Adaptogens!
Relieving stress in our bodies for thousands of years and counting.
After discovering the health benefits of adaptogens through our love of herbal tea and tinctures, Molly and I felt that they made the perfect pairing for our probiotic Jun Tea. We are incredibly health conscious, and believe much of the way we feel is related to our gut heath, and stress. Combining these super-herbs and mushroom with the naturally occurring probiotics in our Jun was the perfect synergy. What's more, raw honey is prebiotic, creating an ideal environment for the growth of probiotics during our fermentation process, adding yet another magical health benefit. Isn't Jun the best?
Early on in our kitchen, we decided each flavor would have an herbalist recommended dosage of adaptogenic herbs or mushrooms. We source from some of the best organic suppliers of these herbs in the world, and locally when we can. All of our sources have GRAS status with the FDA (read below)
Are adaptogens safe?
Adaptogens are finally making there way out of the dark crowded supplement isle, and into more everyday foods and beverages. Studies are concluding the safety, defined by the FDA as foods that are generally recognized as safe, or GRAS status. Many herbs and mushrooms still lack the hard studies that are required by the FDA to be deemed GRAS, and thus are only allowed in the supplement section of the grocery store. In lieu of this seemingly nuanced process for herbs that have been used for thousands of years, producers like us are forced to use adaptogens from companies that hold GRAS status for the herbs they sell. It may seem like this would limit our
supply chain, but we have found that the suppliers who have put the work into conducting these studies are also supplying the highest grade herbs and mushrooms with the most rigorous and scientifically based production processes. Additionally, the studies cast a huge amount of information on dosing as related to desired outcomes. Something we find extremely valuable when creating a healing beverage. Surprisingly, there aren't nearly as many herbs with FDA GRAS status as you would think. For example, Rhodiola (Siberian Ginseng), lacks GRAS status, sadly preventing us from using it in our products. Growing awareness around the benefits of consuming adaptogenic herbs daily as a part of a wholistic health and prevention diet is leading many
companies to invest in research. We can only hope to see more of our favorite herbs and mushrooms obtain GRAS status in the coming years, and more common foods packed with the power of these super plants.
History of Use
It was the Russian scientist, Nicholai Lazarev, who coined the term adaptogen in the 1960’s. The cliff note definition, “adaptogens help modulate the stress response in the body". Modern Science is concluding that these botanical herbs can support homeostasis within the nervous system and even fight such diseases as cancer and heart disease. It's also worth noting that they have been in use for thousands of years in ayurvedic, indigenous, and chinese medicines.
Adaptogens we use
Ashwagandha (Jasmine Rose)
This herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. It is actually native to India, and posses many recorded benefits if ingested daily.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Ginger Sarsaparilla)
A delicious mushroom to cook with, and also incredibly medicinal. Lion's Mane Mushroom has been discovered through scientific research to protect against dementia, reduce mild symptoms of anxiety, depression, and help repair nerve damage. It grows wild in the Northern United States and Canada.
Reishi Mushroom (Ginger Sarsaparilla)
Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. It grows wild in many regions of the world including the Northwest typically on Hemlock trees, but ay be found on many hardwood tree species.
Chaga Mushroom (Blueberry Ginger)
Chaga Mushroom grows throughout the world on Birch Trees. Several studies have found that substances present in chaga may effectively prevent cancer and slow tumor growth. One study showed that a hot water extract of chaga mushroom inhibited the growth and promoted the death of colon cancer cells. Additionally, Beta-D-glucans found in chaga mushrooms help balance your immune system. The outer portion of the chaga mushroom (sclerotium) contains high amounts of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. They protect against free radicals that may lead to liver and other organ damage. We love Infusing Chaga into out Blueberry Ginger with the extract of its chosen Birch tree.
Ginseng (Panax/Red) (Pineapple Rose Hip - New!)
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world. We use the red, or Panax variety of Ginseng in our new Pineapple Rose Hip flavor. This Ginseng comes from Asia - South Korea specifically, and is considered more stimulating than American Ginseng. It has been used to treat heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and even to fight cancer.
Stinging Nettle (Pear Lime)
Stinging nettle leaf has a long history of use as an herbal tea. It grows all over the northwest and is harvested in the spring to make teas and tinctures. It is used to treat allergies, joint pain, and high blood pressure.
If you have any questions about our adaptogen suppliers, an herb you would like to see in a future flavor, or how we incorporate these adaptogens into our Jun please reach out. We wish you all health and well being in these difficult times.