Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs, by definition, are herbs that help the body to adapt to stress. These herbs are great friends for the modern man and woman working on finding balance between social, family and personal demands. By helping the body adapt, through increased immune function or other physiological actions, these herbs can help to preserve health and vitality, ward off illness and help deal with the stress of modern life.

Understanding Adaptogens

The term "adaptogen" was first used in the 1940s to describe the "action of a material claimed to increase nonspecific resistance of an organism to an adverse influence." As such there are many herbs that can be called adaptogen based on their use in promoting health.

These herbs are, for the most part, herbs with balancing and energy-activating properties. They are often hardy plants high in minerals that live in difficult environments. Most of these herbs have a history of use in ethnobotany (the study of how indigenous cultures use plants).

Adaptogenic herbs are generally suited to particular environments and constitutions. This means that there is a particular herb that is best suited for each individual and their situation.

History of Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest medicines. Aside from bandaging a broken or cut limb, it is likely that the use of herbs was the very first way that humans sought to improve their health. Hippocrates is recognized as first saying, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." However, it is certain that in the quest for food man had discovered herbal medicines long before the rise of civilization. In Chinese medicine the practice of herbal prescription dates back to 5000 BC, and every other culture studied has had some form of herbal medicine, including today's western society.

Adapogenic herbs, although not defined as such at the time, were used for their ability to help people deal with stress long before there were any written records.

Choosing an Adaptogen

Because any herb, or food for that matter, that can help the body to deal with stress can be called an adaptogen, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of potential herbs to choose from. In order to choose the best adaptogenic herb or combination it is important to have a good idea of the constitution of the person and the kind of stress she is experiencing.

There are many well-known adaptogenic herbs, and each has its own nature and strengths. One of the most well-known and studied is Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also called "eleuthero"), which is excellent at improving mental and immune function. Eleuthero is not the only ginseng; depending on the individual circumstance, another herb such as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) or Asian ginseng (Panx ginseng) may be a better choice.

There is no simple way to choose the right herb for you; consulting with a herbalist or herbal practitioner such as a naturopathic doctor is recommended. Most of these herbs are fairly safe in small doses, but in order to choose the optimum herb and avoid unwanted effects, working with a professional is best.

Misconceptions

It is important to note that adaptogens are not stimulants. These herbs tend to help the body adjust to stress in a balanced way. At times adaptogenic herbs can help increase energy or stamina as part of their effects.

It is also important to understand that these plants are not necessarily nutritious or a replacement for food. Adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to stress and preserve function. They cannot, however, replace good nutrition or regular sleep.

Cautions

Adaptogenic herbs are a very broad class, and many herbs have such characteristics. Adaptogens have various physiological effects on the body, and therefore potential interactions with medications and other herbs should be considered carefully.

There is, as with all herbs, potential for allergic reaction or other unwanted effects. Caution should be used when taking any new herbs or supplements, and care in watching for unwanted effects or reactions should be exercised.

Choosing an Herbalist

Because there are so many adaptogens and many ways to take them, it is recommended that a person consult a qualified herbalist or herbal practitioner before choosing what is right for him. There are many considerations, including body constitution, type of stress, age, climate, activity level, family and ethnic background and geographic and environmental factors.

A good practitioner should have education and experience and exhibit some caution with her approach. Nobody has all the answers, and just because it worked for another person does not mean that ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is right for you. Make sure that whomever you consult asks you questions about your needs and character, has done her homework and exercises some caution when giving you something new.

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