What’s an adaptogen?
Adaptogens are plants and fungi that help restore balance to stressed hormones in the body. In other words, they support overall health and improve the body’s ability to respond to the pressures of life.
Studies show adaptogens, and many other plants, also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
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Reduces inflammation -- or swelling, redness, heat, tenderness, pain and loss of function in the body.
While inflammation is created as the body's response to and to protect against illness, injury, and infection, chronic inflammation can lead to damaged cells causing various organ diseases, cancers, and other life harming issues.
Examples of anti-inflammatory agents include NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc), or foods like dark fruits & vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anti-inflammatory-agent
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Slows or stops the growth of harmful or disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi (mold, mildew), viruses, and parasites.
Antimicrobials can also resist, inhibit, and prevent the growth of these microorganisms.
Examples of antimicrobials include antibiotics (e.g. penicillin), antivirals (e.g. azithromycin), antifungals (e.g. zinc shampoo), antiparasitics (ivermectin), and antiseptics (e.g. bleach).
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/antimicrobial
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Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are created during cell metabolism.
When free radicals build up in cells, they can damage other molecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins, causing various cancers, stroke, organ diseases, and diseases of aging.
Examples of anti-oxidants are: beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/free-radical
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/antioxidant
