CAN'T HANDLE STRESS? ADAPT TO IT

If there's one thing we all deal with in our daily lives, it is stress ­ physical, chemical, emotional and mental. We t meditate, colour mandalas, do r sun salutations and sip green tea to soften its bearings on us, yet stress never really leaves us. Try adaptogens. Simply put, t adaptogens are natural substances considered to help the body adapt to stress, according to herbal medicine. These herbs, like tulsi, rhodiola root, Asian ginseng root, help balance our adrenal response to s the zillion stressors around us ­ hectic schedules, heat or t cold, noise, high altitudes and more. The science of adapto gens isn't new. They have been used in Chinese and In dian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, to boost energy. It's time to get in touch with our roots again. Literally...

HELPS BODY TO ATTUNE

The best part of adap togens is that they do their work qui etly, without any jolts or sedation, unlike medicines.

They energise, but don't necessarily stimulate. They can calm you down without being a tranquiliser. In short, they adapt to whatever our body needs. So, adaptogens are good friends to have.

WHY WE NEED THEM

Doctors believe most lifestyle diseases are either a result of -or made worse by -the stress that surrounds us. In such a scenario, adapto gens are much-need ed. They regulate our hormones and boost the immune system, help in keeping a healthy weight and a balanced mood. In many parts of the world, adaptogens are used extensively in high-risk, fast-reflex occupations. Ath letes, miners, deep sea divers use them a lot.

START WITH THE BEST

There are a number of natural ly adaptogenic herbs that come with their benefits (see box). They can be taken in a capsulated supplement form, brewed in teas, or in their nat ural form, simply cut up and used to spice up a meal.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Most adaptogens, if taken in dilute moderate servings, are safe and effective. Like any other herbal remedy, these are available as capsules, powders or tablets. But it is always bet ter to consume them in their natural form. Most adapto gens can be taken as a teacon coction. While they are con sidered safe, there is no plant on the planet that is 100 per cent secure for everyone all the time. So, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

With inputs from Manjari Chandra, therapeutic nutrition ist and Kanchan Patwardhan, clinical nutritionist

Asian ginseng root: Antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiasthmatic and cardiotonic, ginseng, especially red ginseng, is the most stimulating of the adaptogens.

Ashwagandha root: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, sedative (mild), and thyroid stimulant, this herb is one of the most prominent Rasayana (rejuvenative) remedies of Ayurveda and a calming adaptogen.

Asian mushrooms: Its adaptogen properties are known to boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.

Tulsi: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, tulsi is one of the most powerful herbal remedies. Apart from a powerful weapon against stress and infections, it also protects against the effects of radiation.

Rhodiola root: Anti-depressant, cardiopro tective, rhodiola has a long history of use in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Russia as a rejuvenative tonic. Rhodiola has been an official medicine in the Soviet Union, as a mild Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant, memory enhancer and immune tonic apart from being a stimulating

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