In this informational health video, Dr. Singh, MD, introduces adaptogens—botanical supplements that help the body cope with stress—and emphasizes the importance of consulting an integrative or treating physician before use due to possible contraindications. He highlights a gap in existing content: most discussions ignore the stages of stress, which he has covered in a separate video, and stresses that adaptogens should be matched to an individual's stress stage. The core of the video presents his four favorite adaptogens: (1) Holy Basil (Tulsi) – noted for anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and blood‑sugar‑lowering effects; (2) Rhodiola – supported by research for improving depression, sleep, mood, fatigue, and endurance, with typical dosing of 200–600 mg once daily; (3) Cordyceps – a medicinal mushroom that may lower blood sugar, improve lipid profiles, protect kidneys, and markedly boost immune function (T‑helper, NK cells, cytokines); and (4) Ashwagandha – a well‑studied Ayurvedic adaptogen that reduces cortisol, anxiety, depression, improves glucose tolerance, brain function, and ulcer healing, with dosing of 600–1000 mg twice daily (tablet) or ~5 g powder twice daily. Dr. Singh concludes by inviting viewers to request deeper dives on specific adaptogens in the comments.
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I'm sure you heard about adaptogens, you, or you have seen them on the health store shelves. Is it a new fashion? Is there like a new trend in the supplements? So what are adaptogens? What are my 4 favorite adaptogens? What's the research behind them? Let's dive into it. Adaptogens are supplements. They are botanicals, medicinal plants that help you fight against stress better. But the important point is don't just take them blindly. Listening to the so-called health gurus. Take the help of an integrative medicine doctor or talk to your doctor, as there could be some contraindications based on your health conditions and some potential interactions with the medicines you are taking. So talk to a doctor who knows about them if you are considering to use them on your health journey or for stress management. Because the point is, there are different adaptogens for different stages of stress. Before deciding to make this video, I, I went on the internet and looked up what people are talking about the adaptogens on YouTube. I was surprised no one is even talking about stages of stress. How can someone recommend adaptogens without understanding of stages of stress? Anyways, I have made a separate video on stages of stress, very important. If you feel you are under stress, you need to identify what stage of stress you are in. I want to talk about 4 of my favorite adaptogens today. Again, Adaptogens won't make your stress disappear magically, but rather they make your body systems strong to fight against stress. So number 1 on my list is holy basil. The other name is tulsi. It's a plant native to India. It's gaining a lot of popularity now. Not much of research yet, but it's coming out. It's a great herb, decreases inflammation, also antibacterial, improves the immune system. It's an antioxidant, a very good antioxidant. It decreases anxiety levels also. Brings the blood sugar levels down. Number 2, rhodiola, my another favorite, very interesting herb. As per research studies, it greatly improves depression, sleeping issues, mood disorders, decreases fatigue under stressful conditions, has a strong anti-fatigue effect, increases your endurance. It means even if you are tired under normal circumstances, it makes you less tired in those circumstances. Very interesting herb. Studies have shown 200 to 600 mg once a day dosing. Number 3, let's talk about cordyceps, a real standout from Chinese medicine. Actually, it's a mushroom. It's getting quite popular lately. Research shows quite interesting claims like lowering blood sugar without messing with insulin and cutting down bad blood fats. Think of it as an armor for your kidneys against damage. But there's more. It ramps up your immune system big time, boosting those T helper and natural killer cells, the frontline warriors in your body's defense. Plus, it ups your cytokines, important for fighting infections and calming inflammation. So cordyceps isn't just another herb, it's a major player in boosting your immunity and vitality. And last one, my favorite, ashwagandha. I have taken it. Amazing, amazing adaptogen. So when you have a stress response, ashwagandha mellow it down. Studies have shown it decreases symptoms of depression, glucose intolerance, improve your sugar levels, decrease cortisol, help with your brain function, and helps with stomach ulcers. Studies have shown it decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. It's very well regarded in the most ancient medicine tradition called Ayurveda. It helps in every type of weakness, whether it's happening from sickness, illness, age, stress, overwork, lack of sleep, or nervous exhaustion. It can make you feel calmer and sleepy. How much to take? If you have a tablet form, 600 to 1000 milligrams twice a day, or if you have a powder form, 5 grams, which is around like a teaspoon, twice a day. That's it for now, signing off. If you want me to talk about specific adaptogens Leave in the comments. I will talk more about it.
