We live in times in which humans are exposed to numerous stresses. These are both environmental and psychological in nature. Such changes are associated with problems for many fellow citizens. They limit their quality of life or even influence their health in a negative way. You can defend yourselves against this – with the help of nature.
Some people have a very romantic definition of nature. As if it were a good spirit that magically takes care of everything and ensures harmony. That is not what I mean here. I see nature as a kind of great pharmacy. It provides remedies for many problems. Where they exist, they should be used. Where they don’t work, conventional medicine has to take over. In this context, however, I would like to refer to adaptogens. They are aids that come from the realm of nature. They can be used to specifically influence health and resistance.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are basically chemical extracts that are obtained from nature. That is, from plants, herbs or minerals, etc. They help the human body to cope with the stresses of the environment. Anyone who now says that this is all mumbo jumbo can quickly be proven wrong. When radioactivity leaked from the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, citizens had to take potassium iodide tablets. In principle, these are salt tablets. This substance protected their cells from storing radioactive elements in their bones. That’s roughly how you have to think of it. Adaptogens are substances that are able to positively influence the body’s functions and do not come from the laboratory.
What problems do adaptogens help with?
In our society, environmental stresses are currently on the increase. Climate change is altering temperature, air pressure, precipitation frequency and much more. In addition, air quality has changed in recent years. People with asthma, high blood pressure, migraines or heat sensitivity feel the effects very clearly.
Added to this are the stresses from a psychological point of view. Depression and burnout are among the most common reasons why employees become unable to work. Much more is demanded in the working world today. Role models in the private sphere are changing, tasks are being reshuffled. For most people, a lot of work has been added. Productivity gains are not compensated with free time, but with even more work.
Those who suffer from such problems usually have little choice but to go to the doctor and get prescribed medication or medical treatment.
However, before throwing in the chemical mace, it is worth considering whether there might not be alternatives with which similar results can be achieved. And without the nasty side effects and long-term damage to organs that powerful drugs bring. Here are a few examples:
- Prunes aid digestion and are effective against constipation.
- Ginger helps against nausea and increases the feeling of warmth in the body.
- St. John’s wort has a calming effect on nervousness and anxiety
- Fennel has always been effective against flatulence and is good for a tough cough
- Licorice tea is an effective remedy for gastritis
- CBD lightens the mood and helps with chronic pain
The list goes on and on. Mother Nature has created many plants and herbs. Many of them can target specific organs in the body. Adaptogens are made from such mixtures and in many cases they are a well-tolerated alternative to harsh chemicals. Those who have health problems are well advised to try out gentle alternatives and test their effects.