The problem is, these quick fixes don’t actually work long-term. The crash is never far behind—so it’s back to the coffee to start the cycle again, turning your day into a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Here’s what we know so far about how adaptogens can help with the stress response and a rundown of my favorite types to take: They enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though their effects may initially be subtle, they’re real and undeniable. Adaptogens weren’t born yesterday. In fact, they’ve been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Recently, studies have found evidence to show that adaptogens offer positive benefits and are usually safe for long-term use. By supporting adrenal function, they can help counteract the adverse effects of stress and help maintain balance in the body. They support cells eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process, access more energy, and utilize oxygen more efficiently. It has been studied extensively for its ability to help the body withstand stress and is believed to influence metabolism within individual cells. Western herbalists also say that it helps maintain the body’s normal immune response and supports the growth of normal cells. Today, herbalists often recommend it for people with sleep problems, fatigue, and impotence associated with stress or exhaustion. It’s been shown to enhance endocrine function1, especially in the thyroid and adrenals. Ayurvedic healers have long prescribed the herb for exhaustion brought on by both physical and mental strain. After his initial medical training in his native South Africa, Lipman spent 18 months working at clinics in the bush. He became familiar with the local traditional healers, called sangomas, which kindled his interest in non-Western healing modalities In 1984, Lipman immigrated to the United States, where he became the chief medical resident at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, NY. While there, he became fascinated by the hospital’s addiction clinic, which used acupuncture and Chinese medicine making him even more aware of the potential of implementing non-Western medicine to promote holistic wellbeing. He began studying nutrition, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, functional medicine, biofeedback, meditation, and yoga. Lipman founded the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in 1992, where he combines the best of Western medicine and cutting edge nutritional science with age-old healing techniques from the East. As his patient, chef Seamus Mullen, told The New York Times, “If antibiotics are right, he’ll try it. If it’s an anti-inflammatory diet, he’ll do that. He’s looking at the body as a system rather than looking at isolated things.” In addition to his practice, he is also an instructor in mbg’s Functional Nutrition Program. A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
