Adaptogens for Emotions
This past year was a struggle for me, emotionally. In January, I lost my mom. December 2017 was a month of back-and-forth trips to the hospital, checking in on her and bringing her what she needed. There were many days I was left wondering if she would be ok and many days where I knew she would be.
The day she passed, I was emotionally exhausted (although I already had been for quite some time). I have never felt more emotions all at once than I did that day. Prior to this, I generally had a hard time expressing my emotions. I wouldn’t share a lot because I didn’t feel it was necessary. However, I have learned that it is important now more than ever before.
The loss of someone you love is never easy. It’s a mixture of sadness, anger, pain, and guilt. In an attempt to find peace, sometimes you reach for a glass of wine (or the whole bottle) versus internally going through the emotions you feel. However, It is known that emotional factors can directly affect health outcomes.
When emotional states, such as anger, guilt, jealousy, depression, and stress are felt, the manifestation in the body may contribute to physical ailments (i.e. tension can lead to headaches). However, therapies, such as yoga, meditation and consuming adaptogens, are being used to re-establish this balance (*note, these are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure as disease).
The following is referenced from Healing Mushrooms: a Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Adaptogenic Mushrooms for Whole Body Health.
Adaptogens have long been shown to support mental health to calm the mind, ease tension and promote relaxation. Specific adaptogens that support emotional balance can be served as natural remedies for prolonged stress and emotional turmoil.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a power vitality balancing root. It is known to support mental clarity, mood, emotions. It has been suggested that Ashwagandha brings harmony, and transitions the body into balance.
Maca: Maca supports mental clarity. It has been shown to help relieve stress and combat anxiety. It works with two parts of the brain, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland - to boost mental focus and cognitive function. It is also a well-known hormonal balancing herb.
Ginseng: Ginseng plays a role in the body’s ability to adapt to stressors. It can help support emotional balance and reduce the impact of excessive cortisol production, leading to mood swings, and poor sleep.
Reishi: Known as the “great comforter” reishi has been shown to support relaxation. It has a calming effect that helps to relieve mental congestion. Through connecting our mind, body, and spirit, reishi supports our circulatory system (responsible for holding emotions) and releasing them.
*This information isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, nor is it medical advice.
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, know that you are not alone. I hope that this enlightens the power alternative remedies have to help you through your grieving process. These suggestions above are not in the replacement of speaking to a professional. If you are in need of someone to talk to, please seek guidance from a grief counselor or someone close to you. Talking through your emotions is just as important as nourishing your body with remedies to support you through this time.
And, thank you to the person who inspired this piece.
Reference:
Isokauppila, Tero. Healing Mushrooms: a Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Adaptogenic Mushrooms for Whole Body Health. Penguin Publishing Group, 2017.
