One of the most interesting topics in the area of natural health is the subject of adaptogens. What are adaptogens? What benefits might adaptogens provide? What are some of the more common adaptogens?
The term adaptogen has been around since the late 1940s and is generally attributed to the Russian Dr. Nicholai Lazarev Selye. Lazarev was one of the first people to research traditional herbs that had been used in ancient medical traditions. Broadly, he defined adaptogens as a natural herb that enables the body to counteract adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by increasing nonspecific resistance toward stressors, allowing the body to “adapt” to the stressful situation.
One of Lazarev’s protégés from his early adaptogen studies, Dr. Israel Brekhman, created what is the generally accepted definition of an adaptogen in the late 1960s. Brekhman defined adaptogens as:
- Non-toxic to the container.
- Producing a non-specific response in the organism that increases the power of resistance against multiple stressors including physical, chemical or biological agents.
- Have a normalizing influence on physiology, regardless of the direction of change in physiological norms caused by the stressor.
Make sense? More generally, Brekhman says that adaptogens are, in normal doses, non-toxic, capable of producing a general defense against stress, and that they help the body return to a more normal state.
These herbs are unique from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system. They are the only natural substances capable of helping the body maintain optimal homeostasis.
Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese and Russian cultures. Chinese warriors would consume adaptogens before going into battle to provide them with energy and mental clarity. Hunters in Siberia would take them with them before their long and arduous hunting trips.
More recently, adaptogens have been widely used as part of the training regimen of athletes in the former Soviet Union. By studying the effects of training on the athlete’s body and giving them adaptogens to supplement their normal diet, the athletes performed better and their bodies recovered faster. Take a look at the medal tallies for the Olympic Games during the 1970s and 1980s. The results speak for themselves!!! Today, many high-level athletes continue to use adaptogens to help them achieve peak performance.
From my perspective, what I like best about adaptogens is that they help create optimal physiological functioning. Therefore, we can create wellness instead of treating disease. That to me is a better way of living.
So what are some of the most common adaptogens, and what benefits might they give you? keep reading
Eleutherococcus Senticosus (also known as Siberian ginseng)
Eleutherococcus senticosus is a small woody shrub native to East Asia, China, Japan, and Russia. Scientific studies have shown that this is the strongest and most potent of the adaptogens.
This plant helps your body adapt to stress, improves mental alertness and physical stamina, and improves the use of oxygen by the muscles. It has also been shown to enhance and support the immune system response. Some other suggested uses are anti-inflammatory, radiological protection and the normalization of bodily function.
schisandra chinensis (also known as Chinese magnolia vine)
Schizandra Chinensis is a hardy deciduous climber usually grown in gardens. The Chinese call it schizandra, wu wei ziwhich means “fruits of five flavors”, because the berries contain the 5 traditional Chinese flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy (spicy), and salty.
The seed of this herb promotes antioxidant activities against free radicals. Some of its other traditional uses are to resist infections, improve skin health, and combat insomnia.
Recent research indicates that schisandra is hepatoprotective (of or related to the liver) and may help people with chronic viral hepatitis.
Manchurian Aralia (also known as Manchurian thorn tree)
Aralia Manchurica is a short, beautiful tree found in the Far East.
Aralia is well known in Russia and is used to increase stamina and cognitive abilities. It also helps stimulate the central nervous system, which helps improve immune system function. Aralia extract was officially approved for therapeutic use in the USSR in 1957.
Viburnum Sargenti (also known as Sargent Virburnum)
Viburnum Sargenti is a large shrub that grows 12 to 15 feet tall and bears white flowers in the spring that turn bright red, berry-like, in late summer.
Recent studies show that the Viburnum fruit has a high antioxidant, antiradical and antitoxic action. It also has an anti-aging effect and improves immunity.
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (also known as licorice root)
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, flowering from June to August over a wide area covering western Russia, Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
In traditional Chinese medicine it has been a botanical staple for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Today, it is used to increase circulation, improve skin tone, and protect against stress. It is also known for its calming properties, which help the digestive, urinary, and intestinal systems.
Rhaponticum Carthamoides (also known as Maral root)
Rhaponticum Carthamoides is a herbaceous plant that occupies subalpine zones (4500-6000 feet above sea level). It is widely cultivated throughout Russia and Eastern Europe.
This herb promotes better muscle performance and the ability to convert fat protein into muscle mass faster than exercise alone. Rhaponticum, has a high content of 20-E, one of the most common molting hormones in insects and crabs. 20-E is a bioactive adaptogen in humans. Its adaptogenic properties have traditionally been used for fatigue, impotence, and recovery from long illness.
Crataegus Oxyacantha (also known as hawthorn berry)
Crataegus Oxyacantha is a member of the rose family. The shrub produces brightly colored red berries and originates mainly from the Mediterranean areas, although the shrubs are found in other areas of the world.
The berry is high in antioxidants and has been used as an herbal remedy since ancient times. In Europe it is widely used as a preventative “heart tonic”. Its antioxidants help protect arteries from plaque buildup and help dilate blood vessels, resulting in more efficient use of oxygen and nutrients, as well as regulating blood pressure. Helps reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body.
pink rhodiola. (also known as golden root)
Rhodiola Rosea grows in the cold regions of the world, such as the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and the mountainous parts of Europe.
The flower of this plant has been used for centuries in traditional therapies. Like in Russia, where it has been used to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. Rhodolia Rosea is very effective in improving mood and relieving depression. Research shows that it improves physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue and prevents altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodolia Rosea group decreased correction errors by 88%, while the control group increased correction errors by 84%.
sorbus aucuparia (also known as mountain ash)
Sorbus Aucuparia is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to most of Europe except for the extreme south. This tree produces small fruit that ripens to a bright red color in the fall.
The berries of this tree have been found to have antiscorbutic properties, which work to prevent vitamin C deficiencies.
inonotus oblique (also known as Chaga mushroom)
Inonotus obliquus is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch trees. It causes the death of trees in 5-7 years and is known as “birch cancer” in Russia.
Since the 16th century, the Chaga mushroom has been used in the botanical medicine of Eastern European countries as a remedy for cancer, gastritis, ulcers and tuberculosis of the bones. Scientific studies in Finland and Russia found that this mushroom had a far-reaching effect on breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer, and gastric cancer, as well as hypertension and diabetes. Herbalist David Winston argues that this is the most potent anti-cancer medicinal mushroom.
As you can see, although adaptogens have only been studied for the last 60 years, they have been used for centuries in various cultures to promote health and wellness. There are many supplements that use several of these adaptogens. For those of you who may be interested in reading more about adaptogens, I would recommend a fabulous book, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Endurance, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes, 2007, Healing Arts Press.