Stress is a major issue in modern life and it can affect each and everyone one of us. Catching a busy train in the morning, keeping up with constant social commitments, staying late at work, even that high intensity gym class, are all stressors to the body – whether you notice it or not! With stress affecting everything from digestion to mood swings and in more serious cases, major health conditions, we are all on the look-out for ways to de-stress our bodies. The good news is that we may be able to have more of a say in it than we thought.

What if we told you there was a group of ancient herbs that could help negate the negative signs of stress in the body and help to bring about a steady state of calm? Meet adaptogens, your new arsenal in the fight against stress.

Adapto – what?

Adaptogens are a unique set of herbs or plants that greatly improve your body's ability to adapt to stress. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, they support the health of your adrenal system (which is in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress), and can improve attention and endurance in the face of fatigue. Coined by Russian pharmacologist Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in 1947, their name comes simply from the fact that they can ‘adapt’ their function to suite your body’s specific needs – clever hey? This is particularly important as everyone responds to stress differently and some have worse levels than others. 

These stress-busting herbs are also unique in the way they normalise and create complete balance in the body, known as achieving “homeostasis”. Adaptogens can calm you down, boost your energy levels and strengthen your immunity at the same time, all without over-simulating the body. In other words, they are nature’s answer to a chill pill!

It probably comes as no surprise that there are only a handful of medicinal plants that qualify as an adaptogen. The reason for this is that they have very specific criteria, namely, they should promote general health, specifically stress reduction, and they should be completely safe and non-addictive. Of the short list, there’s one plant in particular that takes our fancy.

Say hello to moringa

Native to Africa and Asia, the Moringa Tree, or Moringa Oleifera to use its scientific name, is one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world. Commonly known as “The Miracle Tree”, it has been prized for centuries for its exceptional medicinal properties. The leaves, roots, seeds and stalks are all used in traditional medicine or as cooking ingredients across Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s the dried leaves, however, which have the most nutrients and adaptogen abilities. Once dried – drying increases the nutrient content by up to 10 times – moringa leaves are crushed into a ready-to-use superfood powder that is packed with vitamins, minerals and stress-busting capabilities. 

Aduna Moringa Superleaf Powder is a rich source of protein (unusual for a plant), iron, vitamin E and vitamin K. It is also 24% fibre and a source of vitamin A and calcium. Think of it as a natural multivitamin that can help tackle fatigue, boost energy levels, strengthen immunity and, of course, fight stress. Read more about the exceptional health benefits of moringa powder here.

How do I incorporate moringa into my diet?

With a green, earthy taste that is similar to spinach and matcha green tea, using and enjoying moringa powder couldn’t be easier! Simply mix into any dish or drink that could benefit from a helping of green goodness. Sprinkle onto salads or roasted vegetables, mix into pestos and sauces, blend into green smoothies and juices or stir some into some apple juice. Try it in this warming and delicious moringa latte for an anti-stress alternative to coffee.

Choosing the right moringa

Not all moringa is made equal and it is important to buy from a trusted, certified brand. Aduna is certified by the UK's leading organic certification body The Soil Association. Our products are made under the highest international quality standards and undergo rigorous microbial analysis to ensure they are completely safe.

Shop the Aduna Moringa range

Aduna's Moringa range is 100% organic and available in two delicious formats: 

• Aduna Moringa Superleaf Powder: 100% pure moringa leaf powder. Take 2-4 teaspoons a day mixed into your favourite smoothie or juice (start with 1/2 a teaspoon a day and build up from there). Or use as a "superfood seasoning" to super-charge savoury dishes. From £6.99 for 100g

• Aduna Moringa Energy Bar: made entirely from cold-pressed fruit and nuts, this natural energy bar combines a full teaspoon of moringa powder with juicy mangoes, cashews and a hint of ginger. Free from added sugar and a source of protein, it is an easy and delicious way to get your daily dose of moringa on-the-go. From £1.89 for a 45g bar, or £24.99 for a box of 16

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Read more moringa benefits:

Top Health & Beauty Benefits of Moringa

Moringa & Breastfeeding: How Moringa Can Double Breast Milk Supply

The Super-Skin Benefits of Moringa by International Facialist Abigail James

Moringa adaptogen sources: