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“It sounds weird, but I’ve always had a weird fascination with dirt, with being outside, with fruits and vegetables,” says Amber Allen, nutritionist, herbalist, and metaphysical coach, who came on the Making It Real podcast to talk to us about the magical world of plants -- and their ability to help our bodies heal.

“I was always just so interested in the magical world of plants,” she says, “and as I learned more and more, I saw more proof of how exact they are, how magical they are, and how they’re meant for our bodies and how wonderful a gift that’s been given to us by the universe. For healing, to feel better, for stress reduction.”

As a wellness entrepreneur who wears many hats -- from herbal research to personal training -- Amber was drawn to the power of adaptogens for their stress-reducing abilities. And she has our undivided attention.

The power of adaptogenic plants for stress reduction

“Stress can be positive, but most of us have an overabundance of stress,” says Amber.

If you’re nodding your head in agreement right now, you’re not alone.

According to the American Psychological Association, less than half of Americans rate their health as “very good” or “excellent.” Forty-four percent of us report that our stress levels have risen within the past 5 years. Work, money, the economy, personal health concerns, and family responsibilities all pile on the stress.

Which is where adaptogens come in.

“Adaptogens increase your resistance to stress, whether that’s environmental, whether it’s what you’re eating, toxins in the body, negative thoughts…. all these things, they help to balance. They help us feel more comfortable day to day.”

But what are adaptogens?

“Adaptogens are herbs or plants or some types of fungi, that help the body cope with stress but in a nonspecific way...

And that is where the power of adaptogens lies, in its non-specificity. They don’t work like an anti-anxiety medication. Adaptogens build up over time. I take a lot of adaptogens every day. It has changed my life.”

Supporting pulmonary health and providing oxygen

As vast as the plant kingdom is, there are fewer than 25 adaptogenic plants and fungi in the world.

But every single one of them has one thing in common: the ability to increase oxygen in the human body.

“If you look at what an adaptogen does specifically, there’s always something to do with breathing.”

Take red reishi, for example. Also known as lingzhi, the reishi mushroom grows in hot, humid climates in Asia, and packs powerful anti-cancer and immune-boosting benefits, according to Healthline.

Red reishi is also used for pulmonary diseases. “It helps people who have bronchial issues and asthma,” says Amber.

When we asked Amber what her favorite adaptogens were, she didn’t hesitate.

“I hate to have a panacea for something, but red reishi is my panacea.”

“I find it works very well for pain,” says Amber, “I take about 1500 milligrams in tea or in a gummy… I find it works really well.”

While Amber describes the red reishi mushroom as her “panacea”, it’s not the only adaptogen she reaches for on a regular basis.

“Holy Basil? I love, love, love, love, love. It's just so amazing.”

Considered a “heart opener” in Ayurveda, holy basil is a cooling herb that helps sooth the heart from feelings of anger.

“It’s got a very powerful terpene in it called eugenol. It numbs. It takes the pain away. So, I use the two in combination for pain and chronic pain. It's always worked really well for me.”

Third on Amber’s list is the adaptogen Ashwagandha.

This ancient medicinal herb is a powerhouse that can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce inflammation, improve fertility in men, improve brain function, and more, according to Healthline.

“Ashwagandha is wonderful. It provides increased libido and gives you the strength of a horse. I mean, they're all amazing, says Amber.

“But probably the best thing you can do is what [Meal Garden] is doing… putting them in food. Eat some every day. Enjoy it.”

Which bring us to our next point… how should you take adaptogens? What’s the easiest way to fit them into your diet?

Why you should eat adaptogens (Instead of taking them in capsule form)

Amber reminds us, “When you eat something, the digestive process begins in your mouth to start breaking down the food.”  

This digestive process makes it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients from that adaptogen.

“Furthermore, when we take a capsule, we have the impression that we’re getting a “fix”. And we don’t want to send ourselves the message that there’s anything wrong with us. We just want to support ourselves.”

Which is why Meal Garden recently rolled out our very first Stress Management Program, which uses the power of adaptogens in daily meals to help our bodies bounce back faster from stress.

Featuring 62 stress-busting meals that take 30 minutes or less to cook, a 7-day meal plan, 27 stress-busting snack recipes, and supporting articles, this program is designed with the nutritionist’s client in mind, but can also be a fantastic stress-buster for the practitioner themselves.

How to Reach Amber

On Amber’s Website!

On Amber’s Instagram!

Go check out Amber and Kiki’s adaptogenic gummies at AdaptDaily  

FURTHER READING:

How to completely ‘reset’ your gut health with Ayurveda

Leaky Gut: Causes, Symptoms, and how to support a healthy digestive system

Why Fear is your friend as a health business owner

How Entrepreneurs can stop limiting beliefs in their tracks

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