Herbal adaptogens
Adaptogens are an herbal supplement that are used in naturopathic medicine, and have been used for a lot longer in Eastern medicine, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are also often mentioned in sacred sex texts and tantric practices. Adaptogens assist the body in better adapting to it’s stress response. Resultantly, adaptogens also prevent stress related symptoms like compromised immunity, sleep issues, concentration, tiredness and falling into a worsened stress state. Therefore, they’re useful during times of prolonged and chronic stress so as to avoid the negative outcomes of these states. Adaptogens possess a tonifying and restorative action* on the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. The adrenal glands release the stress hormones – adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and cortisol. They are released in response to stressors, whether that be from external life (workload, relationships, pollution) or something going on on the inside (food allergies, infection, disease, exercise). The pituitary gland is responsible for stimulating the adrenal gland. This all sounds well and good but there are so many adaptogens to choose from, so I’m going to make a little chart to compare just a few of them, especially since some can be stimulating – which you probably wouldn’t want to take if you’re prone to anxiety or difficulties surrounding sleep. There are different actions in addition to their adaptogenic action, therefore it can be useful and interesting to find a good match for different individuals.
Withania (Ashwhaghanda, Withania somnifera)
ACTIONS: -Adaptogen (reduces cortisol, and anxiety) -Nootropic (improves memory) -Tonic -Sedative -Immuno-modulator -Aphrodisiac -Anti-inflammatory WHEN TO USE IT:
Stress in general and when prone to anxiety OTHER INFO:
-It is a relaxing adaptogen
Rhodiola (Arctic Rose, Rhodiola rosea) ACTIONS:
-Adaptogen (works on serotonin and dopamine hormones) -Immuno-enhancer -Anti-oxidant -Anti-stress -Tonic WHEN TO USE IT:
Stress when also fatigued
OTHER INFO: -Depending on the dose, it can be stimulating and energising or can act as a sedative. -It can be drying of the body with an astringent action. *No advised for those with bipolar disorder
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi, Schisandra chinensis)
-Nervous system and lung tonic -Hepatoprotective (protects the liver) -Anti-tussive -Antioxidant -Regulate blood glucose and mucous -Immuno-modulator WHEN TO USE IT:
-Heavy exercisers and athletic performers, those with a stressful load on the liver, those who lower their immunity somehow
-Used post-surgery to assist recovery -Used in athletes due to the toning effect on the immune system -Improves liver detoxification
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticoccus) ACTIONS:
-Prevents fatigue physically and of cognition -Immune-enhancer WHEN TO USE IT:
Stress when you’re feeling like you’re getting run down, fatigued or if you are regularly involved in strenuous endurance activities OTHER INFO:
- There is plenty of research on this one
Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) ACTIONS:
-Adaptogen -Immuno-modulator -General tonic -Hypoglycemic -Aphrodisiac -Vasodilator -Antispasmodic WHEN TO USE IT:
-For those with depleted vitality -When the immune system is working hard or too hard. -Used for metabolism and growth. -Used for low libido in men
OTHER INFO: -Stimulating -In TCM it is moistening to the body
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) ACTIONS:
-Adaptogen -General tonic -Immuno-stimulant -Anti-bacterial -Anti-viral -Anti-allergic -Anti-inflammatory WHEN TO USE IT:
-Used when the immune system is chronically compromised -For those who experience respiratory issues often, especially allergies.
OTHER INFO: When exposed to X-rays, reishi protects against the damage.
Holy basil (Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorun) ACTIONS:
-Hepatoprotective
-Adaptogen -Libido enhancer - however, possibly anti-fertility -Anti-inflammatory -Anti-oxidant WHEN TO USE IT:
-Those exposed to environmental toxins OTHER INFO:
-Mildly stimulating
It is important to note that if you are thinking about taking an adaptogen to first of consult a professional (naturopath, Ayurvedic practitioner) so that you can identify any interactions with other herbs and drugs you may be taking. It also allows for a professional match of an adaptogen to you, based on your constitution. Most of my information comes from Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carole Fisher and the following references - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
*Actions in naturopathy are simply the ‘action’ that the herb takes on the body – whether that be the whole body, the tissues, organs or an entire system. For example, the herb lemon balm (Melissa officinalis.) possesses the actions of carminative (relief of flatulence), sedative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic (regarding spasms and cramps), amongst many other actions . Some actions of herbs are based on scientific literature, others on traditional information. It is important to note that if you are thinking about taking an adaptogen to first of consult a professional (naturopath, Ayurvedic practitioner) so that you can identify any interactions with other herbs and drugs you may be taking. It also allows for a professional match of an adaptogen to you, based on your constitution.