balanced and calm.
6. Ginkgo Biloba
With a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over 1,000 years, Ginkgo Biloba stands out for its cognitive-enhancing powers. Its numerous health benefits are attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with its potential to increase blood flow and influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain. By improving cerebral blood flow, Ginkgo Biloba enhances cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Its adaptogenic qualities play a crucial role in combating mental fatigue and offering support for overall brain health. A powderful herb for addressing brain fog and memory issues.
Find it in: Focus
7. Korean Ginseng
Korean Ginseng is known as the "herb of kings" in traditional Chinese medicine. This famous herb is considered the greatest all-round tonic and adaptogen, used to treat exhaustion and to normalise and balance all functions in the body. Additionally, Korean Ginseng is known to improve libido, enhance sexual function, and promote an improved sense of well-being and vitality.
Find it in: Libido
As you can see, adaptogens stand apart from typical modern medicine in that they go beyond merely addressing symptoms for short-term relief. Our potent supplements are compounded using therapeutic doses of adaptogens, and operate on a protective and preventative basis. No fillers, no bulking agents, just naturally effective supplements.
If you have any concerns about any medications you are already taking, we always recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Discover our range of evidence-based supplements, developed with mind and body nutrients to address the most common symptoms and support your body and your needs before, during, and after this transitionary life stage.
