Today we are all looking for ways to reduce our stress levels, and easier reach the feeling of serenity. It can be hard with daily stressors, chemicals in food and the busy lifestyle indoors in which many people find themselves working.
The call from plants and plant-derives supplements is growing strong. The pull towards mother nature as a stress reliever is present for many whether men or women. Can nature really offer the relief from stress we need? A walk in the forest, or at the beach or simply in the presence of any green matter outdoors is proven to reduce our stress levels naturally [1].
There are also many herbs and plants we can add to our diet which can potentially help boost our energy and overall wellbeing. Let’s take a look at a trio of mother nature’s ingredients gaining a following for their unique benefits. We will also answer the question: can I take Maca root, Ashwagandha and Reishi all together?
CAN I COMBINE ALL THREE SUPPLEMENTS?
Yes! All three – Maca root, Reishi mushroom and Ashwagandha – can be combined through supplementation daily. The great thing is these three plant-based extracts can complement one another.
Maca Root, Reishi Mushroom, and Ashwagandha are three powerful supplements that, when combined, may offer a complementary spectrum of health benefits due to their unique properties and ways they interact with the human body.
Maca Root, primarily grown in Peru, is known for its ability to enhance energy, stamina, and sexual health. It works by balancing hormone levels and boosting libido, making it a popular choice for many.
Reishi Mushroom, or also known as the Mushroom of Immortality contributes to this trio by supporting the immune system and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. It does this by modulating white blood cell activity, which is necessary for a healthy immune response. Reishi is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for migraine relief, anxiety and sleep issues.
Ashwagandha, a well known and powerful adaptogen, helps the body manage stress better. It works by reducing cortisol levels, and aiding brain function [2]. In this way it can combat symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Together, these three supplements can holistically support the body’s energy levels, immune system, hormonal balance, and stress response, making them a potent combination for overall well-being.
HOW BEST TO USE ALL THREE?
Thankfully there are a multitude of ways a person can add all three of these plants to their diet. You don’t have to go picking herbs and mushrooms in a wild, outdoor forage. There are plenty of convenient options on the market made of high quality ingredients.
You just need to know where to find them and what proof of quality to look for!
FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
The most convenient and safe method of adding these plants to your diet is to seek out a safe, quality food supplement to add to your diet daily. Dr. Mush Me offer a unique liquid extract formula of reishi mushroom and another of ashwagandha.
Liquid extract is a high bioavailable option for users as the dose is potent and placed under the tongue for best results. When the liquid extract is dropped underneath the tongue and given some time to absorb, it enters the bloodstream quickly through the gums. This allows for quick absorption and little to no compounds are lost to digestion.
DRINKS
You can add Dr. Mush Me Reishi Drops or Ashwagandha Drops to a smoothie or even to coffee and herbal teas. This is another quick and easy method of adding such plants to your diet. Otherwise you can source the real plant and blend into a smoothie or soup.
WHAT IS REISHI MUSHROOM?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a functional mushroom otherwise known as a nootropic. This group of mushrooms are scientifically proven to positively affect the brain and are known for cognitive enhancement. The benefits to cognition include improved memory, mood, removal of brain fog and focus enhancement.
This mushroom is not a psychedelic and so it is non-psychoactive. Reishi can be taken by women and men daily like any other plant-based food supplement. It is regarded as a superfood for its beneficial compounds, the same as other mushrooms in the nootropic bracket of fungi.
MORE READING: REISHI DREAMS: UNLOCK THE DREAM POTENTIAL OF REISHI MUSHROOM
WHAT IS ASHWAGANDHA?
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an adaptogen. It is a renowned herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The plant is classified as an adaptogen due to its ability to help the body manage and adapt to stress triggers.
Adaptogens are unique substances that assist in stabilizing physiological processes and promoting homeostasis, particularly in response to stress and anxiety [3].
How does Ashwagandha achieve this? Well, by modulating the body’s production of and response to stress hormones like cortisol. The herb’s effectiveness is noted in one study which highlights stress reduction and anxiety reduction in female adults who took ashwagandha [4].
MACA ROOT EXPLAINED
Maca Root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is primarily cultivated in the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains in Peru. Historically integral to traditional herbal medicine in South America, Maca Root is celebrated for its remarkable ability to enhance energy, endurance, and libido. Also called Peruvian Ginseng, it has been used for centuries by indigenous communities to boost physical and mental performance levels.
Maca achieves this by its unique nutritional profile, which includes essential minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, all contributing to its energizing and balancing effects on the body’s hormonal systems. One herbal medicine study carried out in 2012 references the effectiveness of Maca root in boosting energy levels plus more [5].
REFERENCES
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Kondo, M.C. (2018). Does spending time outdoors reduce stress? A review of real-time stress response to outdoor environments. Health Place.
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Mikulska, P. et. al (2023). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review.
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Chandrasekhar, K. et. al (2012) A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med.
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A study published in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine” highlights its effectiveness, particularly in improving sexual function and increasing energy levels Gonzales et al., 2012.