What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plant substances such as herbs, roots and mushrooms that can help our bodies to effectively manage stress and restore balance after periods of pressure and anxiety.

It shouldn’t come as news that stress affects the body in a myriad of ways. It’s believed that adaptogens decrease your sensitivity to stressors which leads to better stress resistance and protection and a quicker return to equilibrium after periods of stress1.

What is CBD?

CBD is a far more established term than adaptogen so, chances are, you’re already familiar with it. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is an active compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. Not to be confused with THC (the compound that gets people ‘high’), CBD is a popular natural remedy. While CBD may feel like it’s been around forever, it’s only in the last century that it’s been separated from its plant form via distillation. Hemp and Cannabis, on the other hand, have been used for their healing properties for centuries, with the earliest evidence found some 2,500 years ago in Central Asia.(2)

Is CBD an adaptogen? 

While CBD shares many traits with adaptogens, the fact that it’s a compound rather than a plant means it can’t be labelled an adaptogen. We can however say that the whole hemp or cannabis plants have adaptogenic qualities.

Why is CBD so popular?

Reports suggest that in the UK alone there are 3 million regular CBD users. It’s become something of a go-to product in the natural wellness community when people don’t want to (or have tried and not had success with) traditionally prescribed medical options. It has been used to support numerous conditions, including:

• Anxiety – various medical studies(3) and anecdotal evidence attest to the ability of CBD to ease anxiety.
• Chronic pain – a New Zealand study(4) illustrated that CBD is not only safe for prolonged use but also can improve the quality of life for chronic pain sufferers.
• Insomnia – ask around and you’re likely to find a wealth of stories of how people struggling with sleep have turned to CBD to ease symptoms of insomnia.

Dutchy Labs CBD oil offers gentle support for anxiety and stress management, helping you find balance in your daily routine.

Why are adaptogenic mushrooms so popular?

“Adaptogenic”, “functional”, “medicinal” mushrooms, call them what you will, edible fungi is undoubtedly a hot topic in the wellness market. Used for millennia in eastern medicine, adaptogenic mushrooms are finally being recognised by the scientific community(5) for their benefits. There’s a huge range of reported advantages, and the benefits change from mushroom to mushroom. For example, Reishi is known for its immune boosting properties; cordyceps for its ability to improve energy levels; and Lion’s Mane for its positive impact on cognitive function. 

Can you take CBD and adaptogens together?

CBD works to create balance within the body, while adaptogens decrease the negative effects of stress. When teamed together, it’s likely that they emphasise and improve each other’s positive effects on the body.

If you’re currently taking prescribed medication, it’s important to consult a medical professional before you embark on a new regime but certainly there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that CBD and adaptogens will be anything but positive. In fact, Dr Jessica Montalvo, MD had this to say on the synergy between CBD and Resihi:

“When CBD and Reishi mushrooms are combined, the benefits multiply. First, both CBD and Reishi mushrooms increase a molecule in our body called 5HTa, better known as Serotonin. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that affect our happiness and stress response.”(6)

The specifics are still being measured and quantified but researchers suggest that the combination is likely to enhance wellness. 

5 reasons to combine CBD and adaptogenic mushrooms

Here are five compelling reasons to try combining your usual CBD with adaptogenic mushrooms:

1. 1. Feel sharper and more focussed

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety-related brain fog and improve memory(6) while certain adaptogenic mushrooms, Lion’s Mane in particular, has been shown to have nootropic properties(8) to promote mental clarity and enhance cognitive performance. In short, if you’re looking to boost your brain power, this could be for you.

1. 1. More energy 

Adaptogens are widely recognised for their ability to regulate energy patterns. While Reishi promotes sleep and relaxation, cordyceps have been shown to raise energy levels by improving oxygen utilisation. If you’d love to have the perfect balance of energy during the day and deep sleep at night, pairing CBD with an adaptogenic mushroom could be for you.

1. 1. Lower levels of stress

CBD is widely recognised for its stress reducing properties, in fact, it’s the number one reason people use CBD supplements(7). Adaptogenic mushrooms, on the other hand, help the body to adapt to and recover from periods of stress. Think of combining CBD with reishi, cordyceps or lion’s mane, as a double hit of goodness for a more comprehensive approach to stress. 

1. 1. Improved immune function

Functional mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, Turkey Tail and lion’s mane are all recognised for their ability to boost the immune system – say goodbye to winter colds. CBD meanwhile, has been shown to have potential immunomodulatory effects(9) meaning it will stimulate or normalise the immune system). Pairing the two could strengthen the immune system for better health.

1. Wellness support

Both CBD and adaptogens offer a wide range of benefits. From fighting stress to improving energy and aiding sleep, both of these natural wellness remedies have aided peoples’ wellness for centuries. By linking the two, you can harness their power to support both body and mind.

“Could combining adaptogens and CBD work for me?”

We believe so. Combining adaptogens with CBD is a new way to approach holistic wellness. The two natural remedies work together to support and enhance the other’s advantages to offer a comprehensive solution to health and wellness.

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Remember: You should consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any new supplement regime.

Sources:

1. Effects of adaptogens
2. Earliest evidence for cannabis smoking
3. Clinical outcome of anxiety patients treated with cannabis 
4. A balanced approach for cannabidiol use for chronic pain
5. Medicinal mushrooms – towards a new horizon
6. The Happy Science of Reishi and CBD
7. Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane
8. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users
9. Effects of Cannabidiol on Innate Immunity