The fertility journey can be extremely stressful on the mind and body, especially when it doesn’t come naturally. Approximately 12% of women ages 15-44 in the United States have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Some of the most common challenges affecting women’s fertility in our modern society stem from stress and hormonal imbalances. Balanced hormones are essential to maintaining regular cycles and promoting healthy eggs. Chronic stress can cause the adrenal glands to work overtime, which results in them no longer being able to secrete the ideal level of cortisol (AKA hormonal imbalances). While cortisol has been given a bad rep for being the hormone responsible for weight gain, painful menstrual cycles, and chronic fatigue, this is typically due to these imbalances. 

Cue adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants, herbs or mushrooms that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, and when taken daily are known to help the body adapt to and better manage stress and its effects on our bodies, naturally. While scientific studies on these healing plants are still in their infancy, certain adaptogens have been known to detect when your levels are out of balance, and mimic cortisol secreted by the adrenal glands to help to heal the adrenal glands and nervous system. Essentially, adaptogens meet your body where it’s at and create balance where it’s needed!   

When preparing the mind and body for pregnancy, it is important to address your hormones and stress levels to set your body up for success in this journey! Everyone’s body is different, so please remember to consult your health care practitioner or herbalist before incorporating these into your routine. 

Some of the most common adaptogens are:

Ashwagandha is one of the most restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a rejuvenative tonic for those who experience fatigue and have difficulty concentrating. It helps with anxiety and depression, which in turn aides stress management. This adaptogen is beneficial for male fertility as well, as it can improve motility, structure, and function of sperm, which is a leading cause of infertility in 40-50% of cases. Our Cacao Turmeric blend includes 1/8 tsp of Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder per serving and is sugar free, so you can incorporate it into your routine or recipes at any time of the day if you're looking to add this adaptogen into your life. 

The Reishi mushroom is popular for its benefits to the immune system and impact on managing stress. It works to boost the immune system and improves the adrenal cortical function, which helps the body with finding balance and promotes a deeper sleep. You can catch this adaptogen in our Reishi Hot Cacao blend!

Maca has so many amazing benefits, including increasing libido, energy levels, and fertility to name a few. Maca specifically supports the endocrine system by regulating the communication between the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which balances the production of hormones. 

The next step in your journey is pregnancy, and as of right now there is not enough research to say if adaptogens are recommended during this time. While pregnant, both estrogen and progesterone levels rise and with adaptogens working to balance these hormones, it may impact that natural and important process. We always recommend consulting with your doctor during this time. 

Note: Always check with your healthcare provider and/or herbal medicine expert before adding anything to your routine.

Copywriter: @holistnik