Herbal Adaptogens

According to the World Health Organization, stress has become the epidemic of the 21^st century. Only 50 years ago, the term “stress” was not part of the everyday vocabulary as it is today.  We are moving faster, processing more information and increasing the demand on our minds and bodies from excessive vibration, artificial illumination, radiation and environmental toxins. Researchers estimate that between 60-90% of all illnesses are stress-related. When stress becomes chronic, there is a continual release of cortisol resulting in inflammation, a lowered immunity, impaired mental clarity and the “belly fat” syndrome

The Russian scientist, G.M. Barenboim said it well:

“For the first time in the history of human civilization the biological potentialities of the human body have failed to meet the requirements imposed on it by the epoch. One witnesses an unusual ‘epidemic’ of fatigue aggravated by the powerful action of man-made, external chemical and physical environmental factors. Like the drugs that saved the world from numerous bacterial and viral epidemics that cost millions of lives in the past, the adaptogens are needed to help man withstand the diverse stresses of today.”

Adaptogens are a class of herbs known to influence the body’s response to physical, biochemical, and psychological stressors. N.V. Lazarev, a Russian scientist, first coined the term adaptogen in 1947.  Years later, I.I. Brekhman, a Russian holistic medical doctor and student of Lazarev, changed the focus of adaptogenic research from synthetic substances to natural substances. Brekhman first studied Panax ginseng, the classic Chinese herb for longevity. But in 1959 Brekhman discovered that Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is more common and less expensive than Chinese ginseng, has even stronger adaptogenic qualities than Panax.

Adaptogens have been shown to restore homeostasis, prevent adrenal burnout, increase vitality and energy, combat the effects of aging, regulate blood sugar, enhance the effectiveness of the liver, increase cellular energy, create an anabolic effect (increased muscle, decreased fat) and provide an increased sense of psychological and physical well-being.

Adaptogenic herbs can be taken as a tea, in capsules or as a concentrated tincture. Some people begin to feel its effects in just a few days, while others require as much as three weeks. Clinical studies show that most people experience its full benefits in 30-40 days. For optimal benefit, adaptogens should be taken for a minimum of three months, and can safely be taken indefinitely

Herbal Adapt formula:  Eleuthero, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Maca, and Fo-Ti.

Sources:

Hobbs, Christopher, L.Ac., A.H.G. HERBAL ADAPTOGENS: Fitting into the Modern Age.

http://www.adaptogensresearch.com/Eleutherococcus_and_Adaptogens.