Let food be thy medicine.

By: Rebecca Remillard

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The prevalent phrase: “Let food by thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” is often ascribed to Hippocrates in approximately 400 BCE. Today in the West, utilizing adaptogens or food as medicine is generally considered “alternative medicine,” where in the East, these methods are standard protocol for keeping the body healthy and healing it when sick.

Adaptogens are particular herbs or mushrooms that are believed to have health benefits. Specifically, adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system, both of which effect the body’s response to stress. This stress could be physical, chemical or biological. A number of clinical trials have also proven that adaptogens cause an anti-fatigue effect that in turn enhances attention and tolerance to mental exhaustion. There are more than 70 different types of herbal plants and mushrooms that are considered to be adaptogenic. Many have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions for centuries.

#1 Turmeric

Turmeric is an an adaptogen which assists in maintaining an appropriate level of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Turmeric is also an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Secret Harvest’s Golden Milk Blend is plant-based medicine that can be used to make homemade golden milk, adaptogenic smoothies or lattes or as a healthful sprinkle on almost anything. This versatile blend is made of mostly Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients including turmeric, ginger root, cinnamon and vanilla bean.

Slow Island also utilizes the power of turmeric in their Turmeric Orange Passionfruit Wellness Elixir. Pleasantly earthy turmeric combines with tart passionfruit, a touch of ginger and black peppercorn’s spice, and the citrusy-sweetness of orange for an enjoyable daily elixir or “vitamin shot.”

All Slow Island elixirs and culinary syrups are made withl Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients. The company has made it their mission to partner with and support local farmers who also value sustainability.

#2 Adaptogenic Herbs and Mushrooms

Holy Cacao is Sol Remedies’ take on a chocolate superfood health tonic. With a combination of adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms such as Ashwagandha, Maca, Shatavari, Chaga, Reishi, as well as cacao powder, vanilla and cinnamon, this delicious blend is capable of balancing energy levels, normalizing hormones, aiding in memory and digestion and supporting immune function. Mix with heated milk or milk alternative for a medicinal hot cocoa or add to coffee, smoothies or oatmeal.

Laka’s Super Shroom Drip harnesses the power of a 5-mushroom adaptogenic blend that has scientifically shown to improve cognitive function and promote cardiovascular health. Chaga, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Poria, and Tremella mushrooms are combined with a base of Hawaiian macadamias for an earthy yet sweet adaptogenic drip that can be drizzled, blended or spread onto all your favorite foods.

Sol Remedies | Holy Cacao

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Shaka Tea | Sunrise Tea

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#3 Mamaki Leaf

The adaptogenic “superleaf” of the māmaki plant is endemic to Hawaiʻi, meaning it grows nowhere else in the world. Believed to relieve stress and fatigue as well as balance blood pressure, māmaki has been treasured in Hawaiian culture for its medicinal properties for centuries. Shaka Tea’s Sunrise, Blue Magic and Sunset Tea all claim organic māmaki as their “hero ingredient.” They source their māmaki, the first ingredient in every tea, from 12 Hawaiʻi-based, independent farmers.

A return to a balanced state of homeostasis in your body is just a sip, spoonful or (vitamin) shot away with medicinal, adaptogenic foods.

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Let food be thy medicine.

#1 Turmeric

#2 Adaptogenic Herbs and Mushrooms

More products with benefts

#3 Mamaki Leaf

A return to a balanced state of homeostasis in your body is just a sip, spoonful or (vitamin) shot away with medicinal, adaptogenic foods.

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