Many proponents of CBD are combining adaptogens together.
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that are marketed as helping the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical or biological. These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. These herbs and roots are either eaten or brewed into teas.
Each one claims to do something a little different, but on the whole, “adaptogens help your body handle stress,” says Dr. Brenda Powell, co-medical director of the Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute. “They’re meant to bring us back to the middle.”
While each adaptogen has slightly different effects, they’re all praised for their ability to reduce the impact that stress has on the body.
Research on adaptogens, while limited, does support these claims.
Studies show that many adaptogens’ effects include combating:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Hormone imbalances
- Poor immune health
- Ashwagandha
- Holy basil
- Ginseng
- Goji Berry
- Rhodiola
- Turmeric
CBD shares many of the same effects attributed to adaptogens, such as:
- Improving homeostasis
- Reducing anxiety
- Easing depression
- Combating fatigue
- Boosting the immune system
Bboth adaptogens and CBD increase our resistance to stress. Combining both is believed to intensify effects. Users report experiencing the maximum benefits of both CBD and various adaptogens when combined as well as improved mood, sleep, and immunity.
Many believe that combining CBD and adaptogens work to improve health, but more research is needed. When it comes to actually taking CBD and adaptogens, you may want to start by working with a trained herbalist. Before taking CBD and adaptogens, consult your doctor to ensure that neither interact with your other medications.