Adaptogen

I’ve been experimenting with Ashwagandha for the last 2 months, taking about 300 mg/per day. It’s been AMAZING to say the least, especially for my high cortisol - even getting rid of my stress induced acne!

Though the last 2 weeks, I’ve noticed myself feeling a bit off. I know Ashwaganda can cause anhedonia, which is what I think is happening. I also find myself feeling angry often! Every time I cycle off ashwagandha, acne usually follows, which is unfortunate. Should I try a different adaptogen? If so, what do you guys recommend?

¿What herbs or mushrooms to avoid when having an autoimmune condition? Such as lupus, hashimoto hypothyroidism, lyme, etc…

"Adrenal hypofunction associated with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplementation: a case report"

"Withanolides, which are the principal bioactive compounds of ashwagandha, are naturally occurring steroids and may suppress adrenal function...

Ten weeks of ashwagandha supplementation was associated with adrenal hypofunction, which was reversible after a two-week break. Individuals taking ashwagandha should be aware of this potentially detrimental effect."

Do you think that the acth/cortisol lowering effect they're discussing here is just a positive adaptogenic effect that isn't comparable to a SST response while not taking an adaptogen, or is the acth suppression potentially dangerous? In the event of an accident, infection, trauma your body needs extra cortisol to handle the stressor and keep blood sugar, electrolytes, etc. stable.

Looking to add some herbs / adaptogens to my morning coffee, was just wanting to see if anyone had any recipes or how they went about it.

Do you add the herbs with the ground coffee beans or do you add it to the cup of coffee?

A active substance often discovered in herbs, plants and mushrooms that assists your body in combating fatigue, tension and stress.

Mikra's recently shared on Instagram a post that might provide a sneak peek into some of their upcoming products. Upon conducting a brief search, I found comparable items already available in the market. However, if Mikra manages to create an Adaptogen supplement that can overcome the challenges posed by the gastric environment, it would undoubtedly be a successful addition to their range of products.

You can find more information in the links below:

Mikra Instagram

Evaluating the Best Adaptogen Supplements in 2022

Forbes

Long time lurker, but I see a few comments here and there that ask questions around ingredients. I quit many times over the last decade and experimented with best ways to quit and herbs to minimize withdrawals/depression/low productivity. Happy to support this subreddit any way I can, it's hard to get off of caffeine and this community makes it so much easier. If you're in the process of quitting, keep going! It only gets better. And if you want to try the coffee alternative Rasa, let me know in the comments, I'll give you a free box

I’m looking for any local stores that sell brands that are alternatives to booze. Ideally looking for Adaptogenic drinks, like Gia, Do Sei, Recess, Apothekary. But, also interested in any decent mocktails. A lot of LR bars have great drinks, but looking for something I can make/drink at home.

I’m three weeks after testing positive and my energy levels are not where they used to be. I’ve heard adaptogens (schisandra, etc) can help but I’m scared of taking them because they affect your nervous system somehow. Should I just wait it out or try adaptogens? I realize 3 weeks might not be enough time to fully heal but I’m eager to start working out again.

RESULTS: We found that the effects of plant adaptogens on skin diseases mainly involve atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and androgenetic alopecia, etc.

And the effects on skin health mainly involve anti-aging and anti-photoaging, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, whitening, and anti-hair loss, etc.

Also, based on the results of patent analysis, it is found that the effects of plant adaptogens on skin mainly focus on aging retardation. The dermatological effects of plant adaptogens are mainly from Fabaceae Lindl., Araliaceae Juss. and Lamiaceae Martinov., and their mainly efficacy phytochemical components are terpenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

CONCLUSION: The plant adaptogens can repair the skin barrier and maintain skin homeostasis by regulating the skin HPA-like axis, influencing the oxidative stress pathway to inhibit inflammation, and regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) components to maintain a dynamic equilibrium, ultimately achieving the treatment of skin diseases and the maintenance of a healthy state.

Let me point this out. I think endorphins are important, serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, all those basic amines your brain loves. And all the right minerals (metals) too. But I'd like everyone to try this for depression. Take a multi-vitamin, if you don't normally take them, take 2 at once, then take 2gms of l-tryptophan. With an adaptogen blend that has rhodiola roscea (I should say "preferably"). Let me list the ingredients right now. Curcuma, Schizandra, American Ginsing, Eleuthero, Rhodiola, Galanga, Turmeric, Astragalus, Ginger, the first 6 dosed at 100mg, the last 3 are lower. I also took l-tyrosine this morning like I normally do with l-citrulline. Oh and 225mcg iodine. Forgot to mention that too with my normal multi-B. Came home, took 2gms of l-tryptophan with this adaptogenic blend... HOLY COW. OMG I feel good. Everyone needs to try something close to this at least once I really feel unbelievably perfect right now.

ps. I just found out this specific adaptogen blend is actually discontinued. But amazon sells a few similar products I really think any, dosed after a multi vitamin & l-tryptophan can seriously tune up your serotonin. Music sounds great right now. It usually isn't this enjoyable just to hear music. Now it is very enjoyable. There is a clear effect there. Mood is also tuned up & I feel subtly euphoric. Which is surprising the bottle is expired but sometimes I take expired supplements what can I say.

After hearing the Chores episode, I’m really interested in adaptogens. I’ve done the CBD, even used the promo code for Feals, it worked for a bit… I just feel like I wasn’t getting the maximum out of it.

Has anyone done any adaptogens? Have any advice?

I can’t decide whether I like the feeling or not. My anxiety has completely diminished but I also feel a little emotionally numb? Are there any adaptogens that don’t do this?

Thanks in advance :)

• Ashwagandha: According to the American Botanical Council, ashwagandha root soared 185.2% in sales in 2020, representing the largest growth spurt of any herbal supplement in the mainstream channel.

• Rhodiola: Rhodiola rosea is a traditional herb used for thousands of years in Siberia to make an energy enhancing tea. Today, it’s prized for its ability to increase mental performance and work output and decrease fatigue.

• Schisandra: With a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine for vitality, schisandra is in demand today for increasing energy, battling fatigue and promoting healthy sleep. Research shows that the ingredient’s antioxidant activity may promote a healthy nervous system and boost mental and physical functioning.

• Holy basil: Holy basil has been found to protect organs and tissues against physical stress and chemical stressors, such as those from pollutants and other environmental factors. Plus, it’s been shown to counter metabolic stress through the normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels

• Maca: Maca, a Peruvian tuber, has been traditionally known for its sexual support and fertility benefits, and studies back its benefits for helping women battle antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction. As a food, maca is highly nutritious

My current stack:

• Vitamin D

• Fish oil

• Probiotic

• Creatine

• Magnesium (in the evening)

The three adaptogens I find interesting are:

• — anti-cancer, testosterone regulation

• — anti-anxiety, neuroprotective

• — anti-anxiety, anti-cancer

What's the current consensus on these? Snake oil? Legit? Too early to tell? I've read through the examine pages linked above, as well as lots of anecdotes here, but I still haven't decided for myself if any (or all) of these are worth the money.

My goals in taking any of these would be to combat general anxiety, provide general health support (e.g. anti-cancer properties), and a bonus if they aid in my athletic endeavors (running, biking, and lifting). I'm a 34 y/o male.

BTW, if these adaptogens were super cheap, I'd probably take them all :) Given that high-quality sources are rather expensive, however, I'm trying to decide if I should add one or more into my regimen. Thanks for any insights or feedback.

I know ashwaganda, chamomile, and rhodiola are all good but can I take any of them long term or should I cycle them? If so, how often? What might be some other good ones to take? Is there certain dosages I should take to make sure they give me an effect?

I suffer from anxiety/depression due to trauma from my childhood and am starting to take control of my health rather than relying on pharmaceuticals that don’t address the root cause. What herbs could I incorporate while my body adjusts to not being reliant antidepressants? My brain has relied on them for 14 years unfortunately.

Thanks in advance :)

Hey everyone,

I have no idea if this is the place to share it however after my longest struggle with severe comedonal acne and using pore clogging makeup filled with fillers and a bunch of questionable ingredients, I've been on a journey creating makeup with beneficial East Asian herbal adaptogen tonics often used in Cantonese heritage that would work to maintain or improve the results of my skincare routine! Everything is hand crafted, hand poured, and proudly made in Canada. I just opened my small business and would appreciate any feedback, support, and upvoting. Feel free to have a look through my website if you're interested in learning more:)

IG:

EDIT: Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to visit my site and provide feedback. The response has been overwhelming and I'm truly grateful for it!

I take panic ginseng and lion’s mane, generally on alternate days. Is there any research that you need to cycle or come off them once in a while?