Article & Illustration by Lyndsey Redmann
Adaptogens are group of herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world. In India, a system known as Ayurveda incorporates many adaptogens as a way of balancing doshas. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine has revered adaptogen plants for over 2000 years. The term “adaptogen” is much newer, coined in the 1940’s by toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev who specialized in researching industrial toxins.
Many adaptogens grow in harsh climates, facing constant stress in difficult growing conditions which may force them to develop strong defense mechanisms to survive. For instance, ashwaganda is an herb native to arid regions. It thrives in poor quality, alkaline soil. Reishi, a glossy, kidney-shaped fungus, is found growing at the base or on stumps of deciduous trees. In Chinese mythology, reishi is depicted as “the mushroom of immortality” and was historically reserved for royalty.
The gentle hands of ginseng and ginger are known in TCM to “nourish yin” which cools inflammation. The intersection of these plant qualities and human health allow us to encourage balance, resilience, overcome stress, connecting mind and body. Many other adaptogenic plants such as turmeric, garlic, cacao, maca, and green tea can easily be incorporated in daily cooking. We can become our own kitchen alchemists as we whip up homemade turmeric gojiberry salad dressing or a delicious mushroom matcha latte! I’ll leave you with a beautiful poem that celebrates nature’s super plants.
The Alchemist’s Brew
A whisper of roots, a touch of the sun,
In nature’s alchemy, strength begun.
Ashwagandha’s calm, a gentle embrace,
Rhodiola’s fire, in a steadfast place.
Holy Basil’s grace, a temple’s sweet scent,
Balancing forces, time well-spent.
The body awakes, a resilient bloom,
From shadows of stress, escaping the gloom.
Adaptogens weave, a tapestry bright,
Restoring the balance, shining the light.
A subtle response, a natural art,
To mend what is broken, and heal the heart.
-unknown author