Adaptogenic Ashwagandha Provides Stress Relief. Stress is ubiquitous in our modern world. Some of us are constantly seeking ways to limit stress in our lives or mitigate its effects on our bodies. Adaptogenic herbs are a great place to start!

The Western term “adaptogen” defines herbs that help “protect the body against physical, mental and emotional stress by strengthening the immune system”. Overexposure to stress hormones can cause serious and long-lasting disruptions to the body’s primary biochemical processes, affecting our immune systems. However, regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs can help reduce lifestyle-induced chronic diseases by enhancing the body’s capacity to maintain balance in the midst of stress.  Adaptogens support our adrenal cortex response to stress, and certain phytochemicals in these herbs give both the mind and body deep, sustaining energy. 

Luckily for you, Stress Less supports your immunity and adrenal glands! The three “heavy hitters” in this tea blend are Ashwagandha, Schisandra and Tulsi:

Ashwagandha

A leading traditional Ayurvedic herb, in recorded use for over 6,000 years.  (Ayurveda is the world’s first recorded medical system and remains intact and thriving today.) The people credited with broadly introducing Ayurvedic herbs to westerners are Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. David Frawley, who published “The Yoga of Herbs” in 1986.  Ashwagandha holds a place in the Ayurvedic pharmacology, like Ginseng in Chinese Medicine.  It is less expensive and is fairly simple to cultivate. In this regard, it is a great alternative to wild-harvested Ginseng. See the monograph farther below for details on all the wonderful qualities Ashwagandha can impart. 

Schisandra

an important and popular herb in Chinese Medicine, and is also eaten as a fruit. If you steep Stress Less long enough, or repeatedly like the Eastern style of steeping, you will taste the pleasantly sour tang of Schisandra, which is the only herb possessing all 5 flavors! It has a long history of increasing energy, mental and physical performance, and endurance, as well as increasing our resistance to stress, in classic Adaptogen fashion. It normalizes blood pressure, blood sugar, and stimulates the immune system.  Phytochemicals in Schisandra stimulate enzymes in the liver and promote cell growth. In this regard, we can say Schisandra helps the liver clear the body of stress hormones. 

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

known in Ayurveda as “The Incomparable One” and revered as one of those Elixers of Life that is “without equal for it’s medicinal and spiritual properties”. Tulsi acts as a buffer against physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, exposure to cold, and excessive noise-a great herb for northern city dwellers!  Tulsi may counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels. Further, Tulsi relieves psychological stress with anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties, and improves memory and cognitive function. Tulsi is used in daily rituals and grounded in ancient knowledge.  Even further, Tulsi possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and may kill bad bugs that are out to get you! 

Enjoy this tea regularly.  It will help you cruise through stressful times, be ready for the cold impacts of winter, and adapt to the physical stress of athletic efforts.  Blended with herbs that nourish, nurture and protect our vital organs, Stress Less is tasty and effective at all temperatures and can be drank daily. 

Small children under 6 should not be served this tea in quantity, as Ashwagandha is a builder of tissue, and their bodies are already busy doing just that! 

Written by Greta de la Montagne, our herbalist consultant.  

Interested in learning more about Ashwagandha and our blends with adaptogenic herbs? Listen to Lindsey Tucker, Tea Tender and Blender as she divulges all. Thank you to Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) for making this video!