Adaptogens: a valuable resource in acute moments of stress.

Adaptogens, in herbal medicine, are plants that help our body adapt to stress.

They help regulate the nervous system and also the endocrine system, because they act by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, regulating cortisol levels and improving the stress response.

The best-known adaptogenic plants are: Ashwagandha, which reduces anxiety and stress and improves sleep quality; Rhodiola, which increases physical and cognitive performance and reduces mental fatigue; Ginseng, which regulates neurotransmitters and cellular energy; Eleuthero, which reinforces resistance in cases of exhaustion; Schisandra, which improves vital energy; and Tulsi, considered a rasayana in Ayurveda, which supports calm and resilience.

Herbal treatments with adaptogens are recommended in situations where stress symptoms are evident and cause real discomfort and a significant decrease in wellbeing.

They're generally treatments lasting between 3 and 5 months, with a pause afterwards to assess whether to continue or consider it finished.

Likewise, it's worth noting that not everyone is suited to this kind of treatment, since herbal medicine can be contraindicated when a person needs certain types of medication — for example, anticoagulants like Warfarin.

In these cases, and if there's a condition such as high blood pressure or heart problems, it's always advisable to consult a health professional before starting natural treatments.

For people with a tendency toward hypersensitivity — those strongly affected by their environment (from light, sounds and smells to crowds, heat or cold) — who have no medical contraindications, this type of natural treatment can be beneficial, especially during certain times of the year when sensitivity increases, causing symptoms such as: anguish, mental fog or confusion, apathy, constant tension, irritability and insomnia.

If you recognise yourself in this, I invite you to write to me so we can get to know each other and see whether an adaptogenic herbal treatment could be useful for you.