Adapting to Adaptogens: The Stress-Relieving Herbs Australians Swear By
G’day, Legends! Let’s dive deep into the world of adaptogens, those nature-derived wonders Aussies and folks worldwide are turning to for a bit of stress-relief. Today, we're taking a closer look at two heavy-hitters in the adaptogenic world: Relora and Ashwagandha.
Adapt-What? Understanding Adaptogens
Think of adaptogens as your friendly neighbourhood stress-busters. These are special herbs and mushrooms that help our bodies navigate and resist various stressors, whether they're physical, chemical, or just life throwing its usual curveballs. In essence, adaptogens have this incredible knack for balancing, restoring, and safeguarding our body.
Meet the Stress-Busting Duo
1. Relora:
Originating from the barks of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, this combination has roots (pun intended!) in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over a millennia.
Benefits:
- Dial Down on Anxiety: Research hints that Relora might just be your go-to to uplift mood and shoo away those anxiety blues.
- Taming the Stress Hormone: It's believed to have a say in managing cortisol, our body's stress hormone.
- Weight-Wise: Some whispers suggest it could assist in keeping stress-induced weight gain at bay, though the jury's still out pending more studies.
2. Ashwagandha:
This one's a legend in Indian Ayurvedic circles, celebrated as the "strength of the stallion", thanks to its revitalising properties.
Benefits:
- Stress, Be Gone!: Ashwagandha has a track record in toning down cortisol, aiding in stress management.
- Mood Elevator: It’s touted to lessen depressive symptoms.
- Brain Boost: Preliminary findings point towards its potential in sharpening memory and cognitive functions.
Dosage, Timing, and the Gold Standard (Standardisation, That Is)
Friendly Reminder: Always have a chat with your healthcare buddy before welcoming any new supplement to your daily regime.
Relora:
- Dosage: Stay between 250-500 mg, usually taken twice a day.
- When to Take: Best accompanied with meals, just to jazz up absorption.
Ashwagandha and the Standardisation Saga:
Let's spill the beans on "standardisation". It's a fancy term that guarantees you get the same amount of active components in every dose. So, if you spot "Ashwagandha standardised to 9%", it's an assurance that 9% of the dose is packed with the good stuff that makes Ashwagandha shine. Consistency is its middle name!
- Dosage: 300-500 mg daily is the sweet spot for most when it comes to stress relief. Some might nudge you towards a whopping 6000 mg across the day, but baby steps first, okay?
- When to Take: Flexibility is Ashwagandha's forte. Take it whenever but considering its tranquil vibes, night-time might just be right-time for some.
Signing Off...
In the vast world of natural wonders, adaptogens like Relora and Ashwagandha stand tall. The key, as always, is to tune in to your body and sync with a healthcare professional to dial in the right rhythm. So, when life throws a spanner in the works, perhaps it's time to turn to these natural maestros. It’s the secret sauce for many Aussies thriving in our fast-paced world.
Here's raising a toast to a chiller, stress-debunked life in the land down under!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are special herbs and mushrooms that help our bodies navigate and resist various stressors. They have the ability to balance, restore, and safeguard our body against physical, chemical, or daily life stresses.
Q2: What are the benefits of Relora?
Relora offers multiple benefits such as:
- Uplifting mood and reducing anxiety.
- Managing cortisol, the body's stress hormone.
- Potential assistance in preventing stress-induced weight gain, though more research is needed.
Q3: Can you tell me about Ashwagandha's benefits?
Certainly! Ashwagandha is known for:
- Reducing cortisol levels, aiding in stress management.
- Lessening depressive symptoms.
- Potential in improving memory and cognitive functions.
Q4: What is "standardisation" in relation to Ashwagandha?
Standardisation ensures that you get the same amount of active components in every dose. If you see "Ashwagandha standardised to 9%", it means that 9% of that dose contains the main beneficial components of Ashwagandha.
Q5: Before starting with Relora or Ashwagandha, what should one consider?
Always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement to your daily routine. It's important to ensure the supplement is suitable for you and determine the right dosage.
Referances
NIH Nation Library of Medicine Pub Med - Clinical effectiveness of Withania
NIH Nation Library of Medicine Pub Med - Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects
NIH Nation Library of Medicine Pub Med - Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. It is essential to always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or changes to your health regimen.
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