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Adaptogens for Kids

Posted by Orion Nevel on

Today’s world is filled with micro and macro stressors for our children. From homework assignments to family dynamics our children are facing challenges on many different fronts. As parents we strive to prepare and equip our children with the tools and techniques they need to respond and cope with stress without falling off track. Teaching our children to adapt to stress is a necessity in the modern world where the pressure to succeed and live an amazing life has only been intensified by the over connected world and Social Media. As humans we've evolved for thousands of years to live in small communities where being the best or good at something put you in competition with a handful of peers, in juxtaposition of today, where children are now competing for perfection on a global scale.

When our children are faced with stressful situations (both physical and mental) there is a biomedical response that occurs in the body. Our bodies divert resources to our muscles so that we are able to fight or flee to safety. This can impact digestion, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. So when your child realizes that their homework is not done and it is due tomorrow, there body will react to that stressor in a very real way.

It's important that we teach our children how to overcome stress. One way to help is to introduce them to a class of herbs called adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body respond to stress and have become a trend in modern wellness. Adaptogens can help with energy, mental endurance, immune system, and regulating the bodies stress systems.

Gryph & IvyRose has a variety herbal elixirs for various wellness targets. Within those formulas are some of the most potent adaptogens you can find.

 ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus, Forceshield, Adaptogen

This is the king herb in our Forceshield Herbal Elixir. Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to tonify and boost the constitution. The root is where the medicinal benefits are, the saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides are the components found in the root that make the biggest medicinal impact. It takes 4 years for the root to reach maturity and be ready to be harvested. It has been well documented through out the ages to boost and modulate the immune system, as well as act as an anti-inflammatory. Astragalus in Chinese Medicine also boosts We Qi, which is the vital energy that keeps us healthy and strong. (sourcing note: because astragalus is a root that takes so long to mature, it is important the be mindful of what kind of soil and farming methods are used in the cultivation. That is why Gryph & IvyRose only uses certified organic astragalus in our formula)

LICORICE

Belly Works, Moody Blues, Adaptogens

Found in Moody Blues and Belly Works, licorice is a food grade herb that has been used all over the world for its potent medicinal benefits. The root of the plant is where the highest concentration of medicinal benefits lie. The active found in licorice root that has the biggest medicinal impact on our bodies is glycyrrhizin, which is a saponin. It has been connected to calming the mood and aiding in digestion. It can also positively impact people’s health with various bronchial challenges as well as support the adrenals for those with adrenal fatigue.

TURMERIC

Turmeric, Call it a Night, Adaptogens

One of the most well known medicinal herbs on the planet. Famous for its anti-inflammatory properties turmeric also helps with cardiovascular health as well as immune system support and a number of other benefits. With a rich history in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic traditions, turmeric has been a tried and true friend to people looking to meet different wellness goals through for a very long time. One of the most studied herbs in modern day science, the active that has been identified as the most potent from a medicinal perspective are the curcuminoids. One of the actions it takes in the body is to scavenge for free radicals, which if left untouched will break cells down over time.  Turmeric also helps maintain both a healthy body weight and corticosterone levels during times of stress. The medicinal part used of the plant is the root and it is a bright yellow/golden color. You can find it as one of the leading ingredients in our herbal elixir, Call it a Night.

CODONOPSIS

Codonopsis, Belly Works, Adaptogens

A sweet root that is also heavily used in food recipes, the medicinal benefits of codonopsis are akin to Ginseng, so much so that one of its common names is “Poor Man’s Ginseng”. Codonopsis is much more readily available then the rare ginseng, thus making it more affordable. Also codonopsis takes less time to reach maturity then ginseng during cultivation. Codonopsis root is known to be more gentle and subtle than ginseng while still boosting vitality. It also supports our immune system as well as encourages healthy digestion. Traditional Chinese Medicine point to its as a tonic and safe for all ages and ongoing use.

One of the many great things about medicinal herbs is that when you take one for a specific purpose you are also getting other benefits along with it. Human’s and plants have evolved together, and there is a natural symbiotic relationship because we have had eons to attune our bodies to absorb and process natural remedies.  Being kind to oneself and providing our bodies with the nutrients we need is integral for our children and ourselves. With natural herbal remedies you can rest assured that the “side effect” you may experience will actually be a benefit as opposed to something negative, which is commonly the case with pharmaceuticals.  

 

 

 

Orion Nevel, herbalist and co founder at Gryph & IvyRose

Author: Orion Nevel 

A second generation participant in the herbal and natural medicine movement. Orion's childhood was steeped in natural medicine and healthy lifestyle choices with both his parents being healthcare practitioners. Orion is a husband and father who is a lifelong vegetarian and enjoys finding new ways to introduce herbology and natural medicine to the ever growing community of health lovers across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2 comments

  • Carolyn on

    Thank you ☺️

  • Amit on

    Should I give licorice to 4 years child in stomach pain

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