What Are Adaptogens And Are They Right For You?

For thousands of years, natural medicines have been utilizing foods and herbs for healing the body and mind; but, it’s only more recently that adaptogens have been identified and studied. In herbal medicine, the definition of adaptogens is more inclusive than simply herbal adaptogens; it recognizes the herbs, roots, and mushrooms that help our bodies manage stress, anxiety, fatigue, and restore a healthy balance. This balance is achieved by managing both physical and mental stressors and exerting a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. 

Any comprehensive adaptogens definition should include the qualities which place a substance in the adaptogenic category. A natural substance must have three qualities to be an adaptogen, or adaptogenic:

• It is non-toxic when taken in normal doses
• It helps your body cope with stress
• It allows your body to return to a healthy balance
• You can take these as a tincture or an adaptogenic tea, or by adding them to food or beverages. 

A goal of taking adaptogens is to return your body back to a state of balance (homeostasis). Depending on what your body requires, the herbal action in adaptogens increases or decreases chemical reactions within your body. The adaptogen seems to know what your body needs to return to the equilibrium that is a healthy balance for you.

For example, if you’re stressed, you will have an elevated cortisol level; an adaptogen will respond by reducing your cortisol levels. If you experience chronic fatigue with low cortisol levels, an adaptogen will increase the level of cortisol in your body.

Keeping in mind the adaptogenic meaning and qualities of an adaptogen, you can see why the term ‘adaptogen’ is so appropriate, for these substances seem to have the ability to help our bodies adapt to stressors and reestablish a healthy balance to restore our well-being. They appear to have the ability to help our bodies “adapt” to our changing environmental, emotional, and physical circumstances in order to support our optimal health.

While a frequent goal of taking adaptogens is to achieve homeostasis, other goals include strengthening the immune system and increasing overall vitality. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any adaptogen; selection of which adaptogen to use requires an in-depth knowledge of the patient, as well as a thorough understanding of the properties of the plant (or other natural substance) and how it may interact with foods, other supplements and/or your medications.

Here are some of well-known adaptogens and a brief description of their potential benefits:

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

For thousands of years, ginseng, often referred to as “King of Herbs,” has been taken as an adaptogenic herb. The root is the part of the plant most often used for health purposes. Both Asian and American ginseng are powerful adaptogens that help your body adapt to the adverse effects of stress and boost your immunity, resilience, physical and mental energy, and overall well-being. Red ginseng and white ginseng simply refer to ginseng roots prepared in two different ways.

Astragalus root 

The root of the flowering Astragalus plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to help stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling. These qualities are beneficial for those with compromised stamina, the elderly, and people convalescing from traumatic injury or surgery.

Eleuthero 

Formerly known as Siberian ginseng, this herb is not a true ginseng and is not related to Asian or American ginsengs. Eleuthero contains chemicals that affect the brain and immune system, as well as certain hormones. It has been used traditionally to increase energy, improve sleep in those bothered by negative dreams, improve appetite, and treat lower back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

Schisandra 

Schisandra’s Chinese name, wu wei zi, means five-flavored fruit, to reflect the five flavors recognized in traditional Chinese medicine: sour, bitter, sweet, salty, and pungent. It is used as a tonic to improve vitality and stamina. It is also believed to help relieve fatigue and sleep disorders, offer protection from stress, and help protect the liver.

Holy basil 

Because of its many potential healing applications, Holy basil (tulsi) is often referred to as “Queen of Herbs” and is sometimes called "hot basil" because of its peppery taste. In addition to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling, improve the immune system, counteract stress, and boost metabolism. 

Rhodiola root

Rhodiola, an herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, is also known as arctic root or golden root. It is thought to have been used by Vikings to improve physical strength and endurance. Today it is used to help decrease symptoms of stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Cordyceps 

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on ghost moth larvae and is one of the best-known traditional Chinese medicines. Because it is found exclusively on the Tibetan Plateau with limited natural resources, many products now contain an equally-effective synthetic cordyceps. Cordyceps is used to help balance and regulate the immune system, improve kidney function, and boost strength and endurance.

Studies show that adaptogens are well-tolerated by most individuals. Adaptogens work best for a short duration (less than six months) because your body could build a resistance to the adaptogen and its intended effects. Because of potential side-effects and drug interactions, all people should consult their professional health care provider before using any herbal or adaptogenic supplement. 

These people include:

•    Pregnant and breastfeeding women
•    Children
•    Diabetics
•    People with high or low blood pressure
•    People with stomach ulcers, or a history of them
•    People with autoimmune disorders — especially thyroid disorders
•    People awaiting surgery, and especially those taking blood thinners

Always talk to your doctor or primary health care provider before taking herbal supplements. They are knowledgeable of your health history and any potential contraindications. Remember, even natural medicines are just that – medicines. Also, adaptogens aren't a cure-all; they may work as a temporary support; they aren’t the solution to long-term stress or chronic illness.