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. Sometimes described as biological response modifiers (BRMs), adaptogens have been the subject of various studies, and individual herbs are traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western herbal medicine to help the body adapt to stress.

Simply put, they may help your body adapt, so you can thrive rather than just muddle through the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.

• Hormonal Changes:  Herbs such as withania (Ayurvedic medicine) and astragalus (Chinese medicine) are traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress, which can feel harder to manage as hormones shift through perimenopause and menopause.
• Stress Reduction:  Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help relieve symptoms of mild anxiety, and Siberian ginseng is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help the body adapt to stress.
• Energy and Fatigue: Siberian ginseng is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine, and withania in Ayurvedic medicine, to relieve tiredness and fatigue, while schisandra is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support stamina.
• Cognitive Function: Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve memory and cognition, and schisandra is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to enhance cognitive performance.
• Physical Symptoms: Shatavari and withania are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce the occurrence of menopausal symptoms, and some adaptogens also have antioxidant properties. 

 

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. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress, relieve tiredness, support immune system health and support healthy libido.

Find it in: Energy + Libido 

2. Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng, a key ingredient in our Energy blend, is a revered adaptogen that hails from the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant. It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve tiredness and fatigue, reduce mental fatigue and help the body adapt to stress. 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. Licorice Root is traditionally used in Western herbal and Chinese medicine as a body tonic and to help the body adapt to stress, contributing to overall well-being. Licorice has also been researched for hot flushes associated with menopause.

Find it in: Foundation

4. Schisandra Fruit

Schisandra Fruit, derived from the Schisandra chinensis plant, has a long-standing history in traditional Chinese medicine. This adaptogenic fruit is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help the body adapt to stress, enhance cognitive performance and mental alertness, and support physical endurance.

Find it in: Focus

5. Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a brain tonic to improve memory and cognition, reduce mental fatigue, help the body adapt to stress and relieve symptoms of mild anxiety. Bacopa monnieri has also been the subject of clinical research.

Find it in: Focus

6. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has a rich history in traditional medicine spanning over 1,000 years. It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help promote healthy blood circulation, including to the hands and feet, and it sits alongside bacopa and schisandra in Focus, which supports mental concentration, focus and clarity. A popular herb if your days have started to feel foggy.

Find it in: Focus 

7. Korean Ginseng

Korean Ginseng is known as the "herb of kings" in traditional Chinese medicine. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help the body adapt to stress, relieve tiredness and support healthy libido and sexual function. Korean Ginseng has also been studied for libido in menopausal women.

Find it in: Libido

 

As you can see, adaptogens have a long history of traditional use. Our supplements bring together adaptogens with other herbs and nutrients, each chosen to support you through this stage of life.

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 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.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.