COURTESY OF CAFE GRATITUDE
DIANA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
TAYLOR HARRIS CARUSO
Clockwise from left ; Parakeet Cafe in Crystal Cove Shopping Center offers a full wellness drink section on the menu ; breakfast at Cafe Gratitude ; At Thrive Juice Lab near UC Irvine , offers adaptogen mushroom blends like the Mushroom Mocha
says Joseph Dubroff , a naturopathic doctor at Holistic Solutions , with an office in Newport Beach . “ Ginseng is used for adrenal tonics , ashwagandha is for a combination of lesser adrenal , thyroid and immune function , hawthorn is good for the heart [ and ] bacopa helps brain function . It is best to talk with a licensed naturopathic doctor to determine what will best treat your specific symptoms .”
Researching the healing properties of adaptogens can help you determine which ones to incorporate into your diet to address your health issues . If you are battling fatigue , you might consider incorporating ginseng , reishi or rhodiola . Suffering from anxiety ? Try taking ashwagandha , Gynostemma pentaphyllum ( also called jiaogulan ) or holy basil . For increased mental performance , add goji berry , schisandra berry or eleuthero root to your diet . These herbal supplements are not meant to be taken for long periods of time , but rather for short durations of up to three months — or six months , according to the Cleveland Clinic — otherwise they can become ineffective as your body can build up a resistance .
Taking too many adaptogens , taking them in high doses or for a long period , and interactions with prescribed medications can lead to side effects like upset stomach , headache , dry mouth , drowsiness , insomnia or high blood pressure , so it ’ s best to ask a health care provider for guidance .
WHERE TO FIND THEM Adaptogens can be taken in the form of a capsule , tea , tinctures or mixed into drinks and dishes . Next time you ’ re at your favorite eatery in Orange County , scan the menu for a drink or dish that has added adaptogens for something that not only tastes good , but is good for you .
An Adaptogen Latte is on the menu at Malibu Farm in Lido Marina Village . This herbal superfood blend incorporates cacao , reishi , maca root ( increases strength and stamina , and boosts sex drive ), ashwagandha ( fights depression and is antiarthritic ), shatavari ( improves fertility ), schisandra ( may reduce stress , anxiety , depression and menopause symptoms , protect against liver damage and help fight effects of Alzheimer ’ s disease ), and goji
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