Adaptogens are the super herbs that will be on all our lips by 2020. In our final video about them former model-turned-health-coach Katrine Van Wyk, author of new book Super Powders brings you two immune boosting adaptogens set to be big news next year
If you’ve never heard of adaptogens, get ready to be hearing a lot about them in the next 12 months. These are botanical herbs and foods that, when taken as foods, powders, pills and potions in concentrated doses have the power to adapt to our bodies’ needs, during times of stress.
I have used adaptogens in my practice for years with incredible results, and I am delighted to have collaborated with Healthista TV on a series of educational videos on how adaptogens can help with different common conditions. See episode one about adaptogens for stress and anxiety here.
Today, I am talking about the best adaptogens your immune system.
Adaptogens for your immune system
A strong immune system will help you to fight off infections and other maladies, leaving you free to focus on other areas of your health.
In addition to a healthy diet there are a few other things you can be doing to help your immune system…
#1 Astragalus
Astragalus is a cold and flu antiviral herb that I take in the autumn and winter seasons when there are more cold and flu viruses going around.
Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Not only is it antiviral but it could also help your body recover and heal once you have been sick.
Some evidence shows that astragalus may increase your body’s production of white blood cells, which are the cells of your immune system responsible for preventing illness.
The root of the plant, specifically, is made into many different forms of supplements, including liquid extracts, capsules, powders and teas.
#2 Reishi Mushrooms
The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia and is also known as the ‘Queen healer mushroom’. i
While the mushrooms can be eaten fresh, it is also common to use powdered forms or extracts that contain these specific molecules.
It works well for people who are dealing with anxiety, as it calms and nourishes the body by having a soothing affect on the nervous system. It is also one of the most studied plants in the world.
Reishi mushrooms can also both boost your immune system when you’re sick and and calm it down, when it’s gone into overdrive, making them great for allergies too.
Get ready to hear more and more about new super-mushrooms like these in the next 12 months. Indeed, reishi also have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Try Organic Reishi Vegan Capsules £16.10 from Amazon. Reishi mushroom can also be taken as a hot drink – look for products buy Four Sigmatic Foods such as Four Sigma Reishi Mushroom Elixir Mix with Tulsi (Box of 20 Sachets)
£17.70 from Amazon.
More in Healthista’s Adaptogens Uncovered series:
Video #1: Adaptogens for stress
Video #2: Adaptogens for glowing skin
Video #3: 3 depression helping herbs that are totally drug-free
Video 4: Got insomnia? These 3 adaptogens will help you sleep
Katrine Van Wyck is the author of new book Super Powders, as well as Best Green Drinks Ever and Best Green Eats Ever. A certified health coach, wellness consultant and yoga teacher, she has been featured in Vogue, MindBodyGreen, Refinery 29, Well + Good, Be Well, Forbes and PureWow. She moved to New York from Norway as a model and later received her nutrition training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Katrine has trained with Dr. Frank Lipman at his practice in Manhattan, The Eleven Wellness Center. As part of Dr. Lipman’s team of health coaches, Katrine has helped to guide his high–profile patients through dietary changes that also fit their demanding and busy lives. Katrine lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
Super Powders by Katrine Van Wyk is out 26th February (Countryman Press, £14.99)
Relevant Healthista content:
This former model says taking adaptogens could change your life
Got insomnia? These 3 adaptogens will help you sleep
Healthista content you might like:
5 easy dinner ideas from TV chef Gregg Wallace’s new Italian cookbook
9 weight-loss mistakes ruining your body goals – Body Transformation Week 11
Got insomnia? This calming yoga routine will help you sleep
Margot Robbie’s personal trainer on exactly how to get a Hollywood body
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