All stresses ain’t equal but they use the same things
In cases of physical, emotional, psychological and all possible stresses, our bodies respond by involving our adrenal glands on the top of our kidneys, to adjust hormone production, which adjusts the balance of our bodies’ metabolism. The adrenals have two way mechanisms for communication with structures at the centre of brain function – hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This two way communication is referred to as the HPA-axis. Different adaptogens have influence across the entire HPA-axis.
Adrenals – Heavy lifting by a tiny powerlifter
Because the stress response involves dilating blood vessels quickly with adrenaline the adrenals are like a tiny overworked powerlifter. Over-stressing this overworked adrenal powerlifter is inevitable when you are an entrepreneur and so it would be wise to offer them support.
With my clients and patients I always include adrenal support with adaptogens in my herbal medicinal tonics. Vitalising Bitters is one such tonic which deeply supports the HPA-axis, to keep the adrenal powerlifter lifting.
Adrenals – this is a blood hungry, cashew shaped hormone producing organ on the top of the kidneys. It produces the basis of sex hormones – androgens, adrenaline, mineral retaining steroids – mineralocorticoids and steroids involved in glucose regulation and inflammation – glucocorticoids.
What do adaptogens do?
Adaptogens – these are herbal medicines containing steroidal or hormonal phytochemicals, that by a variety of mechanisms help to maintain stamina, energy levels, libido [see - Libido and the Entrepreneurial Journey #001] and stress related resilience. These were so named by Russian scientists looking for substances that could increase stamina and resilience in athletes and cosmonauts. However these substances have long been used for the same reasons in traditional medicine systems around the world.
Libido is more valuable than gold
Libido depends upon our bodies’ ability to work harmoniously together under stress and to successfully recover during the cycle of the 24 hour day (circadian rhythms). Without the ability to recover and recharge successfully we are left feeling tired, irritable, demotivated, with low or no sex drive and unable to respond effectively and energetically to our everyday entrepreneurial stresses. When our libido energy is high then we feel as energetic and active as a squirrelling squirrel. If you haven’t watched a squirrel then please do so in spring, on your spring nature walks. Libido is more valuable than gold and for entrepreneurs it affords us the energy to get the gold. In the next edition I will share 3 essential libido enhancing adaptogens.