This week’s episode focuses on adaptogenic herbs and nootropics, which are herbs and supplements that are thought to help us adapt to stress, improve cognitive function, and memory. They’re everywhere these days — in our smoothies, on the shelves of Whole Foods, in teas. And as with all trends, I both want to embrace anything and everything that’s said to improve health while simultaneously feeling completely skeptical.
So, I thought I’d have Ayurvedic practitioner, Niika Quistgard on the show to have a frank conversation about adaptogens and nootropics — what are they? Do they work? How do they work best? Does it make sense to throw them all in your smoothie and hope for the best? Niika, as always, offers an honest and interesting perspective.
We cover:
- What are adaptogenic herbs and how are they used in Ayurveda
- The process by which Ayurveda prescribes herbs–and how it differs from simply taking a pharmaceutical pill
- The thought process behind using supporting or carrying herbs, and why taking an adaptogenic herb with other herbs can boost the benefits and minimize side effects
- Why the form of the herb matters — in other words, whether it’s taken as a tea, a raw powder, in broth, in ghee, with honey, etc.
- The health benefits of herbs like licorice root, ashwaganda, triphala, maca, shatavari, tulsi (holy basil), and others
RECOMMENDED AND RELATED LINKS
Niika Quistgard’s AyurMama website
Ayurmama.com/adaptogens for more resources from Niika about adaptogens, more on where to buy them, etc.
Episode 116: A Natural Approach to Autoimmune Disease with Claire Missingham
Episode 112: Summer Series 2018 – Summer Self Care Using Ayurveda with Niika Quistgard
Episode 81: Holiday Series! Nourish Your Vital Essence With Niika Quistgard
Episode 17: Niika Quistgard – Self Care Time! Ayurvedic Ideas for Staying Calm and Grounded
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