Moringa

Adaptogens: Nature’s Answer to Tackling Stress - Say Hello to Moringa

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! It's no suprise that up to 80% of Brits feel stressed on a weekly basis.

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 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 and fatigue. 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-stimulating 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.

Meet moringa: one of nature's most powerful adaptogens

Native to Africa and Asia, the moringa tree or ‘Miracle Tree’ as it is commonly known, has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Moringa leaves, which are typically consumed in powder form, are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. This combined with the plant’s adaptogenic abilities explain why sales of the superfood have skyrocketed in the last few years.

Shabir Daya, Co-Founder of Victoria's Health and a Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, explains more: “Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that act rather like a thermostat – they give energy and focus and at the same time work to calm the body. Adaptogens basically work to bring the body back into balance and out of the thousands of herbs, only a few are classified as true adaptogens, with Moringa being one of them!

Moringa’s benefits include: nourishing our immune system, enhancing circulation, increasing energy, promoting healthy digestion and much more. It is, however, its adaptogenic properties that are gaining popularity.

Moringa is considered an adaptogen because it helps increase resistance to stress, whether this stressor is physical, chemical or biological. It also helps to bring the body back into balance no matter where the stress is coming from and it does not interfere with the body’s normal functions.

Aduna Moringa Powder is made from naturally-dried, organic moringa leaves, contains 5 vitamins and minerals at source or rich source levels per serving - vitamins A, E & K, iron & calcium. It is also a rich source of plant protein (23%), including all 9 essential amino acids, a rich source of fibre and has 6x more antioxidants than goji berries. 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 our Mint, Nettle & Moringa Super Tea for an anti-stress alternative to coffee. For an easy way to enjoy the adaptogenic benefits of moringa on the go, try our Moringa Capsules.

Choosing the right moringa

Not all moringa is made equal and it is important to buy from a trusted brand to ensure the moringa you are eating is pure and free from any bacteria. 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 Moringa Powder - 100% organic moringa leaves, dried and filtered to make a pure powder. With a vibrant green colour and a delicious spinachy taste, use to boost green smoothies, juices or as a "superfood seasoning" for savoury dishes. Start with 1/2-1 teaspoon a day before building up to 2-4 teaspoons. From £6.99 for 100g.
Aduna Moringa Capsules - made using the same best-selling powder for an easy and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of moringa on-the-go. Each serving contains 1500mg of pure moringa powder and every bottle provides a 2 months supply.
Aduna Mint, Nettle & Moringa Super Tea - an award-winning infusion of peppermint and nettle super-charged with moringa, this super-cleansing brew is a refreshing, delicious digestif.

Buy online t oday and receive free delivery on all orders over £35 in the UK and £50 internationally. Sign up to our newsletter and receive a 15% off discount code direct to your inbox.

Or visit our store locator to find your nearest retailer (we sell in 18 countries around the world).