Adaptogenic Herbs for Boosting Immunity

Whether your health is a focus right now given everything going on, or it is something you have always been committed to, it does not hurt to look at ways to continuously improve. For us here at NuTraditions®, an important part of our wellness routine is keeping our immune system strong. Getting enough rest, keeping stress to a minimum and staying active, are a great start, and we also like to look to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and adaptogenic herbs to help support our goals.

We believe adding adaptogenic herbs to your life can give your body an extra boost.* They have been used therapeutically for thousands of years and are still popular today. Traditionally, in TCM, these supplements were referred to as “tonics” or “elixirs,” and then in the 1960s, the term “adaptogenic” was coined by two Russian scientists, Drs. Israel Brekham and Nicolai Lazarev, when they studied plants and found certain herbs thrived when adapting to different environments and harsh conditions. The plants are able to withstand tough conditions, which is one reason they can help your body do the same, especially during cold and flu season.*

At NuTraditions®, we believe in the wisdom behind these ancient methods and create products with these ingredients that can help you stress less and feel better.* Here are our top three reasons why we love adaptogenic herbs for boosting immunity:

1. They Can Help You Sleep More

There are direct links between sleep deficiency and health. Sleep not only protects your physical health, but it is also good for mental health and emotional wellbeing. Studies show a lack of sleep can impact your immune system. Think about it; how many times have you come down with a cold after staying up late and not prioritizing rest or your usual wellness routine? You probably can think of times you felt worn down, emotionally tired and physically exhausted, only to feel rejuvenated after a nap or good night’s sleep. That is your body telling you it needs to be well-rested to fight off bugs.

So, where do adaptogenic herbs come in? Tiredness is a common symptom when feeling under the weather, and adaptogens may help by supporting healthy, vital energy levels while nurturing the mind, body and spirit from the impacts of daily stress.* Remember, an adaptogen is a good start for helping your wellness routine short-term, but you need to focus on a holistic approach, including a wellness and a sleep routine, as a long-term solution. Our team created Hello Dreams^TM sleep strips which use our Calm Down™ blend, a unique mix of herbs, seeds and plants that can lead to quality sleep.* Herbs including the jujube seed help ease tension and soothe the body to help you get quality rest that can help with fighting off bugs and keeping your immune system healthy.*

2. They Can Help You Stress Less

Adaptogens can help stimulate the immune system by normalizing and balancing how the body reacts to stress. We know stress isn’t good for your health, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, it can disturb the digestive system, and can weaken the immune system. Various studies show people who work in highly demanding jobs and lead stressful lifestyles are more likely to be unhealthy and depressed. When living an unhealthy lifestyle and under stress, the body secretes hormones that can promote anxiety and, in severe cases, panic attacks.

Additionally, stress has been linked to weight gain, especially around the belly area. Body positivity is important for mental health, but there are serious health risks of being overweight or obese. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to face health problems that lead to how your body fights off a cold.

Excess stress levels also cause hormonal changes, lowering the body’s resistance to infections. Your body responds to stress by sending defense signals to the endocrine system, triggering the release of hormones designed for an emergency. This depresses the immune system and weakens your body’s response to fighting infections. While stress is a part of daily life, it is important to control it in order to stay healthy. That is why adaptogens can help aid your process to getting healthier by easing the symptoms of stress and helping you manage it.

3. They Can Help You Find Balance

In TCM, adaptogens can be used to lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and in some cases, used to soothe the body of pain and aid the healing of sickness*. Ginseng, for example, is known to boost vitality.* People who live with weakened immune systems or those feeling sick, often look for a “pick-me-up” to feel like their old selves, which is where ginseng could come in. The herb can be used as a natural “energy tonic” to keep you moving, which can be a bonus when feeling sluggish.

Adaptogens can help resist symptoms such as stress or fatigue by helping you adapt to various environments and stressful situations. They are used to keep your body balanced and naturally manage your health, which can be good for the immune system. Some tests show adaptogens support and balance the endocrine system, help use oxygen efficiently and increase cellular respiration, suppressing fatigue and boosting the immune system.

Now that you know ways adaptogenic herbs can help you sleep more, stress less and focus on your health, with the goal of maintaining a healthy immune system, we have a few ideas on how to easily incorporate them into your wellness routine. The NuTraditions® online quiz can help you find the product that fits your needs based on your lifestyle, routine, diet and habits.

Our favorites are our Good Morning Sunshine™ Colombia and Guatemala coffee infused with red ginseng extract, making it easy to incorporate adaptogens into your routine. Ginseng gives caffeine an extra boost, helping you stay focused, energized and prepared to perform at your best level.*

NuTraditions’ Hello Dreams™ sleep strips promote a quality night’s sleep by combining melatonin with Calm Down™ herb blend. Melatonin helps you get to sleep faster and the Calm Down™ herbs are formulated to ensure you are well rested to fight off whatever comes your way.*

Focusing on your immune system is an important way to keep you at your best. Staying healthy by eating right, sleeping, getting enough exercise and doing what you can to manage stress and mental health is a good way to prioritize your overall wellbeing.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.