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RESTORATIVE NERVE SUPPORT ADAPTOGENIC HERBAL TEA

If you’ve read my previous post on herbal coffee, you’re already familiar with the basics of adaptogenic herbs. To recap, certain herbs and mushrooms, known as adaptogens, help balance the body, particularly supporting the adrenal glands. The adrenals can become overburdened and fatigued due to ongoing stressors such as family conflicts, work problems, financial difficulties, chronic pain, and other persistent issues.

When stress relief is elusive, the adrenals can become so depleted that they no longer produce the right hormones in the right amounts, leaving us unable to properly adapt to daily challenges. You’ve likely heard the saying, “stress will kill you.” While it may not be as immediate as a bullet or knife, chronic stress acts as a slow poison, wreaking havoc on both body and mind. It diminishes our ability to fight illness, increases inflammation, and in extreme cases, can even lead to anaphylaxis (which I’ve personally experienced).

While avoiding stress entirely is nearly impossible – it’s as certain as death and taxes – we can support our tired adrenals with the help of some herbal allies. That’s why I created this Nerve Restorative Adaptogenic Herbal Tea, designed to support my family and me through our daily lives.

In recent years, I’ve come to truly appreciate a good cup of herbal tea. Blending adaptogenic herbs with some of my favorite flavors has become another tool in my wellness routine. Herbal teas are a pleasant, safe, and gentle way to receive herbal support. My Nerve Restorative Adaptogenic Herbal Tea includes several herbs that you may not be familiar with, but rest assured that you can find them online (I’ve provided links to Mountain Rose Herbs in red below) or at a well-stocked health food store or apothecary.

Adaptogenic Herbal Tea Ingredients

Holy Basil, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
This aromatic herb comes in three varieties, all of which can be used in this tea. However, if you can source the Krishna variety, it offers the most therapeutic benefits. Holy basil is known for its wide range of healthful properties, including its ability to lower and normalize stress hormones like cortisol, reduce inflammation, support the endocrine system, and enhance physical endurance. It is also uplifting to the spirit and is widely recognized for helping individuals process grief.

Schisandra Berries (Schisandra chinensis)
This flavorful herb is known for its ability to strengthen and normalize the body, helping to improve the body’s response to stress. For those who experience upset stomachs due to stress, schisandra can balance the pH, adjusting acidity levels as needed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra berries are referred to as the “five-flavor berry” because of their complex flavor profile, which combines sweet, tart, bitter, salty, and acrid notes – creating a pleasantly powerful and unique taste.

Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)
Regarded as a top herb for combating adrenal fatigue, ashwagandha helps protect both the mind and body from stress overload. It works to reverse disruptions in blood sugar, metabolism, and hormones like cortisol. Known as a warrior herb, ashwagandha plays a powerful role in the fight against stress.

Shatavari Root (Asparagus racemosus)
Known as the “queen of herbs,” shatavari promotes overall well-being and strengthens the immune system. It is especially beneficial for women’s health, supporting hormonal balance and reproductive health.

Rhodiola Root (Rhodiola rosea)
This remarkable herb enhances both mental and physical performance, helping to improve focus, endurance, and resilience to stress.

Rhodiola Root (Rhodiola rosea)
This powerful herb boosts both mental and physical performance, improving focus, stamina, and the body’s resilience to stress. It supports overall vitality and enhances cognitive function.

Aromatic Herb

I like to add an aromatic herb like peppermint or lemon balm to give the tea a bright, refreshing flavor, though this step is completely optional.

I encourage you to explore and experiment with adaptogenic herbs. While herbal teas are a safe and gentle way to enjoy the benefits of these herbs, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications.

Disclosure Statement: I am a mother, a budding wildcrafter, and a student beginning my studies in herbalism and aromatherapy. I am not a medical doctor or a naturopath and cannot diagnose or treat your health conditions. However, I can share the research and personal experience I’ve gained. Please consult your general practitioner for medical concerns.

Nerve Restorative Adaptogenic Herbal Tea Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 ounces Holy Basil
  • 2 ounces Schisandra Berries (dried)
  • 1 ounce Ashwagandha Root
  • 1 ounce Shatavari Root
  • 1 ounce Rhodiola Root
  • 1 ounce Oatstraw
  • 1 ounce Aromatic herb, such as peppermint or lemon balm (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Mix all herbs together and store in an airtight container in a cool location, away from direct light.
  • To prepare the tea, place a tablespoon of the loose herb mixture into a muslin tea bag or mesh tea ball.
  • Bring 8-10 oz of water to a boil, then pour it over the herbs.
  • Steep for 5-7 minutes. For a stronger infusion, steep for 15-20 minutes.

    CONCLUSION

    This Nerve Restorative Adaptogenic Herbal Tea is a powerful blend designed to support your body’s resilience to stress and promote overall well-being. By incorporating these adaptogenic herbs, you’re providing your adrenals, immune system, and mental health with natural support to better navigate the challenges of daily life. As you experiment with this tea and other herbal remedies, always remember to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health concerns. Enjoy the journey of discovering the benefits of these ancient herbs, and embrace the soothing, restorative effects of this tea in your wellness routine.

    12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZINC FOR WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW

    To stay healthy, it’s important to look into the different nutrients our bodies need. One such important nutrient is zinc, and it’s especially crucial for women. Zinc plays a big role in various body functions and is important for women at different stages of life. In this discussion, we’ll explore how zinc benefits women’s health, understanding how it works in the body, and why it’s important to make sure we have enough of it for a strong and healthy life.

    WHAT IS ZINC?

    Zinc is a small but extremely important mineral that helps carry out many jobs in our bodies. Just like axit glycolic, vitamin c serum or other vitamins, we only need a little bit of it to keep everything working well. It is a powerful assistant for nearly 1,000 enzymes that perform important tasks in our body. Zinc is especially good for making DNA, helping cells grow and heal when we are injured. It also keeps our immune system strong and helps us taste and smell things. However, it is important to remember that too much zinc is not good. If we’re already getting enough from food, taking more medicine can cause problems, such as causing our immune system to not work well. So, it’s best to get the right amount from your food and not eat too much.​

    BENEFITS OF ZINC FOR WOMEN

    MAINTAIN A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

    Zinc is vital for a strong immune system. It aids in the growth and operation of immune cells, helps the body defend against harmful pathogens that can cause illness, and contributes to maintaining a balanced immune response. Taking zinc lozenges might even help reduce the time you have a common cold. If you find yourself getting sick often or having trouble healing from injuries or infections, it could be a sign that your immune system needs some extra attention.

    GREAT FOR YOUR BRAIN

    Zinc is not just important for the body; it also plays a crucial role in supporting brain health. This essential mineral contributes to the functioning of neurotransmitters, the messengers in our brains that help cells communicate. Zinc is involved in processes that affect memory, learning, and overall cognitive function. Maintaining adequate zinc levels may help enhance brain activity and memory, making it a valuable nutrient for cognitive well-being. Including zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as meat, dairy, nuts, and legumes, can contribute to optimal brain function and support mental clarity.

    HELP YOUR SKIN

    Having enough zinc is good for your skin in different ways. It helps make new skin cells and keeps your skin strong and healthy. Special enzymes and proteins that need zinc guide this process. Studies show that zinc is important for healing wounds and reducing inflammation in the skin. Sometimes, people also use zinc on their skin to help with certain skin problems, but it doesn’t always work the same for everyone.

    GOOD FOR YOUR EYES

    Zinc is beneficial for maintaining good eye health and function. This essential mineral plays a role in various aspects of ocular well-being, including supporting the function of enzymes in the eyes and contributing to the health of the retina. Adequate levels of zinc have been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss in older adults. Additionally, zinc is involved in the transport of vitamin A from the liver to the retina, which is essential for low-light vision.

    KEEPS YOUR BLOOD SUGAR STABLE

    Insulin is like the boss that controls the sugar in your blood, turning food into energy your body can use. Zinc is like a helper for insulin. It helps make, store, and release insulin in the pancreas, which keeps your blood sugar levels steady. There’s even research on how not having enough zinc might be linked to diabetes, and taking zinc as a treatment could help. If you don’t get enough zinc, it might mess with your insulin levels, causing changes in your appetite and blood sugar that you don’t want. So, having enough zinc is important for keeping things in balance.

    REDUCE INFLAMMATION

    Zinc is like a tool in fighting inflammation in our bodies. People who know a lot about food and health say that zinc is crucial for our immune system and can help lower inflammation. Because zinc can control how our immune system works and has anti-inflammatory abilities, it might be useful for dealing with ongoing inflammation issues. Some experts even say that having enough zinc in our diet could ease the signs of inflammatory problems. But, talking to doctors or health experts is really important to figure out the best and safest way to use zinc to reduce inflammation.

    BOOSTS BONE STRENGTH

    It helps in the production of collagen, a protein that forms the foundation of our bones. Zinc is also a key player in bone mineralization, assisting in the deposition of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone strength. Experts believe that having enough zinc in our diet can contribute to preventing conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle. Including zinc-rich foods, such as dairy, and nuts, in our meals is like giving our bones the extra support they need to stay strong and resilient.

    HELPS YOUR DIGESTION

    Amanda Bontempo, a registered dietitian, emphasizes that zinc collaborates with proteins in every organ, assisting nearly 100 different enzymes in various processes, including digestion. Acting as a cofactor in numerous gastrointestinal activities, zinc is crucial for the proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which might be mistaken for conditions like gluten intolerance, could actually be indicators of a low zinc level in the body. In essence, maintaining adequate zinc levels is vital for optimal digestive health and nutrient absorption.

    REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND HORMONE BALANCE

    Zinc is needed for the female reproductive system, helping things like ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also plays a big role in making sure eggs mature properly for fertilization. If you don’t get enough zinc, it can mess up your menstrual cycle, stop eggs from developing right, and even make it harder to get pregnant. Zinc is also connected to making and controlling hormones in the body, like those related to the thyroid. Having enough zinc seems to be good for dealing with issues linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially problems with insulin and lipids. For some women, getting the right amount of zinc can be helpful for conditions like endometriosis, menstrual pain, and dryness during menopause.

    HELPS YOUR SMELL AND TASTE

    Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining our sense of taste and smell, ensuring our taste buds and nose receptors function effectively. This is particularly crucial for individuals experiencing challenges like insufficient nutrient intake or undergoing cancer treatment, as zinc contributes to managing appetite. Including enough zinc in our diet becomes a flavorful strategy to ensure we continue enjoying a variety of scents and flavors.

    MOOD REGULATION

    When your body has enough zinc, it helps maintain a positive mood, preventing feelings of sadness or depression. Zinc also has an impact on the neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps reduce feelings of fear, worry, and stress, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. It’s important to ensure an adequate intake of zinc through a balanced diet, as low levels of this essential mineral may potentially affect mood. However, addressing mood-related issues involves considering various factors, and relying solely on zinc supplements may not be a complete solution.

    PLAYS A ROLE IN HEART HEALTH

    Zinc is an essential element that contributes to maintaining a healthy heart. This vital mineral supports various aspects of cardiovascular well-being, including the regulation of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart function. Additionally, it aids in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors associated with heart diseases. While zinc is a valuable component of cardiovascular wellness, it is important to adopt a holistic approach to heart care, combining proper nutrition, regular exercise, and other heart-healthy habits for optimal results.

    HOW MUCH ZINC DO WOMEN NEED?

    Grown-up ladies usually need around 8 mg of zinc each day to stay healthy. However, if you’re pregnant or have some health issues, this amount might change, and kids need even less. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to figure out how much zinc is right for you. If you think you might not be getting enough zinc, have a chat with your doctor. They might suggest a blood test or tell you if taking a supplement could help. Talking to your doctor is the best way to know what’s best for you.

    FAQ

    1. Is zinc good for women’s hormones?

    Zinc acts like an adaptogen for important hormones, helping to balance out too much or too little cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone in women. It also helps bring down inflammation, supporting the healthy production of hormones.

    2. What happens if I take zinc everyday?

    Taking zinc every day can be beneficial for overall health, as zinc is crucial for various bodily functions. However, excessive or prolonged intake of high doses may lead to negative effects.

    3. Does zinc reduce belly fat?

    While zinc is essential for various bodily functions, there’s limited evidence to directly link zinc supplementation to reducing belly fat. 

    4. Does zinc increase estrogen in females?

    Zinc is not known to directly increase estrogen levels in females. However, zinc plays a role in hormone regulation, and maintaining adequate levels is important for overall hormonal balance.

    CONCLUSION

    The benefits of zinc for women are diverse and impactful, spanning across immune system support, reproductive health, and overall well-being.  Ensuring an adequate intake of zinc through a balanced diet emerges as a simple yet powerful strategy for women to harness the numerous advantages this mineral offers in promoting a resilient and thriving health profile. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor zinc intake based on individual needs and conditions.