Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants that help your body respond to, or adapt to, physical, environmental and emotional stressors in a positive way. They are believed to have a stabilizing effect on physiological processes and encourage homeostasis in the body. This mitigates the wear and tear that stress can play on your mind and body. When taking adaptogens you notice things that used to stress you just don’t bother you as much anymore. You have more stamina, concentration and memory. You feel more relaxed in general and may be sleeping better. You can see why much of the world takes these plants in daily!
Adaptogens is a term and category of remedy that is not as common in western medicine as it is in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Indian Ayurvedic medicine. These plants have been used for centuries to mitigate the negative effects of stress on our bodies and have been linked to longevity. We now know that these botanicals positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; a key to our stress response. These botanicals seem to help all body systems perform at optimal levels with few side effects. Examples of these plants are Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng), Panax Quinquifolia (American Ginseng), Elutherococcus Senticosis (Siberian Ginseng), Reishi Mushrooms, Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Schisandra and more. These are usually taken as capsules or liquid extracts, but can also be teas or powders and whole plant parts to add to food. You can buy them at stores that specialize in natural remedies. Most have very few side effects, but if you experience any negative body changes stop taking them. There are still other remedies to relieve stress such as exercise, breathwork, meditation, talking with friends, guided imagery.
When you buy an adaptogen follow the directions on the package. You may find them as a tea, or supplement capsule. Many can be grown yourself if you have garden space such as bacopa, holy basil, licorice. Check with an herbal remedy guide to help you learn how to use these plants. They can be so helpful for you, I hope you seek them out!
Here are some basics on the various ginsengs mentioned above.
Panax Ginseng
One of the most popular herbs in the world. Also known as Korean, Asian or Chinese ginseng.
White is unprocessed and red is fermented or steamed. Know the source of this herb if you buy it, as it is often not pure because of the high demand. This ginseng is best for people who are sapped from the stressor they experience and are listless and cold sensitive.It is very warming.
This plant is better for middle aged folks.
Doses: 1-2,000mg twice a day in a powdered capsule. Standardized extracts (you can read this on the label) of 4-7% ginenosides are taken between 1-600mg daily. Using a standardized extract helps you know you are getting a good dose.
Panax Quinquefolius
Also called American Ginseng. This is for people who also feel low energy and feel they are affected by stress, but may also feel warm and active with their stress. This plant has been shown to help with smoking cessation.
The doses are the same with panax ginseng.
Eleutherococcus Senticosus
This plant has been called Siberian Ginseng in the past, but more commonly currently known as Eleuthero. It is in the same general plant family as the other ginsengs, but not the panax family.
This is a plant for younger people looking for help with stressors.
Home | Your Local Health & Mental Health Center | Accessibility | Feedback | Technical Support