Natural Adaptogens and Cannabis: How to Promote Balance in Our Bodies

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of the Cannabis sativa plant and spend a great deal of time advocating for its uses and educating others about its benefits and applications, specifically the perks of taking regular doses of Cannabidiol, better known as CBD. Its documented ability to soothe stress, inflammation, and insomnia by promoting homeostasis in the human body through the Endocannabinoid system has caused its recent surge in popularity, but it is far from the only plant-derived, naturopathic remedy that has existed within our environment since before we were born.

In fact, there are a number of naturally-occuring alternatives to pharmaceuticals that are worth trying hand-in-hand with cannabis to achieve an optimal balance in your body. Some you have probably heard of, others may be new, but they are all commonly known as adaptogens and are quite similar to CBD in how they work within the systems of our body to promote health and harmony. 

What Are Adaptogens?

The best way to think of adaptogens are as ancient herbs that have been commonly utilized in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, typically to deal with both short and long term stress. Though we usually think of stress as an internal issue, stress can physically manifest as fatigue, inflammation, and a weakened immune system, among other forms. Because of this, natural adaptogens are sometimes viewed as a vaccine of sorts to help us build a higher tolerance to stress in its many forms. 

There are a few great natural adaptogens that have been medicinally applied for centuries and are seeing a resurgence as Eastern medicine steps back into the spotlight in concert with plant-based healing. Reishi mushrooms, for example, have been known to protect against inflammation, anxiety, skin disorders, fatigue, and more. Lion’s Mane extract has been shown to have antibiotic, anticancer, neuroprotective effects while also improving anxiety, depression, and cognitive function. Ashwagandha root and Asian ginseng are a couple of well-known natural adaptogens associated with adjusting hormonal imbalances that result from long-term stress. 

Are Natural Adaptogens Safe?

As with most Eastern medicine, the research we’ve come to rely on in Western society has yet to definitely verify the claims made by believers in adaptogenic therapy, but these roots and herbs are considered safe for most people to use and are perhaps worthy of a closer look by anyone dealing with chronic stress. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable way to incorporate some of them into your day, try starting with our CBD Focus gummies with ginseng to help with inflammation, stress and cognitive clarity; our CBD Support Drops with herbal and mushroom extracts to help with immunity and inflammation; or these CBD bath bombs infused with anti-inflammatory herbs including arnica, copaiba and willow bark.

While there may not be a “magic bullet”–so to speak–when it comes to what your unique biological makeup needs to live the most calm, peaceful, and balanced life possible, it’s clear that there are a variety of natural, sustainable options to experiment with that have helped human beings like you and I take steps toward comfort and clarity throughout the ages. Cannabis certainly seems to be experiencing its well-deserved moment right now, and we hope the moment acts as a foot-in-the-door of Western culture to better introduce what those on the other side of the planet have found helpful and healing over the course of their generations.