Dusting and Adaptogens

Dusting—it’s not just another household chore but a new buzzword circulating on social media, with practical applications in real life.

Dusting in this context refers to powdered products, labeled as ‘dust,’ that are mixed with liquids, such as coffee, milk, smoothies or water, for an energy boost. Or a brain boost. Some can even be mixed with cereal or in pancake batter. In general, though, these wellness products are designed to restore balance to the various systems of your body.

What is Dusting?

First, a little background

Dusting has its roots in adaptogenic wellbeing. Dr. Israel Brekhman, a Russian scientist who conducted extensive research of these ‘medicinal plants’ over a 45-year career, popularized the term ‘adaptogen.’

Adaptogens refer to non-toxic botanicals that are targeted to help the body manage, resist, or “adapt” to stress by supporting the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and are busy producing several important hormones: cortisol, which is the hormone that regulates metabolism and helps your body respond to stress—and aldosterone, which helps control blood pressure by regulating salt in the bloodstream and potassium in the kidneys.

Stress, as many can attest through personal experience, is the root of a number of health issues, and science has demonstrated that the adrenal glands are negatively affected under severe stress.

Adaptogens are also touted for supporting mental focus and mood.

While dusting sounds like a new-age fad, it incorporates ancient principles. Adaptogens are commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system first developed in India thousands of years ago, as well as in traditional Chinese Medicine.

Some companies have released products that contain an adaptogenic blend of herbs to help alleviate stress; these products are referred to as “dust.” Rather than dust that you have to gather or bite, these dust are comprised of super herbs: just like superfoods, super herbs are those thought to be immune-boosting and nutrient-dense.

For example, one such product is Brain Dust, manufactured by a company called Moon Juice. The product contains super herbs and super mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, Ashwagandha Root and Leaf Extract, and Rhodiola Root Extract, among others. The benefits of the product are listed to improve focus, mental clarity, and concentration and to alleviate stress.

The dust can be added to coffee for a little extra boost to your daily dose of caffeine, or mixed into smoothies or nut butter.

Another such dust, called Powder Dust, also made from a combination of extracts, powders, and roots is designed to restore energy levels and support healthy cardiovascular function.

Other companies manufacture coffee or herbal tea that already contains adaptogens pre-mixed into the blend.

Dusting is just one way to use adaptogens. Adaptogens can be also found in supplement form, taken like a vitamin. Some of these over-the-counter products contain ingredients such as Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract or a mixture of mushrooms or other wild-harvested herbs.

For an herb or herbal combination to be considered a true adaptogen, it needs to check off three boxes

1. They need to be non-toxic and safe with no significant side effects
2. They need to be nonspecific to improve resistance to stress
3. They need to have a balancing effect on body function

Some common examples of herbs that are considered to be primary adaptogens are plentiful:

Panax Ginseng, which scientifically has been associated with improved cognition and is a mood elevator. It grows in the mountains of East Asia.

Maca is the latest superfood to join the bunch. It is a type of cruciferous root vegetable that is often found in powder form; it is primarily grown in Peru.

Holy Basil is a member of the mint family and should not be confused with sweet basil, which is commonly used in cooking. Holy basil is also known as Tulsi and is grown in India.

Rhodiola Rosea helps counterbalance fatigue, increases mental performance and has also been studied for its fat-burning capabilities. It also is targeted to lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Rhodiola Rosea has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ashwagandha is another adaptogenic superstar that has been scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects, and has been shown to have a positive effect on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.

Chaga is a mushroom grown on the bark or birch trees, mainly in colder climates. More than just a run-of-the-mill fungus, Chaga is chock full of antioxidants and may help support the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies have suggested that Chaga may inhibit the progression of some type of cancers. In addition to the dust versions, Chaga can be brewed as an herbal tea and can also be found in supplement form.

Reishi Mushroom is not a mushroom you would add to a salad. In Chinese, its name translates into “mushroom of immortality.” With a nickname like that, it’s no wonder that this adaptogen is quite a popular powerhouse, linked to helping with stress management and a host of other issues. They have been widely studied, and it is accepted that they have antioxidant properties and could enhance the immune system. While lab results are varied, encouraging studies have demonstrated the mushroom’s effect on high cholesterol and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Benefits to Taking Adaptogens

The benefits of taking adaptogens, whether by dusting or other means, vary from person to person. In general, though, they are aimed to help reduce stress and the immune system. Like most herbal supplements, however, precautions must be taken, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition. For example, certain herbs considered adaptogens, including astragalus, eleuthero, and Rhodiola, could increase bleeding in those with clotting or bleeding disorders.

Another study found that there could be adverse prescription medication reactions in people taking herbs, which is why you should check with your physician before starting any herbal regimen.

Don’t expect instantaneous results, though. You may have to experiment with various types of adaptogenic dust and figure out what best works for you, and when the best time is to incorporate them into your daily routine. And make sure to do your own research about the companies, including reading labels and learning from where they source their products.

References

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue34/article771.html?ts=1564413168&signature=b36ee382a31c7bf2d19ae2515f45c59e

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170717150845.htm

http://adaptogensbook.com/chapter-5-adaptogens-and-the-healing-response/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10956379

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chaga-mushroom

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom

http://www.berkeleywellness.com/supplements/herbal-supplements/article/adaptogens-herbs-all-ails-you

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bcp.13490