Hormones. Buddha said, control your mind or it will control you, we say, and we know this won't count for everyone, but take care of your hormones, or they will control you. They can take you into directions that aren't always the prettiest or smoothest of waters, and send you and your body or mind right off on a trip. Now boys don't just look at the ladies, we know we can be a little more 'delicate' because of our hormonal shifts during that time of the month, but hormones effect all of us - not just in a happy-wife-happy-life kind of way. Think of male androgens and testosterone, but also stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin, insulin that directs your blood sugar levels, happy hormones like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, and so the list goes on.
As humans, hormones rule our bodily functions for us. They are the messengers in our blood that activate certain body parts like tissue or internal organs to optimize their function, in response to internal and external circumstances. These can be the rhythms you eat and sleep by, but also temperatures, inflammation, fertility cycles, even your thought patterns or the way you breathe effect us and can cause your hormones to go whack for a little bit. They effect our metabolism, libido, cognitive function, growth, and immune system, so basically rule everything.
Now luckily, we can effect the effect our hormones have on us. When they are out of balance, our body will already naturally seek ways to get it back to its equilibrium (called homeostasis). We can do many things to help achieve this hormonal harmony. A lot of it has to do with self-care through regular exercise and structured healthy eating and sleeping habits. Just generally taking care of your physical, mental (and sexual) health should be sufficient. There is also meditation, kundalini yoga, and certain breathing techniques that are specifically beneficial to your hormone balance. Another way to influence them, and this is where we come in, is through a specific form of nutrition, namely a group of magical natural medicines that go by the name of adaptogens.
Adaptogens.
Adaptogens are certain herbs and medicinal mushroom, most commonly used as a supplement. They all work to balance our hormones, each with their own individual power. Some improve our mood, some give us energy, some boost our sex drive. The magical thing about adaptogens is that their effect literally adapts to the state it finds you in. They respond to it and restore your body's homeostasis. When you need more of this, it will activate, and when you need less of that, it will soothe. We have listed three of our all time favourites.
Chaga.
The mother of all mushrooms. By themselves they might not provide a vision of beauty, but they sure add to yours. This one is known for its extremely high level of antioxidants, which allows it to entrap free radical cells and fight disease like no other.
Benefits:
- Prevents and treats cancer
- Stimulates immune system,
- Has an antiviral effect (even on viruses like HIV, Hep C)
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves physical endurance
Our Juicery product of choice: the Hot Chocolate & Chaga Superfood Latte, and as a booster to whichever product you'd like.
Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha is a commonly used root in Ayurvedic medicine and nutrition.
Benefits:
- Improves thyroid function
- Relieves adrenal fatigue, Your adrenals are endocrine glands that are responsible for releasing hormones, specifically cortisol and adrenaline, in response to stress. So soothes stress and anxiety
- Lifts depression symptoms
- Balances blood sugar levels
- Helps fight cancer
- Reduces brain cell degeneration and improves memory
- Boosts immune function
- Increase stamina and endurance
- Helps to improve sexual function and fertility
Our Juicery Product of Choice: The Supernova Smoothie, and as a booster to whichever product you'd like.
Maca.
This one works specifically well on your for your libido and fertility, scientifically proven to be an adaptogenic aphrodisiac.
Benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Enhances Energy, Mood and Memory
- Improves Female Sexual Health
- Balances Estrogen Levels
Our Juicery Product of choice: The Sh*t Smoothie, and as a booster to wichever product you'd like.