Are you feeling run down or stressed out? Maybe it’s time to try an adaptogen! Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress. But which one is right for you? Here’s a guide to some of the most popular adaptogens and those we use in RISE Botanicals!
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that support our bodies in reacting to or recovering from short and long-term physical or mental stress. Some Adaptogens are also known to boost immunity and overall well-being.1
As each adaptogen affects your body differently, it’s important to know which fits your needs. According to an article2 published by the Swedish Herbal Institute Research & Development, “a number of clinical trials demonstrate that adaptogens exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly in tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention.”
Everyone has different rituals to battle a lowered immunity. Maybe you take vitamins, switch up your diet, or sleep more. You may actually already take an adaptogen when you’re feeling this way! If you’re looking for an adaptogen to help you deal with feeling run down, here are some options.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is one of the essential herbs in Ayurveda, an ancient form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles. Due to its recent popularity in western culture, it’s likely you already know it as an adaptogen! Ashwagandha is known to help maintain energy, boost immunity, and improve daily stress management.
Ginger: Ginger is a versatile and healthy plant that has been used in many cultures around the world to add flavour and warmth to dishes and drinks for centuries. Ginger is known to protect the body from free radicals, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Other adaptogens that help with a lower immunity include: ginseng, schisandra and cordyceps.
Want to get back on your feet and start fresh no matter the time of day? Treat yourself to a bottle of Renew and its rejuvenating blend of coffee and caramel.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, holy basil, and ginger.
Do you feel like there are too many tasks on your plate and are struggling to concentrate on the task at hand? When it comes time to focus, try these adaptogens.
Reishi: Eastern medicine uses many different plants and fungi, but none are more popular than reishi mushrooms! Several molecules found within, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, may be responsible for its health benefits. Reishi is known to be a neuroprotector and helps to protect cells from free radicals.
Sage: Sage has an earthy and spicy aroma that can be used sparingly, but it still packs a nutritional punch. While it may be an everyday staple in your spice rack, the herb has medicinal properties that people have used for centuries in Eastern and Western cultures. Sage is known to fight fatigue and help to protect brain cells.
Other adaptogens that help you focus include: Lion’s Mane, Schisandra, Rhodiola Rosea, Cordyceps, Holy Basil, and Ginseng.
FOCUS
Have a deadline to meet, a project to file, or feeling scattered? Take a sip of Focus and enjoy its refreshing taste of mango and orange that will help you concentrate on whatever lies ahead.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, reishi, sage, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Can’t seem to calm your mind after a stressful day? Some adaptogens are known to help you settle down for much-needed rest. When it comes time to sleep or relax, try these adaptogens.
Chamomile: Often steeped into a tea to enjoy before bedtime, chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to humankind. Chamomile flowers are not only bursting with flavour and aroma, but they also contain terpenoids and flavonoids, contributing to their medicinal properties. Chamomile is known to have a calming effect and strengthen the immune system.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass is an herb with a citrus flavour and aroma, commonly used in Thai cuisine. The plant’s leaves and oil are used for medicinal purposes. It is one of the most popular essential oils used today for its effectiveness, health benefits, and a wide variety of applications. Lemongrass is known to help you relax and improve digestion.
Other adaptogens that help you sleep include: Valerian root, ashwagandha, lavender and Tulsi (holy basil).
RELAX
In need of a well-deserved break? Sip on Relax, a refreshing lime and ginger drink to chill the mood. The calming flavours will help you relax so you can enjoy a moment of calm.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, lemongrass, holy basil, chamomile and lavender.
It can be tough to get through the day when you’re feeling run down and exhausted. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy, consider these adaptogens.
Cacao: Not only is it delicious, but cacao also contains many compounds that can make you feel happy! Rich in antioxidants, cocoa beans are known to reduce fatigue and help increase the ability to concentrate.
Holy Basil “tulsi”: Holy Basil is not your typical type of herb. You won’t find it in pesto or Thai green curry! This herb has a delicious hot, peppery taste and is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Holy Basil is known to improve digestive stress management.
Other Adaptogens known to help with an energy boost include: Rhodiola Rosea, ashwagandha, and Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian ginseng).
BOOST
When your brain starts feeling foggy or motivation lags, grab a Boost! Its delicious cocoa and chai taste will bring you energy, so you can be on top of whatever lies ahead.
Star adaptogens: cocoa beans, ginger, ashwagandha, holy basil and cinnamon.
Want to learn more? Read about all the delicious adaptogens found in RISE Botanicals here.
Maintaining the health of our bodies is important, but what about when we’re feeling less energetic or having trouble recovering from daily stressors? Improving your body’s natural balance can be as simple as incorporating adaptogens into your lifestyle.
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that support our bodies in reacting to or recovering from short and long-term physical or mental stress. Some Adaptogens are also known to boost immunity and overall well-being.11
The word “adaptogen” was first coined in the 1950s. Still, medicinal practices using these herbs can be traced back to 3000 B.C., when they were used by Ancient Chinese and Ayurveda professionals as a way of protecting against stress-related illnesses such as anxiety or insomnia.
Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev helped shape the concept of adaptogens we know today and how they protect our bodies against various stressors.
A 2010 study conducted by researchers at the Swedish Herbal Institute for Research and Development found that “adaptogens have a significant, beneficial and specific effect on stress-induced symptoms under fatigue.” The study also determined that “the most convincing evidence of the efficacy of adaptogens were found in studies related to its effects on cognitive function and mental performance, and on its efficacy in asthenia and depression.”
Some studies have shown that pregnant women should steer clear away from adaptogens, and not all are suitable for child consumption. It’s always best to check with your doctor before introducing adaptogens into your routine.
When we face a stressor, whether physical or mental, our bodies go through what’s called general adaptation syndrome (GAS).
GAS is a three-stage response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
Sound familiar?
Adaptogens help us stay in the resistance phase longer by a stimulating effect that holds off the impending fatigue. Instead of crashing amid a stressful moment, task, or event, adaptogens help us find stability to soldier on.
In turn, adaptogens can help us perform better and feel better despite what’s stressing us out, improving our health and well-being. 22
There are many adaptogens out there – but here are the most popular ones found in RISE Botanicals!
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is one of the essential herbs in Ayurveda, an ancient form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles. Due to its recent popularity in western culture, it’s likely you already know it as an adaptogen! Ashwagandha is known to help maintain energy, boost immunity, and improve daily stress management.
Holy Basil “tulsi”: Holy Basil is not your typical type of herb. You won’t find it in pesto or Thai green curry! This herb has a delicious hot, peppery taste and is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Holy Basil is known to improve digestive stress management.
Reishi Mushrooms: Eastern medicine uses many plants and fungi, but none are more popular than reishi mushrooms! Several molecules found within, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, may be responsible for its health effects. Reishi is known to be a neuroprotector and helps to protect cells from free radicals.
Incorporating adaptogens into your routine is rather straightforward – chances are you already have some throughout your day!
The adaptogens are a great way to help you get back on your feet if you feel the need to rebalance. Always follow the instructions on the label, and if you have any questions, it’s best to speak with your doctor before incorporating them into your routine.
Wondering how to feed your body with adaptogens? There are a plethora of sources out in nature that you can use. For example, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic spice that adds excellent flavour and restorative properties when used in stir-fries and curries.
Here’s a no-brainer if you want to make adaptogens a part of your daily habits: drink RISE Botanicals, an adaptogenic beverage made for Canadians who wish to bring balance to their day. Discover our delicious flavours, Renew, Focus, Boost and Relax, today!
RISE has developed a new line of delicious adaptogenic beverages, RISE Botanicals, using the same fanatical approach to better-for-you beverages we’re notorious for.
Our new RISE Botanicals line is not a kombucha, but rather a sparkling beverage infused with adaptogens that aid our bodies in reacting to or recovering from both short and long-term physical or mental stress. Some also boost immunity and overall well-being.
Kombucha is a sparkling beverage made by fermenting tea and sugar with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha comprises living cultures, organic acids, and antioxidants that help digestion and support the immune system. Real kombucha (like RISE Kombucha) is raw, unpasteurized, and filled with good bacteria and yeast.
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that support our bodies in reacting to or recovering from short and long-term physical or mental stress. Some Adaptogens are also known to boost immunity and overall well-being.1
“The inspiration for our adaptogens came from everywhere; it started obviously by regrouping plants related to each function, with flavour taken under consideration,” explains RISE’s Research and Development Director Kelly Gallego. RISE Botanicals are infused with various adaptogens, depending on their function, such as ashwagandha, holy basil, reishi and lavender.
“Once the function was selected, the best adaptogenic herbs such as lavender and chamomile were added to reinforce the function. Adaptogens have quite a specific taste, which is why I wanted to be sure to select those which are delicious, ensuring accessible beverages for everyone.”
To learn more about our star adaptogens, click here!
It took a few rounds of formulas to develop our stellar lineup of easy-to-drink beverages that fit every lifestyle that’s not only tasty but healthy too! Currently, there are four RISE Botanicals flavours ready for you to enjoy, each with its own benefits. Which will you try first?
Want to get back on your feet and start fresh no matter the time of day? Treat yourself to a bottle of Renew and its rejuvenating blend of coffee and caramel.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, holy basil, and ginger.
Have a deadline to meet, a project to file, or feeling scattered? Take a sip of Focus and enjoy its refreshing taste of mango and orange that will help you concentrate on whatever lies ahead.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, reishi, sage, turmeric, and cinnamon.
When your brain starts feeling foggy or motivation lags, grab a Boost! Its delicious cocoa and chai taste will bring you energy so you can be on top of whatever lies ahead.
Star adaptogens: cocoa beans, ginger, ashwagandha, holy basil and cinnamon.
In need of a well-deserved break? Sip on Relax, a refreshing lime and ginger drink to chill the mood. The calming flavours will help you relax so you can enjoy a moment of calmness.
Star adaptogens: ashwagandha, lemongrass, holy basil, chamomile and lavender.
For now you can find our RISE Botanicals at Lufa Farms, Avril and a variety of natural food stores across Canada. Contact your local store to find out first if they carry the product.
