ADRENAL SUPPORT - PART 2

Do you know the benefits of adaptogenic plants?

They are tonic medicinal plants that allow the body to adapt to transient situations of stress and fatigue and to strengthen the body in the long term. They, therefore, help to provide support to our body in the most difficult moments of everyday life.

Here I have selected two herbs that can easily be added to your routine in order to effectively support your adrenal glands and avoid tiring them.

1. Shatavari

Also called “cluster asparagus”, it is the plant par excellence for women's health in Ayurvedic practice. Here are some of its most famous assets:

• Reduces premenstrual syndrome
• Provides support to get through periods of menstruation
• Acts as a uterine tonic, thus increasing fertility
• Reduces hot flashes associated with menopause
• Aphrodisiac and stimulating plant

It contains a multitude of vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and antioxidants that help prevent cell aging. It is a diuretic plant, that is to say, which promotes kidney health: the urinary system is stimulated, allowing better evacuation of waste from the body. Additionally, it helps support communication between the adrenals and the brain.

Result: the body is more efficient in responding to stressful situations.

It is the roots of the Shatavari that are powdered for consumption. Excellent as a daily tonic, it is recommended to take ⅛ to ¼ tsp. coffee, once or twice a day, as needed. This powder can be easily incorporated into a smoothie or recipe of your choice. It is also drunk as an infusion, but has a somewhat earthy taste ... Adding a natural sweetener is a great option for those of you with a sweet tooth!

2. Ashwagandha

This plant, also known as Indian Ginseng, has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years and works effectively against stress and anxiety. It is the plant of physical and mental well-being:

• Improves the balance of cortisol level in the adrenals
• Improves concentration and stimulates memory
• Helps balance the nervous system and blood pressure
• Reduces the effects of high-stress levels in the body, such as heaviness in the chest, depression, inflammation of the skin (acne, ulcers), and anxiety attacks
• Tones the body
• Stimulates libido
• Promotes sleep

This plant is taken in capsule form or in powder form. For more effective results, it is recommended to carry out a course of one to three months. It can, like Shatavari, be incorporated into recipes or mixed with ghee (clarified butter used in Ayurvedic cooking). The two plants are taken very well as a duo: your adrenals will be filled! :-)​

Lifestyle habits

Along with these herbs that help support your adrenals, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to help prevent premature exhaustion. A regular sleep pattern and a balanced diet are essential: you should avoid skipping meals and be careful about your consumption of processed products which are often high in sugars, salts, and saturated fats. Regularly consuming alcohol, tobacco and coffee can also make your adrenals worse.

In addition, regular physical activity is very beneficial for airing the brain! Yoga is a gentle sport that easily fits into your routine, especially since sports centers are no longer accessible ...

Your practices can both be accompanied by breathing exercises to relax and energize the body and mind. I highly recommend the practice of the "alternating nostril" breathing exercise, also called Nadhi Shodhana in Sanskrit. Refer to this video to see it in practice.

It is also always possible to make an appointment for an Ayurvedic consultation with me. Indeed, taking adaptogenic herbs can interfere with certain medications, which is why it is important to be adequately informed. In addition, they are not recommended for pregnant women as they play a lot on the reproductive system. I will therefore be happy to support you in this process by answering your questions and helping you regain optimal health, quite naturally!