What is an Adaptogen?

Stress causes a whole range of reactions in the body. When we experience stress, the fight or flight response triggers the adrenal glands to release hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones in turn cause physiological responses including increased heart rate and blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, and the release of glucose stored in the liver, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This response is useful in extreme, life-threatening situations, but unfortunately many people suffer from chronic stress due to the demands of work and everyday life. The physiological responses to chronic stress can take a toll on health, causing high blood pressure, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, depression and degenerative diseases. Chronic stress can also impair the immune system, leading to a lowered resistance to illness.

Adaptogens are a class of medicinal herbs that help to diminish the negative effects of stress on the body. They are not used to treat a particular disorder, but instead act by non-specifically enhancing the body's natural ability to adapt and recover from the effects of stress. In this way, adaptogens can be used to help the body cope with any type of stressor, whether it is mental or physical. Adaptogens bring the body's biological functions back into balance, and act as a tonic to help boost immunity, increase energy and endurance, improve concentration and mental clarity, speed recovery from stress or illness, decrease anxiety, and improve mood.

Adaptogenic herbs have a variety of functions that contribute to the overall balance of physiological systems. They promote the uptake of blood glucose by cells, stimulate the immune response, modulate metabolism and normalize the levels of stress hormones.

Some examples of adaptogenic herbs include:

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)- Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwaganda modulates the immune system and is useful for anxiety.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)- Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus enhances the immune system, protects the liver, stimulates interferon production, promotes production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, and has anticancer activity.

Ginseng- There are several different types of ginseng, and all of them are potent adaptogens. They have antioxidant activity, and are used to lower blood pressure, decrease blood glucose levels, improve mental performance and mood, and increase energy and stamina. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are true ginsengs, while Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is actually not ginseng at all, but is an unrelated species that has similar properties.

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)- Native to Asia, jiaogulan has numerous beneficial effects similar to the ginsengs. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels, enhances metabolism of fat, and improves physical strength and endurance.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)- A potent adaptogenic herb, rhodiola was used by the ancient Greeks, Vikings and emperors of China. It is used for a wide range of conditions, including depression, fatigue, memory and concentration, heart problems and cancer.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)- Used as a tonic to combat fatigue and stress, and improve mental clarity and physical stamina.

This information is for educational purposes only. Some herbs can interfere with medications, and should not be taken during pregnancy or while nursing. See a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal supplements.

Sources:

Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press, 2003.
http://www.compassionateacupuncture.com/understanding_adaptogenic_herbs1.htm
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-rhodiola.html